What should I keep in mind when I start Pop'n?

[Azure]

Well, my ASC is shipping soon and I'll be playing Pop'n for the first time. I know there are certain things that help you out if you are aware of them (Modding your controller, learning to use thumbs, changing the screen format, sometimes having to play through Arcade Mode to unlock songs, etc.). What do I need to know for Pop'n? All I know is that it is important not to always use two hands on one side of the controller when there's a lot of stuff in that section (To help you get used to the harder patterns in the game that will require you to use one hand to do a whole bunch of stuff). Anything else that I should be aware of before I start playing (Iroha)?

Also, some questions:

1. What body part does Pop'n place the most stress on (Such as how for IIDX it's your forearms)?

2. What's the purpose of the whole gambling thing in terms of scoring (The part where you seem to wager that you can do something unique and get extra points, like getting a combo higher than 200 or something)? Obviously the extra points from winning won't be added to your records, so is it only beneficial in arcade mode (To get the highest possible ranking)?

3. With IIDX, I find myself pretending to play songs when I'm not doing anything. I'm frequently tapping my fingers to well-known note patterns. Will I find myself doing something similar with Pop'n (Which might be weird as I'd be pretending to be hitting large, imaginary buttons with my arms. Not exactly something you can pull off casually)?

4. I noticed that Pop'n is much more Japanese heavy than IIDX. Will this be a problem in navigating through menus and understanding all the various options and play modes (I've seen some of Xythar's videos and the language barrier already looks VERY menacing)?

5. Since there is no Beginner mode in Pop'n (Except 5-line) and because Pop'n supposedly starts out easy, it's suggested to just jump right into 9-line, right?

6. I heard that Pop'n 10 had a horrendous unlock method. Is Iroha the same and is there no other way to unlock these songs?

This is all I can think of for now. Thanks

[Xythar]

Originally Posted by Azure

1. What body part does Pop'n place the most stress on (Such as how for IIDX it's your forearms)?

For me it tends to be the underside of my fingers, but I play weirdly.

Originally Posted by Azure

2. What's the purpose of the whole gambling thing in terms of scoring (The part where you seem to wager that you can do something unique and get extra points, like getting a combo higher than 200 or something)? Obviously the extra points from winning won't be added to your records, so is it only beneficial in arcade mode (To get the highest possible ranking)?

It's an arcade mode thing. Getting enough points lets you play the extra stage, or unlock artwork and movies (omake).

Originally Posted by Azure

3. With IIDX, I find myself pretending to play songs when I'm not doing anything. I'm frequently tapping my fingers to well-known note patterns. Will I find myself doing something similar with Pop'n (Which might be weird as I'd be pretending to be hitting large, imaginary buttons with my arms. Not exactly something you can pull off casually)?

I doubt it, it's not something you can just do while sitting down. You may find yourself just tapping out rhythms like IIDX.

Originally Posted by Azure

4. I noticed that Pop'n is much more Japanese heavy than IIDX. Will this be a problem in navigating through menus and understanding all the various options and play modes (I've seen some of Xythar's videos and the language barrier already looks VERY menacing)?

I never had any trouble even when I didn't know any Japanese, to be honest. The worst thing is probably the ojama menu, but I doubt you'll use it much. Nearly everything else you need to know has English somewhere, or a unique banner to identify it.

Originally Posted by Azure

5. Since there is no Beginner mode in Pop'n (Except 5-line) and because Pop'n supposedly starts out easy, it's suggested to just jump right into 9-line, right?

I started on 5 line, and it worked for me. It's up to you, tho.

Originally Posted by Azure

6. I heard that Pop'n 10 had a horrendous unlock method. Is Iroha the same and is there no other way to unlock these songs?

Iroha's is much better, and in both games you can turn the unlock system off after which the unlock system becomes time-based, so anyone can do it. The only thing is that two of the repeat songs on Iroha require you to beat minigames to unlock them (Fresh and Contemporary Nation), there are two more repeat songs which you need a GF/DM V save for (Ska and Hard Country) and one new song which you need a DDR STR!KE save for (Punkish Girl, although it's just an English version of J-Punkish Girl with different notes).

