Idol Archaelogy: “Idol Game” Excavated

Here we uncover the secrets of lost idols, with a look at the early history of Idol Master, known in those ancient times as “Idol Game”, and discover that not only have there been some interesting changes, but also that several idols were lost along the way…

The original arcade machines debuted in 2002, and the art, graphics and style of the machines now seem positively old fashioned, although perhaps they have aged better than most. Nice to see the “No Pictures” sign being obeyed even in that distant time.

One of the first introductions of the idol lineup. Note the title is given as “Idol Game (provisional)”.

Takane and Hibiki here did not make the cut, but were revived for a jolly April Fools jape in 2005 as the two new characters. It is not clear if the bios used here are their original ones.

Takane was to have been a sophisticated quarter-European daughter of a company head, proficient in German and the piano.

Hibiki was to have been a genki and vivacious child of the southern isles, an Okinawan of bright and active disposition.

Familiar? Apparently the two were fused into the character of Miki in some unspeakable process.

For comparison, here is a nice image of the idols in their eventual and current incarnation:

Essentially the same, but with a more rounded and finished illustrative style.

And six years after the original, we have the latest idols, soon to debut:

The good source.