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Bandai Namco Games Reveals Mobile Idolm@ster App

Bandai Namco Games posted a promotional video on Wednesday for its upcoming The Idolm@ster Mobile i, an iOS app version of the original Japanese PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 game.

The game is geared toward the iPhone 4's iOS 5 operating system, and it will available for free to download at the end of March. The application will also feature paid downloadable content.

Like in past Idolm@ster games The Idolm@ster Mobile i primarily focuses on assuming the role of a talent agent in charge of training up-and-coming idols and scheduling live performances to reach the top of the music charts. The game will use a number of smartphone features to enhance player experience, such as posting game statuses on Twitter, using the device's camera to take pictures of the idols next to real-life background images, and programming each idol to announce the time. The game will also use the touchscreen feature to allow the player to "touch" the idols and receive a reaction.

The Japanese Nico Nico Douga video-streaming service had hinted on Monday that there would be a new title in the Idolm@ster franchise.

The Idolm@ster originated as a Japanese arcade game in 2005. In 2007, a re-imagined animated version of the game titled iDOLM@STER: XENOGLOSSIA ran for 26 episodes. Since then, a sequel game was released on the Xbox 360 and on the PlayStation 3 in 2011. A 17-minute OVA was bundled with the limited edition of the Xbox 360 game.

Last year, the 25-episode The IDOLM@STER television anime series aired from July-December. Crunchyroll streamed the series in various countries outside of Japan as it aired.

Update: Episode count corrected. Thanks, Kit-Tsukasa.

[Via 0takomu]