maimai
From Sega Retro
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| Maimai | |||||||||
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| System(s): Sega RingEdge 2 | |||||||||
| Publisher: Sega | |||||||||
| Developer: Sega AM1 | |||||||||
| Genre: Action | |||||||||
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maimai (マイマイ) is an arcade rhythm game released by Sega in 2012.
Gameplay
Structurally maimai is similar to most rhythm games, in that the player is tasked with performing actions within given time limits (usually to the beat of a chosen music track) before being judged at the end for accuracy. It differs, however, from the competition by being a vertical machine with a circular touch-screen mounted at eye level. Eight buttons surround the screen which can be tapped, and the game also recognises swipes between buttons.
Though maimai can let users play stand-alone games in a similar manner to all classic arcade machines, it is designed primarily for repeated use through the use of Aime ID cards. Using these cards (sold separately), data is stored onto a user's account and as well as acting as a means of checking statistics through mobile devices or PCs, and can also lead to players unlocking higher difficulty settings and new options after repeated use (in a similar style to home console video games).
In Japan maimai also comes equipped with a camera which can record videos of players playing the game, projecting them onto the game screen, and uploading the resultant videos onto Japanese online video service, Nico Nico Douga.
maimai offers a variety of music tracks largely intended for Japanese audiences, with a selection of Japanese and "overseas" pop hits, anime and video game music (sourced from other Sega games) and original compositions. Taito sound team Zuntata produced an arrangement of Quartet's Stage 1 theme, which was later made available in Taito's Groove Coaster Zero for mobile devices. Sega also arranged some of Zuntata's earlier music for the game as well.
maimai cabinets are affectionately called "washing machines", due to their outward appearance resembling a front loading washing machine or tumble dryer. This was a feature only noted by Sega after the game's release.
History
Legacy
maimai appears to have been a success in Japan, as it has received updates roughly every six months (starting with maimai Plus). It has so far only been released in Japan and some Asian countries (in English); despite hints from Sega developers, whether or not it will see an international release is unclear. No home versions of the game have been released.
Gallery
Cabinet
Artwork
External links
References