This is all I can think of for now. Thanks [/quote]

[ratna]

1. The palms of your hands, and how you move them (at least that's what I've experienced)

2. Challenge mode! Yay! It allows you, as previous poster said, to unlock Omake, EX stages, and other nice goodies. (In some games it's dependent on the Challenge score you recieve)

3. Most likely. I do it often, especially to songs that are open to interpretation, like Ukulele.

4. Not really. There's a lotta english in this game, and some things you can infer from the english around.

5. Yeah, it's best to do that. Pop'n has a less steeper curve than IIDX, which I suck at still...

6. Iroha = easy (throwing shurikens at scrolls. <3 Shinobian)
10's unlock system = KILL IT WITH FIRE

Also keep in mind you're going to run into walls... when I started playing, it took a little work to get used to 9 line, then to get used to a ASC (went from mini to Ransai Kagura). of course since you are recieving the ASC first, it will be easier for you to start off. the walls usually go from starting pop'n to about 15, and from 15-27... and then from there I'm not sure because I'm still working on getting Powerfolk 4.

Um. Yep.

[Row]

Xythar hit a lot of those questions on the head, but I'll contribute.

Originally Posted by Azure

1. What body part does Pop'n place the most stress on (Such as how for IIDX it's your forearms)?

I normally play standing, and my hands just get a little tender. However, I've had to move my setup so that I'm sitting, and now my shoulder sockets are the ones that get sore (from playing a few medium-high level songs). I probably won't be playing for a while.

Originally Posted by Azure

5. Since there is no Beginner mode in Pop'n (Except 5-line) and because Pop'n supposedly starts out easy, it's suggested to just jump right into 9-line, right?

I started playing 5-line on Dualshock since I didn't have a minicon or an ASC at the time I got pop'n. When I got a minicon I jumped straight into 9-line, but I think playing 5-line helped me train to read the pop-kuns. You should go at your own pace though.

Iroha does have Enjoy mode, which has songs on a pretty easy level for both 5-line and 9-line. I guess it could be called a Beginner mode. Try that out if you'd like.

Basically, I think you're set. Just get out there and mash some buttons and see how it turns out.

[Xythar]

Also, as a point of interest, while 10's unlock system is a pain in the ass if you're playing normally, it's actually the fastest one to power-unlock due to a combination of factors. You can't just start an expert course and quit immediately in 12 like you could in 10

[Azure]

1. Is Percussive really the sound test for Nickelodeon's Doug? Is there any relationship between the two?

2. I read that Atsushi Shindou was ousted from Bemani somewhere. In one of the videos of Google Video (SLASH BEATS EX) it said that the song was a removed Atsushi Shindou song. What does this mean? Does this mean that Konami removed all of this guy's works in later versions of Pop'n music (Or in the best hits versions of the game that had some of his songs?)?

3. Generally how long does it take to be as good as that guy in that 99k Lamento EX video? Is that guy considered incredibly good or just good?

4. I don't know if it was in any other Pop'n music games, but I remember something about different groups of songs in PnM 10. They were something like TV songs or Cafe songs or something. What were all the groups of songs in 10, do they re-appear in other PnM games, and what do they signify?

[Arctures]

1. For me it's a lot of my upper/lower arms, since that's where the arm movement muscles go. I actually developed a few callouses on my thumbs, pinkies, and middle fingers after playing so long.

2. Ojama Mode. Each selection has a different point value; fulfill that selection and get more points (points are used for getting to the EX stage and unlocking hidden EX difficulties).

3. I would imagine so, but not to such a great extent as actually acting out on an arcade-size mime controller. Maybe a bunch of wrist movement, but nothing drastic.

4. The language thing was a slight problem for me in the beginning (but I learned Hiragana and Katakana so it's not anymore). The easiest thing to do is to sort the songs by difficulty, or just look at the banners of each song to figure out what it is.

5. Yes, jump into 9 line as soon as you can. Starting on 5 line is like starting IIDX on autoscratch: as soon as the time comes to advance to scratching you will be totally left in the dark. I say just start off with the easy songs in 9 Line (there are plenty of them) and work your way up.

6. Yes, Pop'n 10's unlock style is terrible, but I never bothered to use it. Rather you should go to Option mode and turn off the unlock method; this changes it to a timed unlock (Unlock codes are here). But Iroha's unlock method is far easier. You are given four categories: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. If you hit one you get a certain point value, and when you reach a certain number of points in a certain category, a song is unlocked. You'll figure it out as you go, it's nothing to sweat about.


Hope this helps, enjoy your Pop'n experience!

This is all I can think of for now. Thanks [/quote]

[Xythar]

Originally Posted by Azure

1. Is Percussive really the sound test for Nickelodeon's Doug? Is there any relationship between the two?

Not that I've heard of O_o Percussive is West Shinjuku Cleaning Tune by DJ Simon. It was also in 5 key Beatmania.

