Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd Releases Tomorrow in Japan, SEGA Confirms Western Release

 Posted by at 5:17 pm  Hatsune Miku, Merchandise, Videogames  6 Responses »
Mar 252014
 


 
The past several hours have been pretty exciting for news regarding Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd, including an apparent early release through some online retailers like Amiami, and even a confirmed schedule for a Western release in Fall 2014! SEGA hints at some ‘fun stuff’ for the Western version of the game, and announced that in addition with the physical version for PS3, a physical release is planned for Vita as well through reservations.

Check the announcement video below, and SEGA’s official news post here. More news is expected as E3 draws closer.

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNWck90ZlKs]
 
All very exciting indeed, but the Japanese version officially launches tomorrow on March 27th, so let’s take a look at what we can expect. The game has been improved quite a bit in the visual graphics department, indicating that SEGA developed the game this time as a PS3-first title, then made a port to VITA. These improvements were made apparent with the game PV for DECORATOR.

Note the improvements in lighting effects compared to the previous game.[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlxQl7xsz1c]

What’s new in this game?

■ PS3 and Vita releases will contain the same songs. No paid DLC needed!
■ 20 all new songs, 20 remade classics from previous titles. 40 songs total!
■ 160 modules (outfits) total. 40 new, 40 classics, and 80 from Project Diva F.
■ Previous game save data can be imported to unlock already-owned items.
■ Two new ☆ icons for scratch notes: Double scratch (use both fingers) and link scratch.
■ Redesigned HUD with 20 different customization patterns.
■ Largely improved PV editor functions (must be downloaded for Vita version, free).
■ More pose choices and AR mode/photo editor functions.

If you can’t wait for the Western release, you can pick up a Japanese copy due to no region restrictions on the PS3 and Vita. But be sure to support the upcoming Western release if possible! Here’s a few preorder sources:

CDJapan (Includes bonus B3 size calendar poster, 7000 Yen): PS3 | Vita
Amiami: (Includes bonus multipurpose stand, 7220 Yen): PS3 | Vita

Video showcasing all 40 songs.[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0VK1fRU1BA]

Two Day Voca Nico Night Event Begins April 26th

 Posted by at 6:03 am  Events, Music  5 Responses »
Mar 252014
 


 
The next Voca Nico Night will be a big one, as they are planning to run the event non-stop over a 2 day period starting on April 26th. The event will feature over 20 different Vocaloid producers and live bands. The entire cast list is not yet available, and neither is the live stream link, but those will be announced later once they are made available.

The producer and band list so far includes HachiojiP, Samfree, 40mP, Manbou, UtsuP, emon, Kikuo, Sasakure.UK, Tenkomori, Ceasar, Suketch, TEKINA, Nanou, カラスヤサボウ, KEI, PolyphonicBranch and WakaG. Also making a surprise appearance to DJ at this event is SEGA’s own Mikudayo! [Source]

DJ VocaNico Is also returning to perform at this event, and a poll has once again been opened to allow people to submit requests for songs they would like to be played during his session. Suggestion submissions end March 30th at 11:59 PM JST.

Suggestion form: https://secure.nicovideo.jp/form/entry/djvocanico_chokaigi

How to submit your suggestion: http://i.imgur.com/X5nr9F0.png

You can expect the official Voca Nico Night website to be updated with more information as the event approaches.

Tickets for Official Hatsune Miku Expo in Jakarta, Indonesia Now On Sale

 Posted by at 10:34 pm  Concerts, Events, Hatsune Miku  3 Responses »
Mar 212014
 


 
Starting today, March 22nd, concert tickets for the first Hatsune Miku Expo event in Jakarta Indonesia are now on sale. Ticket purchases are available via Rajakarcis, and are available in 4 purchase tiers. There will also be 3 showings of the event. So if you can’t make it to one, others will be available. Additionally, entry to the exhibition hall and company booths are free.

