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[New002]

So I've never been one for music/rhythm games, but I was at an arcade recently and came across a frankensteined Pop'n Music set-up and really, really got a kick out of it. In fact, I had no idea what the game was and had to google for quite a while before I stumbled on a picture of a proper cabinet. Then I had to google some more to figure out the name.

Anyways, I decided I want to play some more Pop'n Music and it seems like PS2 releases are the way to go, but there are so many (and yet not enough??). So do any of you out there have any recommendations as far as which PS2 release to start with? What's your favorite? The best? Why?

If I stick with it I'll certainly pick up more releases in the future, but I'm just trying to snag one for now, especially since some of the later releases are a little pricey.

Thanks so much!

 

[The Bankslammer]

QoL features are much better starting at 11 or so, so I wouldn't recommend anything before that to start out unless you're really sure you'll like it (I still like 8 a lot despite those frustrations). My personal recommendation is Iroha (12), just because it's a really solid, well rounded entry imo. A nice feature it has that makes it a good starting point is pop'n request, which is basically a small compilation of fan-voted series favorite songs so you can get up to speed on some popular tracks in the series. Also unlike most pop'n games the unlock system (mostly) isn't garbage. I really like both 13 and 14 too, though 13 has a lot of overlap with 12 (14's tracklist are almost all exclusives, on the other hand). Unlike IIDX, used copies for every game are relatively affordable, with none exceeding $50.

Anyways, hope you like it! pop'n quickly became one of my favorite series once I got into it.

 

[New002]

QoL features are much better starting at 11 or so, so I wouldn't recommend anything before that to start out unless you're really sure you'll like it (I still like 8 a lot despite those frustrations). My personal recommendation is Iroha (12), just because it's a really solid, well rounded entry imo. A nice feature it has that makes it a good starting point is pop'n request, which is basically a small compilation of fan-voted series favorite songs so you can get up to speed on some popular tracks in the series. Also unlike most pop'n games the unlock system (mostly) isn't garbage. I really like both 13 and 14 too, though 13 has a lot of overlap with 12 (14's tracklist are almost all exclusives, on the other hand). Unlike IIDX, used copies for every game are relatively affordable, with none exceeding $50.

Anyways, hope you like it! pop'n quickly became one of my favorite series once I got into it.

Well damn. Not gonna lie...given how late I am to the party I was unsure what kind of response I would get. Thanks so much. That's incredibly helpful.

 

[Secret Character]

Well damn. Not gonna lie...given how late I am to the party I was unsure what kind of response I would get. Thanks so much. That's incredibly helpful.

The Bemani community are very receptive to growth and new players. PnM is fantastic, btw. If you can, try to find an arcade machine to play on sometime. It's a real blast to play it that way.

 

[mrlion]

No don't get the PS2 releases, get the arcade dumps with a little google search you'll be able to get them.

 

[New002]

I know you mentioned QoL gets better with 11, but what do you think about the best hits release?

The Bemani community are very receptive to growth and new players. PnM is fantastic, btw. If you can, try to find an arcade machine to play on sometime. It's a real blast to play it that way.

Very nice! Yeah I'll have to see if there's one around me.

No don't get the PS2 releases, get the arcade dumps with a little google search you'll be able to get them.

Interesting.

 

[The Bankslammer]

I know you mentioned QoL gets better with 11, but what do you think about the best hits release?

Best Hits covers the PS1 era of pop'n music which, personally speaking, doesn't really do much for me. The tracklist is small enough and every other pop'n game offers enough returning tracks that I don't think there's any particular advantage to starting with it.

There's a fair amount of jargon and stuff that may not make sense you'll need to navigate around, but remywiki has a good list of pros and cons of each pop'n console release.

 

[mrlion]

Interesting.

It doesn't require a powerful computer to run them if you have a computer probably after 2010 or so you'll be able to run them.

 

[-Mutsukki-]

Oh wow! It's just my favorite music game series (My username comes from a character from these games even). I agree with everything Bankslammer said, I'd just put my personal opinion that I find 13 a little bit more enjoyable than 12, but they're both absolutely great! 14 was my first one too, so it holds a special place in my heart (and has a lot of crossovers from other Bemani songs!).

Also, about arcade dumps... I'm not sure if they're still like that, but last time I played one I had a lot of lag/delay for some reason. The PS2 games feel a lot more organic when hitting notes for me. I dunno, maybe they changed it now. But I really hope you can get into this series, it's a blast!

