SOUND VOLTEX Information: Difference between revisions

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SOUND VOLTEX is one of the most recent series of BEMANI music games, and the first one to utilize the [[eAMUSEMENT]] Participation system.<br>
SOUND VOLTEX is one of the most recent series of BEMANI music games, and the first one to utilize the [[eAMUSEMENT]] Participation system.<br>
Sound director of the SOUND VOLTEX series is [[Hidenori Kotera|Cody]]. [[Yoshitaka Nishimura|DJ YOSHITAKA]] serves as the head producer.<br>  
Sound director of the SOUND VOLTEX series is [[Hidenori Kotera|Cody]]. [[Yoshitaka Nishimura|DJ YOSHITAKA]] serves as the head producer.<br>  
[[Sota Fujimori]] provides all of the games' background musics (in SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS, under his Expander alias).
[[Sota Fujimori]] provides all of the games' background musics.


What makes SOUND VOLTEX different from the other game series is that regular BEMANI artists (either KONAMI in-house or commissioned ones) aren't involved in the song list, with a few exceptions. It, instead, involves artists renowned in the doujin and beatmania simulation scene, plus licensed [[EXIT TUNES]] songs and ''Touhou Project'' arrangements. There are also remixes of original KONAMI songs.<br>
What makes SOUND VOLTEX different from the other game series is that regular BEMANI artists (either KONAMI in-house or commissioned ones) aren't involved in the song list, with a few exceptions. It, instead, involves artists renowned in the doujin and beatmania simulation scene, plus licensed [[EXIT TUNES]] songs and ''Touhou Project'' arrangements. There are also remixes of original KONAMI songs.<br>
While at first the song list mostly consisted of original songs or licenses involving VOCALOID, later in the life-cycle of the first game the artist selection greatly expanded thanks to what it is supposed to be the most important part of the series - the FLOOR section.
While at first the song list mostly consisted of original songs or licenses involving VOCALOID, later in the life-cycle of the first game the artist selection greatly expanded thanks to what it is supposed to be the most important part of the series - the FLOOR section.


''SOUND VOLTEX FLOOR'' refers to the group of competitions posted in the website where Japan-based artists can participate, with a chance of their songs or remixes appearing in the games. Music contests have their own themes and rules, such as remixing a selection of an artist's songs or using synthesized vocals. There are also contests related to designing jackets for brand-new songs or to replace pre-existing ones in the game.<br>
''SOUND VOLTEX FLOOR'' refers to the group of competitions posted in its website where Japan-based artists can participate in, with a chance of their songs or remixes appearing in the games. Music contests have their own themes and rules, such as remixing a selection of an artist's songs or using synthesized vocals. There are also contests related to designing jackets for brand-new songs or to replace pre-existing ones in the game.<br>
Thanks to the FLOOR contests (and also to the presence of Touhou arrangements), the game quickly gained a lot of success, prompting the production team to focus as much as possible on these in the future. Also, contest winners may have a way to get involved in other BEMANI games (most notably, 5 of the 7 [[beatnation Records|beatnation RHYZE]] members debuted in BEMANI via SOUND VOLTEX FLOOR).
Thanks to the FLOOR contests (and also to the presence of Touhou arrangements), the game quickly gained a lot of success, prompting the production team to focus as much as possible on these in the future. Also, contest winners may have a way to get involved in other BEMANI games (most notably, 5 of the 7 [[beatnation Records|beatnation RHYZE]] members debuted in BEMANI via SOUND VOLTEX FLOOR).


From April 16th, 2015 to May 15th, 2015, the first SOUND VOLTEX FLOOR contests (for original songs and appeal cards) exclusive to the rest of Asia took place.
From April 16th, 2015 to May 15th, 2015, the first SOUND VOLTEX FLOOR contests (for original songs and appeal cards) exclusive to the rest of Asia were held. However, delays in communication between KONAMI, Korean distributor UNIANA and participating artists have resulted in the songs not being added to the game more than a year after it ended. Only as of May 27th, 2016, were all winning artists have been notified.


As seen in SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection-, new games of the series are released as huge online updates.
As seen in SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection-, new games of the series are released as huge online updates.


