Finally! e-amusement service is back!

As of yesterday, Konami's e-amusement service is now available in Quantum's Q Power Station in Rockwell Power Plant Mall and Club Synergy in SM Megamall. This is one of the first game centers in the capital where connection has been established since the start of the quarantine last year. 

Finally!

All e-amusement dependent games are outdated, it needs to be updated. As of this writing, although outdated, Power Station's beatmaniaIIDX, GITADORA, SOUND VOLTEX, and DDR are now playable. IIn the coming days, jubeat and DANCE RUSH will be available soon. 

Because today is a Saturday, there is an influx of mall goers going to the game center for entertainment, both adult and children, and of course, minimum health standard is strictly observed! 

jubeat needs to be updated

Good to see that the entertainment industry is finally attracting customers again!  Hoping that all Quantum stores will also restore e-amusement, Banapassport, and Aime connections. Let's hope that our country can maintain low cases, so that this kind of industry will keep running even though we are still in pandemic.

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.

My nearest arcade: Rockwell Powerplant Mall

A few years ago, Glorietta 4 used to be the place I usually play Arcades, but when eAMUSEMENT came to the Philippines last year by Quantum, we all changed our place and head to different Quantum branches in the metro.

For me, the best and nearest Quantum Arcade branch is in Rockwell Powerplant Mall in Makati City. Although it has different name, QPS Powerstation. The mall is just a few kilometers away from my home and it won't cause me too much hassle in commuting.

DanceDanceRevolution A in QPS Rockwell Powerplant

QPS Powerstation has a quite number of BEMANI arcade games in line such as DanceDanceRevolution, beatmaniaIIDX, MUSECA, jubeat, GITADORA (DrumMania cabinet only) and Sound Voltex. They also have Disney's Tsum Tsum.

A beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ

The staff inside the store are friendly and accommodating which is very good to see from them. The best advantage of this mall that is not too many people go here, as this mall is classy and a bit hidden. Sometimes after a rounds of arcade gaming, I usually head to the grocery to buy some food stuff.

Alternatively, the next nearest Quantum branch is in Shangri-la Mall and SM Megamall in Mandaluyong. Although just 2 train stations away, however, commuting going to those places in terrible unless you live in Pasig or Mandaluyong.

On the side note, Philippines is now participating in the 7th Konami Arcade Championship.

Cosplay Mania 2017!

This Saturday is 2017 edition of Cosplay Mania held at SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. Got the chance to see the event due to 4 day vacation from work. Went to the Convention Center past 12pm. The lines are hefty from ticket line up to the entrance door. The price of the ticket varies from 399.00Php for Silver ticket, 799.00 for Gold, and 1,999.00Php for VIP guest.

A CosplayMania 2017 tarpaulin inside SMX

Long lines outside

As I entered the event, I went straight to the Quantum's area to see the latest BEMANI additions, the DanceDanceRevolution A and GITADORA Matixx (DrumMania). Present in the event is the cabinet of beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ, jubeat clan, and Sound Voltex IV Heavenly Haven. The event also held a tournament for Sound Voltex, which is the grand prize is an artist signed Sound Voltex IV poster and a special edition e-amusement card signed by an artist.

DanceDanceRevolution A

beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ

GITADORA Matixx (DrumMania cabinet)

jubeat clan

Sound Voltex IV Heavenly Haven

Got the chance to play DDR A, but the player can only play once. After that, you can sign up again to play. Although its FREE PLAY! Wasn't able to play GITADORA, the good thing is there is one here in the Philippines.

While waiting for my turn to play, I had the chance to look around. There are a few anime merchandise exhibitors.

Because of this latest additions, the BEMANI community is in rage to play BEMANI games, old and new.  In my opinion, with the presence of Sound Voltex for over a year, it garnered a lot of new players and attracting more players to try other BEMANI games. I think Quantum really did a good job in participating the event and it adds exposure to the games they have. I hope more BEMANI games will add here in the Philippines.

To the organizers, to prevent long queues, add more booth to accommodate guest because the lines are hefty and chaotic. People have to wait for over an hour just to get inside the event.

Also, a K O N A M I  are displayed in front of the Quantum area.

BEMANI at SM Mall Of Asia

This Saturday morning, I went to the new Quantum Power Station in SM Mall Of Asia in Pasay City. QPS used to have a branch when the Mall opened in 2005, but closed due to unknown reasons. Now, QPS opens its MOA branch at the 3rd floor of the Main Mall.

Teaser post from the Facebook page of Quantum Amusement Corporation

In the Facebook page of Quantum, they posted a teaser. That the new QPS Branch will open on the May 28, 2017. They even have a 100Php Quantum Gift Certificate for the first 100 customers.

In the gaming side, the branch have loads of BEMANI Arcades games, such as, jubeat Qubell, MUSECA 1 1/2, Sound Voltex IV. This branch is also the second to received a beatmaniaIIDX machine, and the first branch to received the newest BEMANI game, ノスタルジア (NOSTALGIA). 

4 jubeat machines

beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ

ノスタルジア, MUSECA, and SOUND VOLTEX

ノスタルジア is a new BEMANI game similar to KEYBOARDMANIA that simulate piano keys, but ノスタルジア's gameplay resembles from PIANO BRICKS. The cost is 30.00Php per
gameplay. 

On the other note, there are currently 3 (three) beatmaniaIIDX24 SINOBUZ in Manila; in SM North EDSA, SM Mall of Asia, and in Rockwell Power Plant Mall.

