Game Name: Aikatsu! Cinderella Lesson (アイカツ! シンデレラレッスン)
Developer/Publisher: Bandai Namco Games
Release: November 15, 2012
Genre: Rhythm/JRPG
Does it have lots of text?
Yes, 100%. There are aspects that are definitely similar to being a visual novel, so not being able to play it translated in English is really missing a lot of the "story" and these aspects of the games.
Why I don't think this will come out in the West?
It has been almost 10 years since it's release, and Aikatsu is so incredibly niche that even the 400+ episode anime has not gotten an official English translation. This, and also the fact that the Aikatsu games are extremely girly games. These kinds of games are unfortunately seldom translated.
What is it about?
It's a rhythm JRPG based around the concept of being an Idol, and doing Aikatsu! (aidoru katsudou, or idol activites). You get to make your own idol insert for the game and play as her.
The main game is a rhythm game, but it also has a lot of cute mini games such as decorating nails, putting makeup on idols, playing piano, etc. You get to become friends with beloved anime idols (like Ichigo Hoshimiya) and do idol activities with them, which to me just fills my inner child!
There's a really cool aspect of the game where you use "Aikatsu Cards", and they actually exist in real life. You can scan them into your game, and actually have your character wear the outfits that are on the cards! It's pretty laid back, but honestly.. I may be biased, but this stupid little game is actually a lot of fun and I really enjoy it.
Popularity in Japan:
While I can't speak specifically for
this game, Idol anime and games have increasingly grown in popularity in Japan, including Aikatsu. Aikatsu has had several anime series, one of them running from about 2012-2016. There have also been several movies for those series. In fact, a new Aikatsu movie just released in July this year! There is an incredible amount of different medias for it, including Manga, 3DS games, Arcade machines, Aikatsu cards, etc. Over the years there have even been Aikatsu themed pop-up cafes/or food items in restaurants. It's a shame that it's not more popular in the US.
Screenshots:
Videos:
Why I think it needs to be translated?
I personally believe that a lot of the super girly kids games are slowly dying out, not only becoming harder to find but almost not even existing in English spaces. I have done a lot of research and I am yet to find a single English guide for
any of the Aikatsu games. I started watching Aikatsu when I was about 12-13, and have essentially grown up with it. It's a very passionate love for me..
There is a certain mini-game that is essentially a quiz, and unfortunately is TIMED. This one is excruciating/almost impossible to play without an English translation because you can't read what the question or answers are, and there is not enough time to look through a dictionary or use a translator. Luckily it IS a kids game so it uses very simple language/not much kanji
(and most kanji have furigana attached), but someone who has no knowledge/very very little knowledge of Japanese most likely won't be able to get past some parts.
I want to share these games with the world!
What I can do to help:
I am not extremely well versed with game design/or coding, but if there are any still images/PNGs I can definitely help with any editing or art that needs to be done! I am not well enough versed in Japanese to be able to translate >w<z
Thank you, I am excited just thinking about the idea of this getting translated!! I have ROMs for the Aikatsu games as well as a physical copy with a Japanese 3DS hahah I just love them so much