I get rid most of my BEMANI games!

Just recently, I decided to sell my video games that I have. All of them are BEMANI games and controllers for PlayStation 1 and 2.

My complete BEMANI games before

The reason why I started selling it off because I find it now a burden aside from it eats space in our house, I feel like I already outgrew them.

Days gone by, only a few games were sold. I just realize that it is easier to collect games than selling it off. Suddenly, I decided to keep the remaining beatmania 5 keys games and the unsold beatmaniaIIDX games. 

It doesn't mean I am selling them out, I no longer have the urge to play BEMANI games. I still play games at arcades and I am planning to continue to play games at home using KONAMI's Konsute service. Where you can play BEMANI games using PC with a monthly subscription.

Right now, I sold almost half of the games and hopefully I would be able to sell them out.

beatmaniaIIDX ENTRY MODEL controller

Recently, I bought a beatmaniaIIDX ENTRY MODEL controller from the used game shop in Akihabara. I was suprised because BEMANI games and controller are significantly scarce and expensive.

This controller was intended for the beatmaniaIIDX ULTIMATE MOBILE for iOS and Android device which uses Bluetooth connection. Although, this is also compatible with the beatmaniaIIDX INFINITAS for PC connected through cable.

The ENTRY MODEL controller was the reborn PS2 version, omitting the PS2 port. The ENTRY MODEL uses membrane in the keys, therefore, it is susceptible in sticky keys. Because it is intended for mobile devices, the controller can be power up by 3 AAA batteries.

In comparison in the with the PS2 JKOC, ENTRY MODEL is visibly thicker. The turntable of the also smaller than the PS2 JKOC, and ENTRY MODEL is longer than the PS2 predecessor.

Right now, I don't know its availability in Konami esport store in Ginza as Konamistyle website has been blocked viewers from outside Japan.

A BEMANI soundtrack with a game!

In November 27, 1998, is when Konami released the game soundtrack of the third installment of beatmania, the beatmania 3rdMIX complete. 

beatmania 3rdMIX complete front cover

This one disc soundtrack is not an ordinary because aside from the soundtrack, it includes a preview disc PlayStation version of beatmania 3rdMIX. The game only has 4 playable songs. Because it's an append game, users have to boot the key disc first. The game can be also used for DISC CHANGE to boot other APPEND beatmania games. The actual home version was released a month later. 

beatmania APPEND 3rd mini disc

Soundtrack songlist and playable songs.

beatmania 3rdMIX complete x beatmania APPEND 3rdMIX

An Old collaboration in BEMANI: Dreams Come True and True Kiss Destination

During the early years of BEMANI, Konami had a collaboration with J-POP bands DREAMS COME TRUE and True Kiss Destination. Konami made a spin off beatmania and Dancing Stage to showcase their songs in the arcades. A commercial of Dancing Stage feat. TKD for PlayStation here. Sadly, I haven't seen these in our local game centers years ago, but able to get the PlayStation port. 

PlayStation port games

Interestingly, the Dancing Stage brand is originally for European market of DanceDanceRevolution, but they used it just for this collaboration, another is the Dancing Stage DISNEY'S RAVE.

Another interesting feature in the PlayStation port of Dancing Stage feat. DREAMS COME TRUE, The Greatest Hits Mode, where you able to swap disc using the DREAMS COME TRUE GREATEST HITS "THE SOUL" album and play some songs available by swapping discs. 

Greatest Hits mode for Dancing Stage feat. DCT

Since then, they never had a collaboration with them or with other J-POP bands. Instead, they had a collaboration with Nintendo, DDR MARIOMIX for Nintendo's GameCube. Disney has started 

The first BEMANI game for home console: beatmania

After the successful released of the first beatmania in the arcades back in 1997, Konami released its direct arcade port for the PlayStation, released in October 1, 1998. The first beatmania game consist of two disc, a direct arcade port from beatmania 2ndMIX (ARCADE DISC) and an append disc (YEBISU MIX). The game is also the KEY DISC to all APPEND DISC in the beatmania games, explanation here. 

The beatmania box art

Nowadays, getting a used copy at Ebay will cost you less $10.00 (depending on the condition). However, looking for a sealed copy is rare and expensive. I wasn't able to play the first beatmania game, the earliest beatmania version I played is a beatmania 3rdMIX mini located in Morayta, Manila. I know big Game Centers in the Philippines like Timezone and Quantum had their beatmania arcade machines but their whereabouts are unknown, most likely they are in storage or scrapped. It's good to reminisce on how beatmania looks like in its early years and how it evolved thru the years with beatmaniaIIDX. 

