Oreimo Happy End for PS3 – the 3d models are fugly

Oreimo Happy End is an upcoming idol raising simulation game for the PS3. Since the last time I posted on this, they’ve released two promo videos, some more images, and more info on how the SNS and photo snapping system works.

The 3d models are still crap!
You really have to see the PV3 to see how the models work. They’re probably a little bit worse than Photo Kano and Love Plus. They look like the 2-Shot system you see on the PSP games, their heads and body continue to pointlessly wander about for no reason, almost no motion-capture, except now it’s HD… which is even worse, because there’s no detail to it. The faces and bodies are just “plasticy”.

Perhaps I am spoilt on the Live2D system with its amazing detail. (although that’s different because it’s turning 2D drawings into 3D). But back in 2008, I thought Valkyria Chronicles did the 3d models great! The gradients and textures were detailed enough so as not to be awkward. I really wish they could have given us something at that calibre. (Or better still, don’t make a 3D game… not that the 2d was even any good in the PSP game.)

But until they give us a full video of an entire photo shoot session, it’s hard to judge perfectly. If they did that, they will probably lose sales.

Photo Shoot Sessions
Even though it’s idol produce, they’ve not said anything about singing in this. It’s just photo shoots. It’s similar to Photo Kano, the characters pose and you have to find the right angle to snap them. And depending on how well you shot the picture, you get a rating like Critical or NG or Pose and before the time runs out. The best pictures you take gets uploaded to the SNS for appraisal. There is a bonus mode where you take “rare” shots that are more “daring”.

SNS
Each of the girls (Kirino, Kuroneko, Ayase, Jimikko, Kanako) have an official site where you talk to them and make responses. And depending on your responses (called tsukkomi), you raise the girls in one of three parameters. For example Kirino has an otaku meter, an imouto meter, and a education meter. ^ that’s from the official site. at a particular line, you are given an option and then the dialogue changes depending on the option.

^ And occasionally the characters invite you out for something special. Like a date.

More Screenshots
^ The only good thing is there will be new 2D drawings by the anime studio. (yay?)
Also for the limited edition, they’re going to take all the “CG” art from the PSP games and give them to you in HD for this release. So at least hackers can rip them out and paste them all over the internet.

This is everything you get for 10,980 yen limited edition.  There’s a Special track CD, a small booklet, a box with different art, the game, and a special blu-ray.