Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X Review

Grab your leeks and get ready to sing – Hatsune Miku is back. Hot on the heels of Project DIVA F and F 2nd, SEGA’s Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X brings another dose of its signature hardcore rhythm-based gameplay to the masses. Does Miku still have the magic touch, or is this title a little off-key?

Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X Review

The gameplay in Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA X is something that anybody can get behind. It may seem simple at first – press the corresponding buttons as they appear on the screen, and try not to mess up. However, things can get downright challenging with the inclusion of Technical Zones (which require you to clear a succession of notes), Rush Notes (which require a good deal of button mashing), and Chance Time events (which net prizes upon successful completion). Those playing on Easy or Normal will only have to deal with an average of two different button types per song, but the Hard and Extreme modes are downright relentless in the amount of button prompts it throws at you. Much like conquering a challenging boss in Dark Souls, completing one of these difficult songs is worthy of the highest accolades.

Tying everything together in Project DIVA X is its story mode, a first for the series. Your mission is to fill up a number of Cloud Prisms, each with its own unique style. How do you do that? Through the power song and dance, of course! Dubbed “Classic,” “Cool,” “Cute,” “Elegant,” and “Quirky,” each of these five Clouds has a different musical style it. Those visiting the “Cool” Cloud will be dancing to rock-based songs, while denizens of the “Quirky” Cloud will be moving along to Super Sentai jams. It adds a good amount of variety to the game’s 30+ track list, and will keep you humming and tapping until the very end.

However, this game has some serious legs. Successfully completing Chance Time events nets you a “Module,” which gives Miku and co. a new costume to dance around in. These Modules also net you a perk, and quite possibly the chance to net yourself more Voltage to recharge the Cloud Prisms. Herein lies the fun – there are more than 300 Modules to collect, with some being “rare” modules that come out once in a blue moon. Those looking to flesh out their wardrobe will no doubt enjoy min/maxing Miku’s outfits and accessories to get the best Modules and to come out on top.

There is also the chance to spend some time off the stage with Miku and her friends, giving them gifts and building their friendship meter (which helps you during songs). This mode is a bit more spartan compared to F and F 2nd, but it is a welcome addition nonetheless.

Fans of catchy music, arcade-based rhythm gameplay, or even good games should give Project DIVA X a go. This is one of those titles that will stick with you, in more ways than one. After all, how can you resist the siren call of a VOCALOID?