The Arcade and Yebisu disc

Inside the game, includes a leaflet for the beatmania controller created by ASCII and Konami

At launch, the game costs 5,800JPY, while the BEST edition retails for 2,800JPY

'GOLIALIZZE GOLI MATSUMOTO ARCHIVES' GOLI's BEMANI Artworks

While cleaning my containers, I unearthed a book that wasn't opened for years. Back in 2005, Goli Matsumoto an illustrator and designer for KONAMI released GOLIALIZZE GOLI MATSUMOTO ARCHIVES. An artbook for his artworks for beatmaniaIIDX. The artbook consist of most his artworks starting from beatmaniaIIDX Substream to IIDX HAPPY SKY. The art book also includes an DVD that contains a ALFARSHEAR music video and mini posters from Substream to HAPPY SKY. Up to this day, GOLI is still working for the company.

Front cover

The one I have doesn't have the mini posters nor the DVD, but I think the book is itself would suffice. As of writing, online sellers from Ebay sells it from $29.00 up to $180.00 depending on the completeness and condition of the item. I couldn't say that the book is a rare item yet, but I think as time goes by, the value would rise up and fewer sellers will sell the item. If you are in Japan, try looking for it in nearby BookOffs / HardOffs or Mandarake stores you might score one.

Book staff roll

Here are a few of his artworks inside GOLIALIZZE;

Konami's KEY and APPEND DISC for PlayStation 1 and Dreamcast

During the 90's era, when Konami released their very first BEMANI game for the PlayStation 1, the beatmania in October 1998. The game consist of two disc, the Arcade disc and Yebisu Mix disc. The arcade disc is the direct version of beatmania in the arcade, while the Yebisu Mix act as APPEND disc. In order to play the Yebisu Mix, they must first load the arcade disc, select the DISC CHANGE option and swap disc. 

A Note in the cover art that the game requires a KEY DISC to play (cover art from pop'n music 4 APPEND)

The kind of concept was used up to APPEND ClubMIX, succeeding beatmania games were standalone game. If someone tries to load the APPEND DISC directly, a warning will appear in the screen and the game will not boot. pop'n music used this to their APPEND 3 and 4 (pop'n music 2, 5, and 6 as KEY DISC, GUITARFREAKS to their APPEND 2ndMIX (GUITARFREAKS 1st as KEY DISC). As for DanceDanceRevolution (DDR), they used this kind of setup to their CLUB VERSION's VOL. 1 and 2 (using the DDR 2ndReMIX and DDR 3rdMIX (CS) games). I previously blogged about CLUB VERSION DISC. They also implement the DISC CHANGE in its Dreamcast version of pop'n music.

DISC CHANGE schematics for beatmania 6thMIX + CORE REMIX (CS)

Interestingly, beatmania APPEND DISC can play the Bonus edit, more like an alter ego of the direct arcade port. They can play the Bonus edit if they DISC CHANGE in a certain order, for Example, in order to play the beatmania 5thMIX Bonus edit, they must load the beatmania Arcade disc, swapped disc to APPEND 3rdMIX, then, swap disc from APPEND 3rdMIX to APPEND 5thMIX. Another interesting feature by using the DDR 3rdMIX (CS) as KEY DISC for DDR 1st and 2ndReMIX the graphic interface of the latter will be used and not the original interface, although, background animations are disabled during gameplay.

Reducing my video game collection

Over the last decade, I have collected quite a number of video games from BEMANI titles, Silent Hill, Metal Gear series, Winning Eleven series to Gundam titles. Over time, I accumulated too many games, too many that the games reached over the top of our apartment shelf. And by the way, not just game softs, I also accumulated video game controllers, soundtracks, and BEMANI related merchandise. You can see it on previous blog post from 2012 on how my video game collecting progresses.