 

[thiscoldblack]

I love this series. I still have some of the PS2 releases. Had a few opportunities to play on arcade. I believe it was the Sunny Park release. The arcade is so much better than playing on the small PS2 controller. That is a given, of course.

If you want to get serious, I recommend Gamo2/DJDao controllers. I have one for Beatmania IIDX and it's as good as the arcade.

 

[New002]

Best Hits covers the PS1 era of pop'n music which, personally speaking, doesn't really do much for me. The tracklist is small enough and every other pop'n game offers enough returning tracks that I don't think there's any particular advantage to starting with it.

There's a fair amount of jargon and stuff that may not make sense you'll need to navigate around, but remywiki has a good list of pros and cons of each pop'n console release.

Ah nice. I tried to get to that page earlier but it was down at the time.

It doesn't require a powerful computer to run them if you have a computer probably after 2010 or so you'll be able to run them.

Good to know!

Oh wow! It's just my favorite music game series (My username comes from a character from these games even). I agree with everything Bankslammer said, I'd just put my personal opinion that I find 13 a little bit more enjoyable than 12, but they're both absolutely great! 14 was my first one too, so it holds a special place in my heart (and has a lot of crossovers from other Bemani songs!).

Also, about arcade dumps... I'm not sure if they're still like that, but last time I played one I had a lot of lag/delay for some reason. The PS2 games feel a lot more organic when hitting notes for me. I dunno, maybe they changed it now. But I really hope you can get into this series, it's a blast!

Thanks for your thoughts!

I love this series. I still have some of the PS2 releases. Had a few opportunities to play on arcade. I believe it was the Sunny Park release. The arcade is so much better than playing on the small PS2 controller. That is a given, of course.

If you want to get serious, I recommend Gamo2/DJDao controllers. I have one for Beatmania IIDX and it's as good as the arcade.

Yeah I looked around at controllers and decided I wanted to do it right so I ordered a full-size controller. I'M GOING ALL IN.

Hey so what should I be looking to pay for 11-14? I'm seeing like $40-$50 on eBay. Is that about average or are those just inflated prices?

 

[nicoga3000]

Discussion regarding these so-called "arcade dumps" needs to cease immediately for reasons.

On the topic of Pop'n, it's a really fun game. Higher level play is fascinating because it all but requires you to use you forearms and elbows. I was watching the KAC recently, and it was nuts.

One thing to note! Hamburger buttons are loud as hell. So don't think you're going to play the game with anyone else trying to relax or focus on anything else nearby!

E: What controller did you buy? And on the topic of game prices, Bemani games are usually not super cheap. $30-50 isn't unheard of for older mixes.

 

[mrlion]

Discussion regarding these so-called "arcade dumps" needs to cease immediately for reasons.

Huh? Why? I only mentioned their existence. This forum talks about emulation all the time. As long as there aren't any links around discussion is perfectly fine.

 

[Tizoc]

No don't get the PS2 releases, get the arcade dumps with a little google search you'll be able to get them.

Isn't that piracy though?

 

[New002]

Discussion regarding these so-called "arcade dumps" needs to cease immediately for reasons.

On the topic of Pop'n, it's a really fun game. Higher level play is fascinating because it all but requires you to use you forearms and elbows. I was watching the KAC recently, and it was nuts.

One thing to note! Hamburger buttons are loud as hell. So don't think you're going to play the game with anyone else trying to relax or focus on anything else nearby!

E: What controller did you buy? And on the topic of game prices, Bemani games are usually not super cheap. $30-50 isn't unheard of for older mixes.

Yeah the arcade set-up had the big hamburger buttons.

I'm going to keep my eye on eBay to see if a decently priced Pop'N 12 shows up.

In my controller research I first came across the PS2 and DC home controllers and then stumbled on the Konami full-size controller and then the DJ Dao ASC. gamo2 had some U.S. warehouse stock so I jumped at that since having one shipped from outside the US would have been way more expensive.

 

[nicoga3000]

Yeah the arcade set-up had the big hamburger buttons.

I'm going to keep my eye on eBay to see if a decently priced Pop'N 12 shows up.

In my controller research I first came across the PS2 and DC home controllers and then stumbled on the Konami full-size controller and then the DJ Dao ASC. gamo2 had some U.S. warehouse stock so I jumped at that since having one shipped from outside the US would have been way more expensive.

Good choice on the Dao. I was going to get one of his SDVX controllers, but went with a more expensive option with better encoders. Once his IIDX US stock comes back, I'm ordering one of those. I am in the process of importing a Jubeat cab, too.