Unlike other BEMANI games, regular soundtracks aren't released for the SOUND VOLTEX series. The only albums released/announced so far are:
Unlike other BEMANI games, regular soundtracks aren't released for the SOUND VOLTEX series. The only official albums released so far are:
* ''SOUND VOLTEX ULTIMATE TRACKS - 東方紅魔郷REMIX -'', released on July 30th, 2014. It was also released early on May 11th, 2014 at the ''Reitaisai 11'' doujin event. It contains all the songs from the [http://p.eagate.573.jp/game/sdvx/sv/p/floor/remix/04/index.html Touhou Project EOSD Remix Contest].
* ''SOUND VOLTEX ULTIMATE TRACKS - 東方紅魔郷REMIX -'', released on July 30th, 2014. It was also released early on May 11th, 2014 at the ''Reitaisai 11'' doujin event. It contains all the songs from the [http://p.eagate.573.jp/game/sdvx/sv/p/floor/remix/04/index.html Touhou Project EOSD Remix Contest].
* ''SOUND VOLTEX ULTIMATE TRACKS -LEGEND OF KAC-'', released on March 4th, 2015. It contains songs from the first two [[KONAMI Arcade Championship]] contests.
* ''SOUND VOLTEX ULTIMATE TRACKS -LEGEND OF KAC-'', released on March 4th, 2015. It contains songs from the first two [[KONAMI Arcade Championship]] contests.
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The game interface has 4 SHORT BT note lanes, and 2 LONG FX note lanes that each occupy 2 SHORT note lanes. SHORT notes are white, while LONG notes are yellow/orange.<br>
The game interface has 4 SHORT BT note lanes, and 2 LONG FX note lanes that each occupy 2 SHORT note lanes. SHORT notes are white, while LONG notes are yellow/orange.<br>
In addition to the standard SHORT and LONG buttons, SOUND VOLTEX also has 2 analog dials, one on each side. When a blue trail (left side) and/or a pink trail (right side) appears, you have to turn the respective dial(s) to "follow" the trail(s). These are known as ANALOG CHAINS.<br>
In addition to the standard SHORT and LONG buttons, SOUND VOLTEX also has 2 analog dials, one on each side. When a blue trail (left side) and/or a pink trail (right side) appears, you have to turn the respective dial(s) to "follow" the trail(s). These are known as ANALOG CHAINS.<br>
The effects in the songs are game-related and are caused by LONG notes (distortion effects) and ANALOG CHAINS (woosh effects).
The effects in the songs are game-related and are caused by LONG FX notes (distortion effects) and ANALOG CHAINS (woosh effects).


Since SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection-, new gameplay mechanics have been introduced:
SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection- introduced the following gameplay mechanics:
* SHORT note lanes can now have hold notes, known as LONG BT notes.
* SHORT note lanes can now have hold notes, known as LONG BT notes.
* LONG note lanes can now have short notes, known as CHIP FX notes.
* LONG note lanes can now have short notes, known as CHIP FX notes.
* The HARD-gauge style EXCESSIVE RATE is added.
* The HARD-gauge style EXCESSIVE RATE is added. Drop to 0% and the stage fails immediately.
* The INFINITE BLASTER unlock system/folder is added. This folder is only available if the BLASTER ENERGY gauge is at 100%. It unlocks most INFINITE and GRAVITY charts. Using the EXCESSIVE RATE gauge charges the BLASTER GAUGE by 6.67% a stage (15 plays will fill it).


In order to clear a song, your EFFECTIVE RATE must be 70% or higher (or if using EXCESSIVE RATE, never let the rate drop to zero). This does not affect charts rated Level 7 or below, however, as you will automatically be saved.
SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS added even more mechanics:
* Any combination of the BT and FX notes is now possible.
* ANALOG CHAINS may start from anywhere and go in any direction, and also extend beyond the chart lane.
* New charts may include zooming and moving of the chart lane.
* Colors of the ANALOG CHAINS can now be changed. Two new colors are also available: yellow and green.
* Hi-SPEED values can be tuned to an exact BPM value. They can also be stored for easy Hi-SPEED changing.
* EARLY/LATE indicators for NEARs can be shown in-game. They have 4 possible positions: LOWER, STANDARD (default), UPPER, and UPPER+.
* Timing can be adjusted to be earlier or later by pressing 3 or 9 on the keypad, respectively. Values range from -8 to +8.
* The ALTERNATIVE RATE SYSTEM (ARS) is added. This gauge starts with and EXCEESSIVE RATE gauge, but when depleted (a TRACK CRASH normally), it will be switched to a EFFECTIVE RATE, at a level as if it were active. It is only available in GENERATOR START.
 
In order to clear a song, your EFFECTIVE RATE must be 70% or higher (for all other gauges, never let the rate drop to zero). This does not affect charts rated Level 7 or below, however, as you will automatically be saved.
 
= Modes =
Initially, SOUND VOLTEX BOOTH only had two modes: ONLINE and FRIEND. SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection- added SKILL ANALYZER mode, and split all its modes to credit and [[PASELI]]/premium sub-modes when KONAMI further integrated PASELI into all its eAUMSEMENT games. SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS, upon the launch of its SOUND VOLTEX GENERATOR -REAL MODEL-, added new GENERATOR-exclusive modes.
 
