Looking back at Xbox 360's DDR UNIVERSE 2 & 3

A few days ago. I just received a copy of DDR UNIVERSE 2 & 3 for Xbox 360! This is my second time that I bought a DanceDanceRevolution game other than the Japanese releases. Unfortunately, finding a bundled with a dance pad is scarce.  Although, the two games can be played using an NTSC-J Xbox 360 console. 

DDR UNIVERSE 2 & 3 game cover art

 In terms of graphics, the DDR UNIVERSE3 is more refined than its predecessors. Prior to UNIVERSE3 looks like graphics and interface coming from the earlier ULTRAMIX's from the original Xbox. The only thing I hate about the UNIVERSE 3 is the random animations during gameplay is that they are so bright! Good thing that background animations can be turned off. 

Manual and CD art

In terms of songlist, DDR UNIVERSE3 has more new catchy songs available and more DLC! Unfortunately, the DLC are no longer available, as the game server for the game has ended.

A PlayStation dance pad found at the back cover art of DDR UNIVERSE 2

As for unlocking songs, the UNIVERSE 3 has the fastest and easiest to unlock songs, you can unlock it by clearing the BONUS STAGE and EXTRA STAGE in GAME MODE or the longer route, QUEST MODE.  Whereas, the UNIVERSE 2, you are forced to unlock through QUEST MODE.

I bought my first Android phone made for the Japanese market

 Last week, when I was searching in Facebook Marketplace for a back phone. I stumbled one seller who sells Japan marketed phones. He sells a variety of Android phones for the Japanese market.

Sharp Aquos sense 5G phone
 

I scored a Sharp Aquos sense 5G phone for 5,000PhP! The version I bought is for AU KDDI. This phone was a second hand unit and from the looks of the unit, it seems the original owner was very careful in handling this phone. Good thing that the seller sells unlocked phones, otherwise it be will unusable here in the Philippines. By the way this phone was released in Japan last 2021. 

Back side

According to the Sharp website, this phone has guaranteed two year software upgrade. Meaning they will support for this phone up to Android OS 13. For full specifications, please see this site.

DDR's only PlayStation 3 game!

A week before 2022 ends, I bought a used DanceDanceRevolution game for the PlayStation 3 from Facebook's Marketplace. The game I bought doesn't have a USB dance pad.  The game was released in 2010. Aside from the only DDR game for the PS3, this is also the only DDR game that has Downloadable content (DLC) as song packs. Unfortunately, my PS3 won't let me change PSN account. I notice from cover art, that this DDR game is not under Konami's BEMANI label. By the way, I bought this game for around 300.00PhP! 

DanceDanceRevolution (2010) cover art

The game has an initial 30 songs with 20 hidden songs. Unlocking songs is pretty straightforward, to unlock songs they must unlock it through the game's CLUB MODE. But filling up a bar in CLUB MODE, it unlocks a song. 

DDR 2010's Video manager

Another unique feature is to be able to record gameplays in game. The bad thing is, this is not available to license songs, only Konami Originals can record. 

It is sad that Konami didn't continue the game for the PS3 and this game was cancelled in Japan, although this was promoted prior to its cancellation. 

Chunithm sighted in QPS Rockwell!

 Last November 1, 2022, a national holiday in the Philippines, QPS Rockwell installed the first Chunithm in Metro Manila. This is the latest addition to the SEGA rhythm game arcade in the Philippines. Prior, Maimai is the only SEGA rhythm game available in the country.

Chunithm arcade machine

After its installation, an influx of avid gamers went to Rockwell Power Mall. After its boot, the version inside is NEW PLUS! The game costs 50.00PhP for three songs. As of writing, Chunithm is also available in Quantum SM Baguio according to the Chunithm international ver. page. 

QPS technicians doing their last checks

Hoping there will be more Chunithm locations nationwide. As one location with 2 machines will not suffice with a vast number of gamers. By the way, QPS Rockwell is now selling AiME cards again with amusement IC for only 300PhP!

Chunithm NEW PLUS!

Chunithm locations as of 13 November 2022.

Muji's first Cafe in the Philippines!