Originally Posted by Azure

2. I read that Atsushi Shindou was ousted from Bemani somewhere. In one of the videos of Google Video (SLASH BEATS EX) it said that the song was a removed Atsushi Shindou song. What does this mean? Does this mean that Konami removed all of this guy's works in later versions of Pop'n music (Or in the best hits versions of the game that had some of his songs?)?

Atsushi Shindou left Konami and they had to remove his songs from all the arcade machines past 11. This is also why Digi Folk is not in 10 CS (only 10 and 11 AC) because he had already left by the time 10 CS came out. You won't see his songs repeated in any future CS games for obvious reasons, but you can still buy any of the previous ones which have them. Slash Beats is on 9 CS.

Originally Posted by Azure

3. Generally how long does it take to be as good as that guy in that 99k Lamento EX video? Is that guy considered incredibly good or just good?

Pretty damn good I'd have thought, compared to the PNN scores anyway.

Originally Posted by Azure

4. I don't know if it was in any other Pop'n music games, but I remember something about different groups of songs in PnM 10. They were something like TV songs or Cafe songs or something. What were all the groups of songs in 10, do they re-appear in other PnM games, and what do they signify?

They're just categories, every Pop'n game since like 8 has used them. TV songs are licenced songs (usually from TV), for instance. The groups are usually AC, CS and TV, plus a bunch of extra categories for sorting.

[Azure]

So, it's pretty much a pipe dream of ever becoming as good as that Lamento EX guy? Also, how much space does Iroha take up on the memory card? When choosing charcaters, I know that you are shown with a very small icon of the character, but are you also displayed with the animation. All I remember is the little icon from your videos and I'm hoping for the animations as that'd really help move things faster in finding the perfect character.

EDIT: Is this guy playing in some kind of HARD mode: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=he05V...op%27n%20music

[Xythar]

When choosing characters, you are only shown an image (which isn't necessarily the same as the one shown during gameplay either). However, 11 and 12 both have the "Character Guide", which lets you view all characters in the game and all the animations for each one, so you can run through that if you want to pick a character. Note that characters for unlockables don't show up until you unlock the song in question.

I dunno... knowing you, you might just get pretty good

How much space... I'll check. Edit: 78KB

In that video, the player is playing an extra stage. Extra stages in PnM have a gauge similar to Hard mode, although it doesn't go down as quickly as Hard mode in IIDX. You can turn the gauge on in training mode but people generally don't count songs as cleared with the expert gauge.

[ratna]

Originally Posted by Azure

So, it's pretty much a pipe dream of ever becoming as good as that Lamento EX guy?

Nope, it's quite easy to progress up the Pop'n ladder... to a point. Once you run into a wall (which you more than likely will), keep at it until you preverbially break down that wall and continue on. I'm sure you'll probably progress quickly though

[kappaiidx]

1. Is Percussive really the sound test for Nickelodeon's Doug? Is there any relationship between the two?

Where the HELL did you get this haha?

The only advice I'm going to give you is for songs under 150 bpm and chords etc try to use your fingers as one big mass to hit the buttons instead of spreading them out like you do for IIDX. After watching the Rinsei perfect video a bunch of times I can pretty safely say it's the quickest way to get better and the way that all the japanese players play their best.

[otaku1313]

1. Easy levels: Fingertips Medium: Palms Tough: The entire arm, especially the upper arm.

3. If you're not up to level 30s yet, yeah, you might

4. The genres are mostly in english, and the banners will help you notice the songs. The Japanese is very basic, just the two children's alphabets, so if you learn those, it's no prob. I've never had a problem with it.

5. If you can pass flashing 7s in IIDX, start in 9-line, quite a bit up the ladder. if you can pass 11s and 12s, go for a low Hyper.

6. Iroha has a fairly normal unlocking method, it's not painful to mess up like 10th, where it's hard NOT to mess it up. the only confusing ones are 7 and 9. 7 is time and song-pass/score based, 9 is an RPG that you MIGHT need a guide for.

7. Percussive is just plain awesome.

8. Was that my video? He no longer makes songs for them, but even in the reprints of 7, 8, and 9, he has his songs there. One of his songs was taken out of 10 for the ORIGINAL CS release AND the rerelease, I don't remember what it was.

9. He's better than everyone on PNN, but if you keep at it, you'll be there in about 3 to 4 years. I've been playing for 2 and I have over a 91k, but no pass.

3 and 10 were answered.