A short visit to Shangri-la Mall and its Disney Tsum Tsum

Last Sunday is Labor Day, May 1, holiday on a weekend. I visited another Quantum Power Station nearby, situated in Shangri-la Mall in Mandaluyong City, where I could play arcade games. When I got there, there are only four people are playing. There is a jubeat Qubell and Dance Evolution ARCADE and its newest addition to their that is uses e-AMUSEMENT PASS, the Disney Tsum Tsum.

Disney Tsum Tsum is created by KONAMI where you have to link 3 or more Disney characters within 60 seconds. Per credit is 45.00Php for 2 tries and 7 credits for premium play with a NFC figurine that you can use during gameplay. Never tried the premium play because it's more expensive for normal game unlike the other BEMANI games. Disney Tsum Tsum is also available for iOS created by LINE Corporation. DISNEY TSUM TSUM is also available in other neighboring countries such as; Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, New Zealand.

jubeat Qubell and Dance Evolution ARCADE

It seems that Quantum is taking advantage of the e-AMUSEMENT NETWORK by adding more games to its game centers. Although a bit pricey, local gamers doesn't bother as they enjoy the privilege of the online game.

It's Official! e-AMUSEMENT NETWORK is in the Philippines!

Rockwell Power Plant, Makati City

Great news for BEMANI fans all over the Philippines, as the e-AMUSEMENT service of KONAMI is officially online! As we all know that last month a location test was held at Quantum SM North for MUSECA and SOUND VOLTEX and ended last April 18. A few days after, Quantum released their latest BEMANI games; jubeat Qubell and Dance Evolution ARCADE. These two BEMANI games are available at Quantum SM North EDSA, PowerStation at Shangri-la in Mandaluyong and in Rockwell Makati.

Dance Evolution ARCADE acrylic marquee

My friends went to Rockwell early evening, knowing the fact that it's only a ride away from our house. A per credit pricing is 30.00Php on both games where Dance Evolution has two stages and jubeat has three stages. On both machines has about to receive an online update, meaning new content will be added the next reboot of the game. As of the moment, e-AMUSEMENT PASS cards are not yet available at counter, luckily, we all have our own cards. Some of us bought our cards overseas years ago.

An e-AMUSEMENT application for iOS

On the other hand, I was able to link my current e-AMUSEMENT PASS to my KONAMI ID, an app is available for free at the Japanese Apple App Store. I was able link it right after I played the location test 2 weeks ago.

jubeat Qubell

This was an exciting turnover as many of us are expecting new games will be available soon not just to BEMANI games but also to other KONAMI games. Being nostalgic, it took as around seven years of waiting for KONAMI to add us in their network. I am looking forward that we will be part of the next KONAMI Arcade Championship!

I guess the BEMANI hype is back again!

Refreshments during our gameplay!

BEMANI Spree! limelight, copious and XG3!

        Last Wednesday night, I went to play a few rounds of DDR at Timezone in Glorietta 4, Makati City. I asked the security guard if when will be the new BEMANI games deliver to this branch. He said that the machines will deliver tonight. A few days ago, Timezone, the biggest operator of amusement games in the Philippines posted a hint about there new machines.

Reflec Beat limelight

       That same night my friend called me that the machines has arrived at the store, pulling out existing games and replacing it with new ones.

       Next day, I visited Timezone and 3 BEMANI games are working. These are DrumMania XG3, jubeat copious and Reflec Beat limelight. Unfortunately, GuitarFreaks XG3 is absent at the location because the game system is still unstable and needs further troubleshooting in their warehouse.



jubeat copious

       Many avid players are gathering around especially DM XG3. I got my first shot at Reflec Beat. I'm clueless about the interface because I'm used to play these games using an Ipad. Luckily, I managed to get a fair score in my first tune. Next is the jubeat game. This game used to have an imitation arcade game in other arcade operators before and they call it "e-Magic". Both games have only music licenses available for play with a few Konami Originals are playable. Both games cost 30Php per credit.

       I never had the chance to play DM XG3 on that day because the credit line to long around 20 credits. I will try it next time.

DrumMania XG3

     Good thing Timezone bring these new games here in the Philippines, at least we were able to play these games without the e-AMUSEMENT service. I also hope that players here would support these games.

My BEMANI Collections!

   I have been playing BEMANI music games since I was in elementary and it has become a habit for me play in arcades and at home.

   I started to collect my authentic copies during my college years. My first game that I bought is a used Playstation version of DanceDanceRevolution 3rdMIX, since then collecting music games became my passion.

   Searching for these items is very difficult to find here in the Philippines. I have to look for a Japanese thrift shops within the capital or in nearby cities. Prices range from 50.00Php to 2,000Php or more depending on the physical condition of the item but asking for a lower price is possible.

   I bought my games from Ebay or from our local online shops and sometimes trades from other video game collectors. Currently, I have 56 BEMANI music game software's from different consoles and I'm continuously adding more.





























(My BEMANI Softwares in different consoles)


   While I'm collecting video games software's, collecting controllers is simultaneously necessary to purchase in order to play it appropriately. For example, beatmania game needs a beatmania or beatmaniaIIDX controller, because using the consoles' standard controller will give difficult gameplay. Though, there are some music games that the console controller can be use, such as DDR and the 5 or 7 buttons mode of pop'n music. The most expensive controller that I bought are the Arcade Style Controllers. I made an entry about ASC on my previous post .Click here.

(My BEMANI controllers)


   Aside from collecting video game and it's controllers, I also collect it's merchandises. Such Artbooks, Soundtracks, Figures etc.. Some of them are complete and loose items.

(My BEMANI merchandises)

   Collecting these things is a guilty pleasure for me, that sometimes almost half of my salary is allotted for collecting. Despite of that, I really love collecting. (^^)V!


                                                       THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!