My first photo in video game collecting (circa 2009)

There's a time that my Mother asked me to remove all of them because I am to hoard games and she don't want to see them clutter. At first, I ignored her, although, they are many, I always find a way in organized them and in some way she was able to accept the fact that my passion for collecting video games is intense. When I was 28 years old, I had this realization, the feeling that I am starting to outgrew them and starting to feel uncomfortable owning too many games. On that same day, I started to declutter them. My first attempt was a bit lame because I only disregard a few games (I think around 10 games) all are Gundam titles. I gave all my Gundam titles to a friend. A few weeks after, I tried again to declutter. This time, I declutter a lot of games such as Winning Eleven and Proyakyu (Baseball) titles. I handed it over to a friend.
On the third time, I was able to declutter prominent titles, such as Metal Gear and Silent Hill. I was able to sell it in an event which I earned a few thousands pesos. On my fourth declutter, I was able to donate it to a fellow video game collector who is living nearby. As for BEMANI merchandise and controllers, I am selling it in a group at Facebook.

My video game collection (circa Jan 2012)

While I am decluttering games, I am starting pile a number of game soundtracks, good thing I was sell it some of it right away. Aside from video games, I also sold my Gunpla kits to a close friend in cheap deal.

I also started collecting action figures, most of them are no longer in my possession (circa June 2012)

Currently, All I have are BEMANI titles (mostly from PlayStation 1 ~ 2) Artist albums from BEMANI (Some of them are for sale though), BEMANI actions figures, and a two Gunpla kits with a Jehuty revoltech figure from ZONE OF THE ENDERS .

Games I have in 2020

From what I have learned from this, It's good to be a collector, but collect on things that you are really passionate of. Being impulsive in collecting has repercussions in terms of household space, emotional and monetary stress. If you think its time to let go of your things; give it to a friend or better sell it. Right now, I am being selective, if I buy some thing; either I replace it on existing item or its for sale.

My soundtracks left

By the way, as of posting, Metro Manila is currently in Enhanced Community Quarantine due to COVID-19 pandemic.

beatmaniaIIDX FREQUENCY HEADPHONES

Earlier this December, I received the parcel that I bought from Japan last November. One of the items I bought is a pair of beatmaniaIIDX frequency headphones. I sold the other headphone while the other one is for keeps.

Box of the headphone

Originally, KONAMI sells this headphones for 5,500 JPY last 2011. Konamistyle is still selling it for 2,934.00 JPY. The headphones is manufacturer by Audio-technica for KONAMI.

Used the headphone at the arcades

The headphone is lightweight and perfect for on-the-go due its foldable design. The 3.5mm cord plug is suitable to current smartphones, tablets, and computers in the market. With its noise cancelling feature you can use it while playing rhythm arcade games with headphone plug so you hear you gameplay without sound distractions from other arcade games.

Playing music in my smartphone (iPhone 7)

When using this headphones the user must be extra careful, it seems the headband and headphone cushion are not in good quality and might easily peel off overtime. For more information about the product, please see Konamistyle website.

What I bought in Japan 2019

Last March 2 to 8, 2019, I went to Tokyo, Japan for a week long vacation. During my stay I have visited and revisited places in Tokyo. Of course, it will be not be complete if I didn't buy BEMANI merchs.

It seems figures are the biggest number that I bought. I never thought I would be able to get the 1/8 scale figures and the DAC (Desktop Arcade Cabinet) of jubeat copious. There is also a DrumMania V6 DAC for sale but more expensive than jubeat.

Next are the BEMANI Artist albums and the Game Softs. I was lucky that I able to get hold of TËЯRA's first album, RЁVOLUTIФN and BeForU's 2nd album. The reason I bought Game Soft is to replace my scratched copies due to my PlayStation 2 slim makes circular scratches on the discs which makes unreadable in the future (I dumped my annoying PS2 Slim for 700Php to an online buyer).  

I also bought Gunpla kits such as the Expansion set for my v Gundam Ver. Ka and the limited edition 7-11 HG RX 78-2 Gundam kit. Buying Gunpla is not in the to-buy list though.

The interesting item I bought is an unopened Google Home mini speaker for only 1,950 JPY in their BookOff Shinjuku branch. I was reluctant to buy one because it might not be compatible with Apple products (Apple fan? LOL) but it works! Bic Camera in Shinjuku sells it for 3,000 JPY. They slashed 50% from the 6,000 JPY retail price.

UPDATE! My BEMANI Collection

It's has been 2 years since I made a blog about my BEMANI collection. So, this time, this post will be an update of my collection since.

