Pop'n music is a game where you must hit a series of nine or five buttons in accordance to the music and timing of the descending dots on the screen. Obviously, Bemani has out done itself for this game. With an astounding song list, one of the best lists since pop'n music 8 (a fan favorite), it has come into it’s own as one of the big hitters of pop’n music, let alone you also you encroach upon some of the hardest songs in pop'n music history (example: Cowboy ex).
The song list isn't the only shining example as to why this is one of the best pop'n music mixes to date; there are additions to the game-play and general options. You can still play ojama's in the arcade mode but now you can play "blasts from the past" in a special area called “freelance.” You play 3 songs from previous mixes to unlock them in the game.
In addition to the new features there is a special area for character bios, called “character guide,” which gives a background for all the characters in this mix. You can also see what actions the characters take by pressing a select few buttons to make the individual act out fever, miss, normal, win, fail and other emotions that they experience during game-play. I think that this is a wonderful addition to the game. It shows that Bemani will go to any and all lengths for fan-service.
Bemani has also brought back some fan favorites for Iroha, such as battle mode, and free play mode (of course). In addition to fan favorites, Bemani has taken the liberty to include some songs from other Bemani games like IIDX Beatmania, Dance Dance Revolution, Para Para paradise, not to mention all of the selections from Japanese T.V. show-tunes.
A new section has been added to features called Enjoy mode. Enjoy mode is a great starting place for all beginners. It’s also extremely relaxing if you just want to take a break from smashing buttons down on those strenuous EX songs.
Without exception this is one of my favorite Bemani games to play, the learning curve is excellent for beginners (which has been an issue in previous games: Ex. pop'n music 10) and the song list is suitable for all music lovers. The songs range from rockabilly all the way to hardcore rock.
You don't have to take my word for it. Try out the game yourself: you can purchase the game, in America, through many retailers but I would suggest
Play Asia. A reliable source for any and all Bemani products.
Mark Mathis
Email:
mark-mathis@student.kirkwood.edu
Review for Konami's Pop'n Music 12: Iroha 
