Nearly 20 years after the debut of the first title in THE iDOLM@STER franchise across arcades in Japan, the series returns to its roots with a new dedicated rhythm game cabinet released today. This new game, titled THE iDOLM@STER TOURS was first seen last year at a series of location tests and has seen some tweaks and updates since that time with some changes to the control panel and more streamlined gameplay interface.

The rhythm based gameplay will be familiar to anyone who is already avidly into the genre, where iDOLM@STER TOURS shakes things up is in its collectible card-based customization system. Each time you play the game you get one new card at random from a variety of categories including stage costumes, accessories, and support cards which can be scanned for use during game play. The game itself is a standard lane-oriented rhythm game with 5 buttons and 5 sliders which players must hit or activate in time with the music.

Additionally, for a limited time special Banapass cards featuring 15 different designs based on the game will be made for sale which players can use to save their profile and game data via the Banapass network service.

The game is available to play now at locations across Japan. A complete list of locations can be found on the official iDOLM@STER TOURS website.