In games, I was able to collect each games from PlayStation, except for Gameboy and Dreamcast. Some of my PSone games are sealed in CD cover so that I could slip in the Obi sleeve of the game. The last game added was Utacchi for Nintendo DS, since then, no new games were bought.

BEMANI games!

Next is my action figure collection. Most of my figs are from SOUND VOLTEX and beatmaniaIIDX. I also have some plushies from REFLEC BEAT and pop'n music but they are my least interest and they are stored inside my container.

Figures made by Eikoh

SOUND VOLTEX x beatmaniaIIDX

Lastly is my records, I started buying when I was in Japan last Summer. I have some game soundtracks but I prefer artist albums because they long versions of music.

MUSIC RECORDS!!!

For my game controllers and merchandises, I wasn't able to take a photo as they are stored in a locked place and I am bit a lazy to pull them out of the storage.

beatmaniaIIDX figures haul

Bought a new bought beatmaniaIIDX fig this Friday morning. I picked it up in a nearby mall. Good thing that I am in a weeklong vacation from work. It doesn't cost too much as they sell it as a bundle for an undisclosed price.

The three beatmaniaIIDX figures I bought

I thought these figures are out of the box. When I opened it, they are not, The plastic that covers the figures are still intact and smells like new. Although the box itself are old, dirty, and signs of fades of the box art. It seems that they were stocked in a very long time. I guess the first owner kept these figures very well.

Lilina, a character in beatmaniaIIDX

I only bought the bundle because they had Lilina, the only figure missing in my collection. The spare Tsugaru and Iroha figure will be for resale to other beatmaniaIIDX / BEMANI fans in the Metro.

They are complete!!

Now that the original figures are complete, I have plans in collecting the remix version and the 1/8 scale beatmaniaIIDX figures.

New BEMANI figs!

Last Wednesday, I went to the Makati Central Post Office to get my parcel which I bought from eBay last December 2017. It took almost 40 days to send me a postal notice. Waiting time in the releasing section took me almost an hour, it used to be a speedy section, but now, so slow!

beatmaniaIIDX's Iroha Umegiri, SOUND VOLTEX's Tsumabaki Left, Kanade, and Tsumabaki Right.

Anyways, the item was character figures from the video game beatmaniaIIDX and SOUND VOLTEX, both a BEMANI game franchise. I bought used Iroha and Tsumabaki Left and unopened Kanade and Tsumabaki Right.

Out of the box!

The Pugyutto figures are made from Eikoh, while the Iroha are made from KONAMI. In all, it cost me around $23.00 plus shipping. I guess it would be better if I send my purchase item thru EMS. I do hope it will not end up picking it up at the Central Mailing Exchange near the airport.

SOUND VOLTEX figures!

Asking a friend to buy me stuff in Japan (Part 4)

This January 2018, my friend went to Japan for a few days vacation. Just before he left last week I asked him to buy me some game stuff during his stay. I gave him 10,000.00JPY or approximately 4600.00PHP.

loots!!

Earlier this afternoon, I went out to see my friend and get the loots. I got Video game soundtracks, game figures, and food stuff.

He bought me three video game soundtracks; a REFLEC BEAT collete ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK VOL.1, beatmaniaIIDX23 copula ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK, and Ryu☆'s fourth album, Sakura Luminance.

REFLEC BEAT soundtrack, Sakura Luminance, beatmaniaIIDX23 copula

 

Suprisingly, I found out that the Sakura Luminance album has a card (signed by Ryu) and a smartphone keychain bundle while the REFLEC BEAT -colette- includes the bundled REFLEC BEAT limelight ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK EXTRA! A good buy indeed!

Next is the figures. The big one is the recently released beatmaniaIIDX figure last September 2017, Kanzaki Saya for only 1,980.00JPY. It is fourth part of the beatmaniaIIDX 1/8 scale manufactured by Eikoh. The two figures were sold as a bundle (Sakura and Erika) for only 1,500.00JPY.

Kanzaki Saya 

I requested to get me a SUICA Card. I might use the credits to buy digital games in Nintendo's e-shop service.

Suica card

My friend also bought me a New Nintendo 3DS desk charger. Unfortunately, he bought the non-LL. Although my budget depleted, he managed to buy some Pocky and KitKat goodies and some sweet crackers.

Other goodies!!!!

 Maybe on the fifth time I think I have to give him a bigger budget so that I won't have any money shortages and transferring money to abroad is quite expensive.