It is NOT a dream to be like the Lamento guy, you just have to keep at it. I love pop'n MUCH more than IIDX, and I play it a LOT more. A lot of people know how good I am at passing 12s on IIDX, but for me passing 42s and 43s in pop'n is a goal right now. I've only passed Screen EX, a 43, and Trauma Punk EX, a 42, anywhere above the 41s. The only two 41s I have left to pass are VIVID EX and Lamento EX, VIVID I have a 95k and no pass on ;_; I didn't find any concrete walls in pop'n like I did the 12* wall in IIDX.

[-Miz-]

Originally Posted by Azure

1. What body part does Pop'n place the most stress on (Such as how for IIDX it's your forearms)?

My hands. Oh gods, my hands. Playing Pop'n for a long time will work up a sweat for me, but it doesn't make anything hurt except the palms of my hands and my fingertips.

2. What's the purpose of the whole gambling thing in terms of scoring (The part where you seem to wager that you can do something unique and get extra points, like getting a combo higher than 200 or something)? Obviously the extra points from winning won't be added to your records, so is it only beneficial in arcade mode (To get the highest possible ranking)?

You're talking about Challenge mode, right? Usually you can do that to unlock pictures or videos, and sometimes other things.

4. I noticed that Pop'n is much more Japanese heavy than IIDX. Will this be a problem in navigating through menus and understanding all the various options and play modes (I've seen some of Xythar's videos and the language barrier already looks VERY menacing)?

Not really. All the banners either have roman characters on them or are distinctive in some other way (for example, because of what character is on them). Learning to read kana isn't that hard and would help, though.

5. Since there is no Beginner mode in Pop'n (Except 5-line) and because Pop'n supposedly starts out easy, it's suggested to just jump right into 9-line, right?

That's what I'd suggest, especially since you're already familiar with IIDX.

[DKW]

Longtime on-and-off PM player chiming in.

1. I've never had to deal with stress. Those are hard buttons, so you shouldn't hit them too hard, but unless you regularly do EX monsters (and that I can't help you with), you shouldn't be uncomfortable.

2. In challenge mode, clearing the song with the stipulation (I forgot what it's called) adds to your challenge score. If the score is an exact number (not over a certain number), you get a special reward. Sometimes. It varies from game to game. I think 8 is the one where you need 40 to unlock a video.

3. You're on your own here.

4. The only place where this might cause you trouble is the unlock system with the island (8, IIRC), since all the requirements are in Japanese. Some of the yes/no menu options are in Japanese too. A good FAQ can answer your questions about these (and you'll definitely want one beforehand for 9's unlock system).

5. There used to be a Beginner level; now there's 5-Key (which has more forgiving timing as well as simpler notecharts). I play it all the time, and I can say with total confidence that it has not affected my ability to clear 1000-note EX blowouts in the slightest. Same deal with Beginner level songs in DDR and IIDX.

Is it fun for you? Do you like to kick back with an easy notechart and get a big score? Then go ahead and play 5-Key. If it's not and you don't, don't. It's that simple.

6. How 10th's unlock works is that you have to stop three reels, and if they match up just right, you get an unlock. If even one is off, you didn't. (These have Japanese text, but they whiz by so fast that it's really irrelevant.) The one absolutely unforgivable thing about this is that it's not only possible to make no progress, but extremely likely. (Gitado Slot has a "canceller", but it's actually pretty easy to avoid.) BTW, the "power unlock" consists of going to Expert Mode, and immediately cancelling out (hold the Start button). It can actually be a fairly quick method if you're a litte lucky. Even so, I still recommend turning it off immediately. You'll get everything the boring 'ol time release way.

The only problem I have with Iroha is that it's all too easy to get the same scroll over and over. (Also avoid the wooden thing, which gets you nothing.) Still light years ahead of 10.

-

Oh, and the absolute #1 solid gold most important thing to remember: This game is supposed to be fun. The entire premise, believe it or not, was a game that a boyfriend and girlfriend on a date could play together (that's right, it was meant to have multiple players). That's why the buttons are so big and colorful and the overall look is cheerful. Same deal with the cartoony characters. It was never intended as an ultra macho bone-crushing hands-bleeding soul-tearing trial by fire. It wasn't until it got really popular and the old school IIDX players discovered, hey, 9 buttons, bet they could put up some really insane notecharts, that EX level was invented.

I should note that while the game has, on the whole, become far more difficult, it's still not on the level of IIDX, much less Guitar Freaks. I can clear at least 95% of Iroha's songs on 9-Key. Konami obviously wants to bring in new players without alienating their original fanbase. A difficult task, to be sure, but I think they've handled the challenge quite well.