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Hatsune Miku fans everywhere have had a reason to rejoice with the recent release of Project Diva f for Playstation 3. But now is the time for even more excitement as Sega has surpisingly shown an interest in expanding the fanbase even wider with a possible western debut. Vocaloid enthusiasts are ready to unite and show their love on the Facebook page where Sega is gauging interest for this potential release. For those not familar with the virtual pop idols, don't ignore this just yet! I'm here to convince you that this rhythm game series may be just for you.

How could you resist that face?

But wait, who is this Hatsune Miku character and what is a Vocaloid? Well to quickly summarize, Vocaloid is a voice synthesizing software developed by Yamaha. This has introduced an innovative opportunity for musicians and song writers, giving them the ability to add a voice to their music without needing an actual singer. This technology has been embraced in Japan with the help of super cute and instantly lovable anime characters representing each different voice of Vocaloid. Of course, the true appeal of Vocaloid is the hundreds of songs and music videos that populate Youtube and NicoNico have been created by a huge variety of different artists despite featuring the same animated pop stars. Because of this there is no lack of creativity and there's a little something for everyone.

Now that you have been somewhat educated on Vocaloid I will be talking about my experience with Project Diva f for Vita. It's nearly identical to the PS3 release with the exception of lacking the six new playable tracks and unlockable costumes. Even with my measly 32 songs I have been playing PDf since its release last year in August and still can't seem to break myself away from it. Maybe I am too deeply captivated by the adorableness of Hatsune Miku and need professional help. Or it could just be that this game is too much fun. The Project Diva series isn't only successful because of its cast of characters and fan service. This is a truly solid rhythm game that is nearly impossible not to become addicted to. Luckily Project Diva f polishes the usual formula and delivers in bringing the best button tapping experience yet.

This tends to happen when you're sucked into the world of Vocaloid.

Gameplay is simple and very self explanatory. Button commands will zoom across any direction of the screen and it's your job to press those buttons on time along with the tempo of the music. It's one of those games that anyone can pick up an play and is instantly accessible. Don't get the idea that this will be too easy though, the unlockable Hard and Extreme modes will be quite the workout for your thumbs and I admit that I can only successfuly clear a handful of songs on the latter difficulty. I also commend anyone who has not been distracted by the wonderfully animated music videos, which are always beautiful and colorful, and sometimes a little bizarre. Each song is successfully brought to life with the help of these amusing PVs. 

The Dreamcast lives on in Project Diva.

While mastering the tougher difficulties adds some replayability, what really gives a rhythm game unlimited appeal is the music selection. I can say with confidence that Project Diva f delivers in this area with flying colors. While there are fewer instantly recognizable hits as there were in past Project Diva entries, none of these songs are recycled from the other games and I feel this is the best setlist as a whole. There's a great variety ranging from the quirky Remote Control to the rocking Unhappy Refrain and electronic pop beats of Weekender Girl. I had actually never heard of any of these songs before Project Diva f but quickly bought them all from iTunes after enjoying them that much. Honestly, there are very few songs that I have no desire to go back and play (I'm looking at you, horrible nyan cat song).

It's okay, Miku. We've all had those rough nights we regret the next morning.

Other than the awesome rhythm game there are quite a few extra features such as unlockable costumes earned from in-game currency called Diva Points and even an edit mode in which you can meticulously choreograph your own music videos. There's also the inclusion of the rather odd Diva Room where the only goal is to interact with and befriend the Vocaloids. You can buy them gifts and unlock events if they love what you chose for them and they'll beg to play some rock paper scissors (just don't play with Kaito, I'm fairly certain he cheats). Then you can just watch them sit around and sleep or gain their approval by rubbing their heads. I find this addition a little strange but I suppose there are people out there who enjoy keeping anime characters as their virtual pets. I confess that unlocking new furniture and having the freedom to decorate their rooms however I see fit is atleast a little entertaining.

Basically, I REALLY love this game. I never see myself growing tired of it and I think if more people gave it a try it would be widely accepted for its charm and simple fun. So if rhythm games, quirky japanese music and cute virtual divas shaking their behinds captures your interest, head over to the Sega Facebook page and show your support. And if it turns out that Sega is just a huge tease or not enough people show interest in this title there's nothing but a higher price to keep you from importing Project Diva f. There is no language barrier to worry about since this is a rhythm game that requires no reading and the only struggle will be initially fumbling through the main menu (with the exception of edit mode, that would be quite an adventure with no Japanese knowledge). For now, let's keep our fingers crossed for a much more convenient and inexpensive western release!