Hatsune Miku Returns to PSP

Hatsune Miku in the first Project Diva.

Hatsune Miku is all set to conquer arcades with Sega's new Project Diva Arcade coin-op. But the virtual idol's first steps into the gaming world were through Hatsune Miku Project Diva, a PSP rhythm game that saw release in July of last year. That game is getting a PSP sequel, and Famitsu has the first word.

Tentatively titled Hatsune Miku Project Diva 2nd, the new game has the same rhythm gameplay of its predecessor. Icons appear on the screen on top of a dancing Hatsune Miku, and you have to tap buttons corresponding to the icon in synch with the rhythm.

Sega is adding to the core rhythm gameplay. Some prompts will require that you press the button for longer periods. Other prompts will signal you to press multiple buttons together.

Tracks from the original will be returning for part 2. Even when playing the same music, though, the experience will be different thanks to the use of the new play mechanics.

New tracks are on the way as well. Songs introduced in Famitsu include "Romeo and Cinderella" from Doriko and "Magnet" from Minato. The former is particularly popular, having been played back over two million times on Nico Nico Video.

Included in the new tracks are "duet songs." These put two vocaloids on the screen together. They'll at times synch their moves, and at other times seem to be competing on the floor.

Joining the new music, Sega is also readying a bunch of new costumes for the game's "Module Convert" mode. Famitsu shows Little Red Riding Hood Miku, which comes complete with a little critter on her head, and Hatsune Miku in fancy white and eye-catching red dresses.

The sequel improves the "Edit Mode" of the original. You can now view the results of your edits in real time, allowing you to more easily see how Miku's motions and your button presses match the music. Those who created custom edit data in the original Hatsune Miku will be able to carry their data over into the sequel and reedit it.

User content could be a big point for the sequel. Famitsu reports that Sega is planning a tie-up with Piapro, a user content site that lets users upload music, illustrations, text and even 3D models. It's unclear at present how Sega plans to link up with the site.

Project Diva 2nd is currently 70% complete and is due for release on July 29.