Location: Jakarta Convention Center

Ticket tiers (pricing is the same for all 3 shows):

■PLATINUM SEATS: IDR 1,390,000
■GOLD SEATS: IDR 1,000,000
■SILVER SEATS: IDR 700,000
■BRONZE SEATS: IDR 390,000

Show start times (all shows take place in the Cendrawasih Room):

■1st Show: 28 May 2014, 7:30pm
■2nd Show: 29 May 2014, 1:00pm
■3rd Show: 29 May 2014, 7:30pm


 

What is Hatsune Miku Expo in Indonesia 2014?

HATSUNE MIKU EXPO 2014 in Indonesia is a festival that will host the most popular contents about Hatsune Miku. Included are exhibitor booths with Miku-related items, toys and services, an exhibition about the history and cultural movement that was inspired by Miku, fan gathering activities and as absolute highlight the fabulous live show of Hatsune Miku using cutting-edge projection technology.

Fans will have the chance to enjoy the rare appearance of Hatsune Miku in Indonesia, and to gather with other fans of the community; other music, art and technology lovers will have the opportunity to get to know Miku, related activities, various creators and artists, and the fan community.

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH7oX5t1zgs]

Hatsune Miku Featured in Live2D, Enter Live2D Creative Award 2014 to Win Prizes

 Posted by at 3:45 am  Events, Hatsune Miku, Merchandise, Software  5 Responses »
Mar 192014
 


The software company Cybernoids has announced the release of a new Hatsune Miku model for their 2D modeling an animation program called Live2D for Cubism Editor. The model uses the original Hatsune Miku V2 box art illustration by KEI (pictured left), and can be manipulated within the application to “bring it to life”.

Along with this release is the announcement of an upcoming Live2D Creative Award competition, which will include a number of prizes. These include drawing tablets, cash prizes, Cubism Editor software, and also copies of the Hatsune Miku V3 software bundle.

The Pro version of Cubism editor will be free to use during the competition period, and the Hatsune Miku model is also provided for download from the website. Use of the model must follow Crypton’s usage terms. The competition will begin on March 27th, and end on June 1st. Read the full contest guidelines and details here: http://www.live2d.com/en/award2014

Below is a video showing a sample of animation from the Live2D Cubism editor.

[youtube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Dnv1hDjjJU]

MikuMikuDance 9.0.3 Released and New jThree MMD Generator Launched

 Posted by at 6:52 am  MMD, Software  3 Responses »
Mar 172014
 


Image of MikuMikuDance 9.0.3 Interface

The creator of the MikuMikuDance 3D model choreography tool has updated the program past version 9.0, all the way to 9.0.3. The most recent updates bring some much welcome enhancements and features. Some of these include:

■ Physics “on/off” toggle function, and physics “trace” mode (allows you to see physics behavior between frames without needing to play the animation).
■ Physics “on/off” toggle function for individual model bones (helpful for keeping some parts of models rigid during animation, if needed).
■ Shadow detail manipulation in camera/accessory mode, as well as auto shadows based on camera distance.
■ Numerical values can now be entered for facial manipulation (helpful for more accurate adjustments).

This latest version of MikuMikuDance can be downloaded from the official website.


 
Also recently released by a completely seperate entity named “jThree” is a web-based jquery/javascript plugin called MMD-Generator. It is capable of rendering MikuMikuDance animations within your browser using WebGL animation. The developer says the web application works best on Windows 7 with the latest versions of the Chrome, Firefox or Opera browsers. Mac users may have some luck running the application with Opera.

There are a few demos available directly from the site: Senbonzakura (warning, heavy animation), Melt and a Solar system Simulator. You can also use the tool to load your own MMD models and VMD motion data for camera and models. It also supports the rendering of MP3 and OGG audio. The plugin can be downloaded and run locally from your own system.

The program code is also included and uses an MIT license. There is no documentation or instructions provided yet (which the developer apologizes for). You can expect more updates to this application in the future.

Website: http://www.jthree.jp/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jThree_jp

EDIT: As soon as I finished this article, it was announced that the web application was taken down due to the discovery of many bugs. The creator apologizes and will try to have them fixed as soon as possible. The demos are still available, however.

MMD-Generator rendering the on-site demo of Senbonzakura.

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