Facade of Muji BGC

A few weeks ago, I went to the Muji's first Cafe in the Philippines. The Cafe was located in BGC. Months prior, the Muji BGC was relocated to a bigger place, infront of the old Muji store. When Muji opened last June, the place was packed. Many Mujirers flocked to the store and experience the Cafe which Muji Japan was a stapled offering.

The Cafe section

When I visited the Cafe, the line was long and slow moving, it was a weekend by the way! It took me approximately 30 minutes to order and only one cashier was opened. The Cafe has very few seats and the seats are fully occupied. some people opted to take their orders out and some tried their luck waiting for someone to end their visit. 

onboard menu

Pastries almost gone!

Unfortunately, most of the pastries are sold out, so I ordered a Peach tea and Cinnamon Roll. Luckily, I was able to snagged a seat who left, when I was to take my order out. I finished my merienda in 20 minutes, so that customers will be able to use the seat after me. 

Peach tea and Cinnamon Roll

Muji should add seats as the available seating is very limited, around 20 guests can be accommodated. I would advise who wants to the Cafe must be early especially on weekends, as customers starts to pile up during after lunch. They should stock more food items especially on weekends. Lastly, an additional staff to take orders, one staff means long waiting time.

I am optimistic that Muji would bring their Cafe in other branches, most favorable if the Meal&Cafe.

BeForU albums from 2003 ~ 2006. (Photos)

BeForU, KI-SE-KI, and BeForU

BeForU tracklists.

KI-SE-KI's tracklist and new members.

Part of the KI-SE-KI is a DVD disc.

BeForU II has a protective cover art.

BeForU II tracklists.

Inside the BeForU II album is a sticker sheet.

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

DDR Japanese versions for Wii! (Photos)

Box art (HOTTEST PARTY ~ MUSIC FIT). For me, HOTTEST PARTY has good box design

Game front cover art (HOTTEST PARTY ~ MUSIC FIT)

Konami Official Controller dance pad for Nintendo Wii

DanceDanceRevolution titles written in katakana. BEMANI games are rated CERO A. On top of the FURUFURU PARTY box.

Wii LOVE  DANCE! Back box art from DDR HOTTEST PARTY

Music licenses featured in DDR MUSIC FIT

DDR HOTTEST PARTY coincides with BEMANI 10th Anniversary

Sharp's 20 inch LCD TV from 2009!

A few weeks ago, looking around from the stores, south of Manila. I stumbled a used TV surplus. They are selling unwanted TV from Japan. 

A Sharp Aquos LC-20D50 Television

While looking inside, I was enticed by this small monitor. I thought it was a monitor, but its a 20 inch Television produced by Sharp for the Japanese market. It's an Aquos product line produced back in 2009. As every Japanese knows, the Aquos line of TV's was designed by renowned Japanese designer, Toshiyuki Kita. Aside from the 20 inch the store also sells a 32' and 40' inch Aquos TV and CRT's from other brands.

Inputs at the back

Inputs at the side

By the checking the TV, I was shocked that it has a lot of inputs, 3 HDMI ports, an S-Video, D-Video,  a LAN port, an RCA, and VGA for PC. It also has a B-CAS card slot for Digital TV for Japanese broadcast.

Produced in 2009

I know it's an old TV and scuffs are very prominent all over the body, but still works! I chose this TV because its minimalist design and size and variety of inputs. Right now,  I am using it for gaming and as a second screen for my laptop. By the way, I bought it for only 2,000PhP without the remote!

B-CAS slot with B-CAS card

For more information about the product I bought (in Japanese), please click the link.

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 

Sukiya's first Philippine store

Sukiya's first store in the Philippines. Opened last November 2021 in Glorietta 2 Mall in Makati City. It offers Gyudon as its main dish. Price range is affordable and the ambiance is somewhat similar to stores in Japan. Unfortunately, I wasn't able take photos inside as many customers are coming in for Lunch. It seems that Yoshinoya will have a new challenger for Gyudon rice bowl in the Philippines.

Please check their Facebook page for more information.

Sukiya's facade

Store menu

A high table in Sukiya. Good thing that they adopted the call button.

I ordered a Large Yakiniku bowl with fries and Miso soup with drink.

Wallet damage: minimal

Take Out menu

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.