Huh? Why? I only mentioned their existence. This forum talks about emulation all the time. As long as there aren't any links around discussion is perfectly fine.

Emulation is not the same as dumping arcade images in this case. Konami is still releasing new mixes. Per the PM I sent you, they don't fuck around with this stuff.

 

[New002]

Good choice on the Dao. I was going to get one of his SDVX controllers, but went with a more expensive option with better encoders. Once his IIDX US stock comes back, I'm ordering one of those. I am in the process of importing a Jubeat cab, too.



Emulation is not the same as dumping arcade images in this case. Konami is still releasing new mixes. Per the PM I sent you, they don't fuck around with this stuff.

Man I would love to find an arcade with a machine to play on. I was traveling this past weekend so I'd need to find a new spot. I heard that after a certain release you had to be connected to these special servers so if you're in the states it's virtually impossible? At least if you purchase a cab on your own. I imagine if Konami is dealing with a US business directly they work that out. Have any of you guys played some of the more recent cabs here in the states?

 

[nicoga3000]

Man I would love to find an arcade with a machine to play on. I was traveling this past weekend so I'd need to find a new spot. I heard that after a certain release you had to be connected to these special servers so if you're in the states it's virtually impossible? At least if you purchase a cab on your own. I imagine if Konami is dealing with a US business directly they work that out. Have any of you guys played some of the more recent cabs here in the states?

Depending on your location, some places have that. There's a few tools out there to find cabs. IIDX, DDR, and SDVX are the big three that you still see here in the states. It's not often you find Pop'n, Jubeat, or Reflec Beat. But I suppose they exist here.

And yeah, you have to connect to the e-amuse server. They're very strict about it. Simulators are a fantastic option. Lunatic Rave 2 is an awesome IIDX and Pop'n simulator. Look into that if you're wanting some original stuff.

 

[New002]

Depending on your location, some places have that. There's a few tools out there to find cabs. IIDX, DDR, and SDVX are the big three that you still see here in the states. It's not often you find Pop'n, Jubeat, or Reflec Beat. But I suppose they exist here.

And yeah, you have to connect to the e-amuse server. They're very strict about it. Simulators are a fantastic option. Lunatic Rave 2 is an awesome IIDX and Pop'n simulator. Look into that if you're wanting some original stuff.

Yeah I read a little bit about LR2 as well as StepMania. All very new to me, but I found what seemed to be a simple guide for setting up StepMania with a Pop'n Skin. Have you used these? Would you recommend one approach over the other?

Oh, the arcade machine I went to had a Jubeat machine as well. That was interesting. GF like that one a lot.

 

[nicoga3000]

Yeah I read a little bit about LR2 as well as StepMania. All very new to me, but I found what seemed to be a simple guide for setting up StepMania with a Pop'n Skin. Have you used these? Would you recommend one approach over the other?

Oh, the arcade machine I went to had a Jubeat machine as well. That was interesting. GF like that one a lot.

If you have an iPad, Jubeat on the JP iTunes store is pretty great. I've got like 150 songs on there that I've bought and play it regularly. It's not as good as the arcade, but not much is. Half the battle is learning to read charts.

As for various sims, Step Mania is a great DDR sim. I've never used it for Pop'n, but a little bit of googling tells me that it's not a bad alternative. It's about a million times easier to setup than LR2, that much I know. LR2 is the sort of thing you try and setup when you want to have a bad time. It's apparently amazing when up and running, but goodness is it rough.

The nice thing about SM is that people have been charting in it for years. You should have a ton of options out there. I haven't followed that scene in VERY long time, but I know it's still a staple for arrow smashers everywhere.

 

[thiscoldblack]

Gamo2 had some U.S. warehouse stock so I jumped at that since having one shipped from outside the US would have been way more expensive.

I've been waiting for this for a looooong time! Can't believe they finally have stock for it in US. I will be definitely getting one in December.

 

[New002]

If you have an iPad, Jubeat on the JP iTunes store is pretty great. I've got like 150 songs on there that I've bought and play it regularly. It's not as good as the arcade, but not much is. Half the battle is learning to read charts.

As for various sims, Step Mania is a great DDR sim. I've never used it for Pop'n, but a little bit of googling tells me that it's not a bad alternative. It's about a million times easier to setup than LR2, that much I know. LR2 is the sort of thing you try and setup when you want to have a bad time. It's apparently amazing when up and running, but goodness is it rough.

The nice thing about SM is that people have been charting in it for years. You should have a ton of options out there. I haven't followed that scene in VERY long time, but I know it's still a staple for arrow smashers everywhere.

