Want to bring IIDX GOLD to America? A step-by-step guide that everyone can help with.

[Brazoliange]

definitely, the more people see this and help out the better our chances are. thanks

[DarkTetsuya]

Originally Posted by Brazoliange

definitely, the more people see this and help out the better our chances are. thanks

No problem. I mean while we may be primarily a videogame news podcast now, there's still a soft spot in my heart for the bemani series, (which may sound ridiculous to you guys, but it's made me a lot of friends near where I am) so any chance of getting such a highly sought after game, especially something like IIDX -- well, I'll jump at the chance to help out.

DT

[DMW7243]

Does Dave and Buster's have an E-Mail? If I were to call them, I'd freeze up because I get very nervous on the phone.

[Brazoliange]

Unfortunately, Dave & Busters does not have any general e-mail account, and the receptionist could not give out any specific e-mail. Maybe you could write them a letter?

Also, I got a reply from Betson about the status of everything and put it here

[snapps]

Revised version a friend and I did of Brazo's letter here:

Dear _____________________,

I am _____ ____. I live in ____ _____, and I've been a customer of _________ for quite a while now. I would like to request that either the location I frequent, _____, or ____________ as a whole purchase a new arcade cabinet, created by Konami, called "Beatmania IIDX 14 GOLD".

It has been a big hit in Japan over the last 8-10 years and they are finally domesticating it and bringing it over to America. The game is similar in play to Dance Dance Revolution and insert other bemani they have, but instead of dancing to the beat or __________________, you act as a DJ. You pick songs which then play the melody of the song; by pressing 7 buttons and spinning a turntable in time with targets which fall down the screen, you actually create the music in the song. Though the game has an extensive beginner mode to help new players get addicted, the game ramps up the difficulty for the more experienced players to keep them playing.

Beatmania IIDX has gained a significant following here in the United States which now thrives as a large community. So far we have been thriving on importing console releases, which are always 2 versions behind the current arcade release. Very few arcades in the United States have imported Beatmania IIDX cabinets from Japan, but locations that have done so attract a large and dedicated following from the community. It would be a great opportunity to bring the current players into your stores in order to play it.

The company "Betson" will be handling the distribution of this game, and though a website is available for ordering other games they are distributing, the only available ordering procedure Betson is allowing at the moment for Beatmania IIDX 14 Gold is through telephone number (800) 524-2343 and to ask for Bob Boals in the Sales Department.

Thank you for what ________________________ as a chain has already done in bringing Dance Dance Revolution and _________________ to a large group of players, and please consider investing in Beatmania IIDX 14 GOLD.

Again, my name is ____________; if you have any questions or concerns at all about the game, you can email me at email or via the IIDX community at www.bemanistyle.com. Thank you, and have a good day.

Sincerely,

________


Signature

[DarkTetsuya]

Originally Posted by Snapps

Revised version a friend and I did of Brazo's letter here:

Though the game has an extensive beginner mode to help new players get addicted, the game ramps up the difficulty for the more experienced players to keep them playing.

Don't you think that might scare off potential buyers? I mean if they thought the game would be generally too difficult for the average player then they probably wouldn't wanna plunk down the $$$ for a machine, y'know?

EDIT: well... now that I think about it maybe you've got a point.

DT

[afex.racer_X]

Well it depends on how difficult you make it sound. If it sounds TOO difficult then yes the buyers might think that people would give up on it. But if you make it sound challenging while being fairly easy to pick up, it will sound a little more appealing. Make people want to play more to beat a certain song. I guess it's all about how you make it sound to them.

[DarkTetsuya]

Originally Posted by afex.racer_X

Well it depends on how difficult you make it sound. If it sounds TOO difficult then yes the buyers might think that people would give up on it. But if you make it sound challenging while being fairly easy to pick up, it will sound a little more appealing. Make people want to play more to beat a certain song. I guess it's all about how you make it sound to them.

Yeah, that was my concern... I mean even the beginner mode is pretty challenging, I don't think the average player would be able to pass 5.1.1. without at least giving it two or three tries. But I suppose it all depends on the player.

DT

[WEABOO]

Now that everything has been laid out for everyone, I believe its safe to say that it is every IIDX player's (Hell, every Bemani player's) responsibility to join in on this cause. Brazo, I give you mad props for the work and dedication you have to this, and you really don't get the credit you deserve. If a miracle happens and this works, this will not only open the way for IIDX in this country, but other rare bemani (such as Pop'n Music).

I will most definitely do my part, and I expect the same from any IIDX player reading this. Even if hope is little to non, we gotta try guys.

[braintrust (joel stud?)]

I just sent e-mails to GameWorks and Six Flags (those are the only two places I go to). I do plan on hopping over to the local D&B's, Gameworks, Brunswick, and a few local arcades (mostly based out of mini-golf courses). I think a test location at a D&Bs would be excellent. I'm really hoping they take the initiative to purchase the machines for all of their locations.

[Dakuan]

Originally Posted by Brazoliange

I debated throwing some local arcades in here, but I didn't feel it would be right for everyone to call them because there's a chance that they commit and buy a machine then don't get all of the business they got from phone calls and take a financial hit because of it. If you guys want I can add some in maybe, but I want it to be really really clear that only people that actually frequent the arcades or will go there for it take part in those.

One arcade that should be focused on is the Naperville IIDX GOLD location test, location. Since there are virtually no other IIDX machines in the northern Midwest, that location would absorb all the fanbase up there. It did very well too, as the reps mentioned they were impressed with the turnout, and didn't expect crowds and lines until closing like they had several nights. And wasn't it also mentioned that a GOLD machine would eventually return to that location as a result?

As a side note, BZ should still make some money off of this, given their token "key" system they have. >.>

[DarkTetsuya]

Okay, it was mentioned briefly during tonight's show. So, hopefully our listeners can give your campaign a boost.

DT

[Dreamcube017]

Originally Posted by DeadManWalking7243

Does Dave and Buster's have an E-Mail? If I were to call them, I'd freeze up because I get very nervous on the phone.

I hear ya there.

I might write a letter to main HQ next seeing as my local one days they just get everything from HQ and seeing as I totally screwed up my message to the manager of my location. :P Now I'm kinda glad they do just listen to HQ. X_X

[maruchan_192000]

Originally Posted by Lefty

Brilliant!!

I've emailed Gameworks several times before telling them they need to get IIDX. So hopefully they'll start listening.

How about adding Putt Putt to the list?

YES!! thanks Lefty, I need to get on this as well, others in our area need to hit up the Gameworks and I guess the brunswick here in denton as well.

[Brazoliange]

Let's do another call-in day for everywhere this Friday. Keep it up guys!