Pop'n Music

"Konami's mistake."

A music game...very, very exciting. Actually, no. This is a complete childish rip-off to Beatmania. Why did Konami make this? Don't ask me, I'm a just reviewer.

Pop'n Music is a very colorful game. The gameplay is like Beatmania: the notes fall down and you must "hit" them in order to make the sounds play with the music. But there are 9 buttons you must hit, not 5. There is also a special controller you can purchase at your local import store so that the game can be a bit easier, but since it's only for this game, it'll be a waste of your money.

Another difference is the layout of the screen. Everything takes place in the center, not the sides, and you can pick characters so that they can dance to the music. I'm not sure if there is any storyline, because I don't speak Japanese. But the rest; Konami has once again given English translations.

There are also a variety of characters to choose from, each with their own unique type of songs. You can unlock secret characters by beating them. But that's about it you can unlock, unless there are secret levels, too.

Pop'n Music is a disgrace to the gaming industry. Yeah, I know it's for the little kids and all, but they should have done a better job on it. I've got nothing else too in-depth to say; here's the ratings:

GRAPHICS: Actually, there aren't any graphics in Pop'n Music, only flat, colorful 2-D pictures. It doesn't look too appealing to older gamers, so it'll probably won't sell as much as other games. 2/10

SOUND/MUSIC: I like Beatmania's music better. Pop'n Music's are too childish, and there are much more songs in Beatmania. 3/10 4/10

INNOVATION/CONCEPT: Play this game once, you may play it again. Play this game twice, and you might be sick. Play this game a third time, and you'll sell it. 4/10 2/10

PRESENTATION: All I have to say is to stick with Beatmania. Don't even make eye contact with this game, if you find it somewhere in America. 3/10

Reviewer's Score: 3/10, Originally Posted: 11/26/99, Updated 11/26/99