I don't have an iPad, but I did see that some of these types of games have decent enough mobile versions on the JPN store. Not sure about Android though.

I've been waiting for this for a looooong time! Can't believe they finally have stock for it in US. I will be definitely getting one in December.

Sweet. Good thing I made the thread then

 

[Chorazin]

Played this, JuBeat, and BeatStream full arcade machines at a convention a few weeks ago, so much fun! Almost makes me want to dive in like you are OP... *bookmarks the site with the full size controllers*

 

[New002]

It's heeeeeeeeeeere

Next step. Get a Japanese ps2 and at least one Pop'n game.

 

[Quote]

Nice! Dao is easily the best for home and nothing else comes close.

OP, where do you live, roughly? You'd be surprised where you can find a Pop'n cabinet sometimes. Lots of little arcades have imported them over the years (I can check and see if any are near you). I'd also search if you have a Round 1 within driving distance. They are the only establishment in the US that officially works with Konami and usually has two Pop'n Music cabinets and other Bemani games. In my experience they do not have the network portion (e-Amusement) activated on Pop'n, however their IIDX machines do.

I agree with everyone else, 12/13/14 are the versions i'd recommend. 12 was my first one at home, but 13 holds a special place in my heart because I was lucky enough to live near an arcade (and eventually manage) that had a Carnival cab. 14 is a great place to start because they have .5 steps in speed modifiers (something you'll learn about later). I PM'd you a good resource for buying Bemani stuff.

After a decade of waiting, I just bought my own Pop'n arcade cabinet and it'll be here in Feb/March!

 

[Alec]

Nice! Dao is easily the best for home and nothing else comes close.

OP, where do you live, roughly? You'd be surprised where you can find a Pop'n cabinet sometimes and if you have a Round 1 near you, they usually have two at their locations.

I agree with everyone else, 12/13/14 are the versions i'd recommend. 12 was my first one at home, but 13 holds a special place in my heart because it was the one I played the most in the arcade by far. 14 is a great place to start because they have .5 steps in speed modifiers (something you'll learn about later).

After a decade of waiting, I just bought my own Pop'n arcade cabinet and it'll be here in Feb/March!

Where did you get it, and for how much?

 

[stargateheaven]

It's heeeeeeeeeeere

Next step. Get a Japanese ps2 and at least one Pop'n game.

nice, you got the DAO? it's fuckin perfect man. exactly like the arcade.

this is my favourite game of all time. honestly i'd start with pop'n 8 onwards. you'll regret starting with 14 and going backwards because the features get worse if u go backawards..

 

[Quote]

Where did you get it, and for how much?

I'm importing one from Japan. Currently the prices can be anywhere from ~$1800-3500 depending on condition, cabinet style/color and whether it has readers or not.

 

[New002]

Sorry everyone I didn't realize people had responded!

Nice! Dao is easily the best for home and nothing else comes close.

OP, where do you live, roughly? You'd be surprised where you can find a Pop'n cabinet sometimes. Lots of little arcades have imported them over the years (I can check and see if any are near you). I'd also search if you have a Round 1 within driving distance. They are the only establishment in the US that officially works with Konami and usually has two Pop'n Music cabinets and other Bemani games. In my experience they do not have the network portion (e-Amusement) activated on Pop'n, however their IIDX machines do.

I agree with everyone else, 12/13/14 are the versions i'd recommend. 12 was my first one at home, but 13 holds a special place in my heart because I was lucky enough to live near an arcade (and eventually manage) that had a Carnival cab. 14 is a great place to start because they have .5 steps in speed modifiers (something you'll learn about later). I PM'd you a good resource for buying Bemani stuff.

After a decade of waiting, I just bought my own Pop'n arcade cabinet and it'll be here in Feb/March!

I was able to find a machine at a not too far away arcade that seems to specialize in rhythm import cabinets! Haven't had a change to go though.

Where did you get it, and for how much?

$220 shipped from Gamo US warehouse stock

Whoops, missed that you were talking about the cab.

nice, you got the DAO? it's fuckin perfect man. exactly like the arcade.

this is my favourite game of all time. honestly i'd start with pop'n 8 onwards. you'll regret starting with 14 and going backwards because the features get worse if u go backawards..

Speaking of Pop'n 8...

My Japanese PS2 and copy of 8 just arrived from Japan today

 

[mrlion]

I was able to find a machine at a not too far away arcade that seems to specialize in rhythm import cabinets! Haven't had a change to go though.

Probably Round 1, they are the only arcades that carry pretty much any Bemani game.

 

[ponpo]

You just tried Pop'n then went out and bought a dao and ps2 and stuff? Damn, that's some impression.

Superior pop'n setup

Also lol the piracy talk in here. Konami pls shut it down plllsss.

 

[Korigama]

I played some of the series while I was studying abroad in Japan and enjoyed it, so there's a certain sense of nostalgia for me.

 

[New002]

You just tried Pop'n then went out and bought a dao and ps2 and stuff? Damn, that's some impression.

Superior pop'n setup

Also lol the piracy talk in here. Konami pls shut it down plllsss.

Niiiiiice.

How is it on GB?

 

[ponpo]

Niiiiiice.

How is it on GB?

Unreasonably hard. I have GBC iidx as well!

I'm terrible at pop'n and iidx but pretty good at sdvx, chunithm, jubeat. My mind finds the button layout of pop'n confusing. Anyway, pop'n is stylish and fun so it's a cool thing for you to own.

 

[opoth]

No don't get the PS2 releases, get the arcade dumps with a little google search you'll be able to get them.

And a DJ Dao controller

 

[The Bankslammer]

dag, you got a nice setup going. one of these days i'll need to grab an ASC for myself, lol. hope you're enjoying it, 8 was the first pop'n game i ended up getting really into.

also on the topic of pop'n gb, i've never played it but i adore its look and sound

 

[New002]

dag, you got a nice setup going. one of these days i'll need to grab an ASC for myself, lol. hope you're enjoying it, 8 was the first pop'n game i ended up getting really into.

also on the topic of pop'n gb, i've never played it but i adore its look and sound

Been playing quite a bit recently and definitely enjoying 8. The unlock system is fun but I can't read what the conditions/objectives are at the start of each arcade play so that makes it tough lol. Some have English words or point values so I can make those out when they come up.

I've been sticking strictly to 5-button as I make my way through arcade mode and unlock everything. I usually hit up training mode and try and get 10 or less "bad" on songs to practice. I haven't hit a max difficulty song yet. Toughest has been 5/8 stars. Slowly mastering a song and having it come together is very rewarding.

I think once I unlock everything and am comfortable with 5 button on the harder songs I'll start running through the 9 button versions.

 

[The Bankslammer]

Nice, glad to hear it! When going for unlocks in 8, I backed in and out of arcade mode until I got an objective I liked (typically the get X points one which I recall wasn't a particularly high value). I think having it be based on dice roll is annoying and it takes longer than I'd like to get everything, but... well, it's certainly not the worst unlock system in the series, lol. And iirc you unlock all songs in the first half and the back half is all courses and characters.

It's kinda tough to make a recommendation as to when exactly to transition from 5 button to 9 button because it's really a person by person basis, but I honestly never really messed around with 5 button in pop'n. I kinda feel like it's helpful to just go ahead and build muscle memory for all 9 buttons sooner rather than later, but at the same time I already had some experience with IIDX so I suppose my perspective is different. In the end it's just a matter of playing what you're enjoying and are comfortable with (for the most part, playing outside your comfort zone is key to improving too).

 

[b4mv]

I imported my ASC from some guy in South America, I love mine as well. Echoing on the 5 v 9 button, I've never touched 5 button. Great looking controller btw! Lol the dump talk

 

[New002]

Nice, glad to hear it! When going for unlocks in 8, I backed in and out of arcade mode until I got an objective I liked (typically the get X points one which I recall wasn't a particularly high value). I think having it be based on dice roll is annoying and it takes longer than I'd like to get everything, but... well, it's certainly not the worst unlock system in the series, lol. And iirc you unlock all songs in the first half and the back half is all courses and characters.

It's kinda tough to make a recommendation as to when exactly to transition from 5 button to 9 button because it's really a person by person basis, but I honestly never really messed around with 5 button in pop'n. I kinda feel like it's helpful to just go ahead and build muscle memory for all 9 buttons sooner rather than later, but at the same time I already had some experience with IIDX so I suppose my perspective is different. In the end it's just a matter of playing what you're enjoying and are comfortable with (for the most part, playing outside your comfort zone is key to improving too).

Hah I never considered just backing out to get a reroll on the objective. I'm having a blast with 5 button but I see your point. Probably best to just go ahead and jump in with 9.

I imported my ASC from some guy in South America, I love mine as well. Echoing on the 5 v 9 button, I've never touched 5 button. Great looking controller btw! Lol the dump talk

I tried a 9 button chart tonight. Rough stuff, but fun lol.