The game currently has the following modes:
: '''ONLINE''' (normal single player mode)
:* LIGHT START
::: Up to 3 stages. Normal gameplay; the game is over when a song is failed. Song level selection is limited by the player's current Skill Level in SKILL ANALYZER.
:* STANDARD START
::: At least 2 stages, up to 3. Same as LIGHT START, but offers a save for one stage, and has no level limit. The BLASTER ENERGY gauge also increases by an additional 1.33% per stage.
:* BLASTER START
::: 2 stages guaranteed. Accesses only the INFINITE BLASTER folder without having to fill the BLASTER ENERGY gauge.
:* GENERATOR LIGHT START
::: Up to 3 stages. Same as LIGHT START, and prints one Genesis Card. Only on machines with a GENERATOR.
:* GENERATOR START
::: 3 stages guaranteed. Same as STANDARD START. ARS is available, and prints 1-5 Genesis card(s). Only on machines with a GENRATOR.
: '''FRIEND''' (local matching, 2-4 players)
:* LIGHT START
:* STANDARD START
:* GENERATOR LIGHT START
:* GENERATOR START
: '''SKILL ANALYZER''' (single player ranked mode)
: SKILL ANALYZER offers various 3-stage courses, not limited to rank classification ones.
:* LIGHT START
:* STANDARD START
::: BLASTER ENERGY gauge increases by 3.33% per stage played.


= Difficulty =
= Difficulty =
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Difficulty ranges from 1 (the easiest) to 16 (the hardest).  
Difficulty ranges from 1 (the easiest) to 16 (the hardest).  


As a major note, newly added songs (except for a few original songs) have the NOVICE chart always available by default. The other difficulty charts, most of the time, must be bought from the SDVX Station.
As a major note, newly added songs (except for original songs) have the NOVICE chart always available by default. The other difficulty charts, most of the time, must be bought from the SDVX Station or unlocked through MISSION.


= Scoring =
= Scoring =
All notes are judged as CRITICAL (perfect), NEAR (good), or ERROR (miss). The maximum score in each stage or TRACK is 10,000,000 (10 million).<br>
All notes are judged as CRITICAL (perfect), NEAR (good), or ERROR (miss). The maximum score in each stage or TRACK is 10,000,000 (10 million).<br>
A chart can be rated from D (lowest) to AAA (highest).<br>
A chart can be rated from D (lowest) to AAA (highest).<br>
If a player hits all notes (i.e. a full combo), it is an ULTIMATE CHAIN. If he/she hits all notes with a CRITICAL rating, it is a PERFECT (formerly PERFECT ULTIMATE CHAIN).
If a player hits all notes (i.e. a full combo), it is an ULTIMATE CHAIN (UC). If he/she hits all notes with a CRITICAL rating, it is a PERFECT (formerly PERFECT ULTIMATE CHAIN, or PUC).


Fulfiling play conditions, like achieving an ULTIMATE CHAIN or an AA rank, can be requirements for buying certain charts for songs.
Fulfiling specific play conditions, like achieving an ULTIMATE CHAIN or an AA rank, can be requirements for buying certain charts for songs.


= SDVX Station =
= SDVX Station =
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= Trivia =
= Trivia =
* A game size re-arrangement of the system BGM of SOUND VOLTEX BOOTH, titled [[VOLTEXES]], appears in [[REFLEC BEAT limelight]].
* A game size re-arrangement of the system BGM of SOUND VOLTEX BOOTH, titled [[VOLTEXES]], appears in [[REFLEC BEAT limelight]]. Similarly for SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection-, its system BGM, titled [[VOLTEXES II]], appears in [[REFLEC BEAT groovin'!!]].
* A game size re-arrangement of the system BGM of SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection-, titled [[VOLTEXES II]], appears in [[REFLEC BEAT groovin'!!]].
* The BGM of SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS, titled ''VOLTEX III'', was played at the ''EXIT TUNES DANCE PARTY ~beatnation RHYZE music council~'' by Sota Fujimori during his Expander act.
* The BGM of SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS, titled ''VOLTEX III'', was played at the ''EXIT TUNES DANCE PARTY ~beatnation RHYZE music council~'' by Sota Fujimori during his Expander act.
** It was later added to SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS as [[VOLTEXES III]], though is credited to his real name instead of Expander.
** It was later added to SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS as [[VOLTEXES III]], although it is credited to his real name instead.
* SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection- is the first full BEMANI game to be released as an online update.
* SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection- is the first full BEMANI game to be released as an online update.
* SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection- is the first BEMANI game to have a location test in a doujin-related event (Reitaisai 10).
* SOUND VOLTEX II -infinite infection- is the first BEMANI game to have a location test in a doujin-related event (Reitaisai 10).
* The SOUND VOLTEX series had no removals until SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS, with [[Cyber thunder cider|サイバーサンダーサイダー]] being removed on June 1st, 2016.
* The SOUND VOLTEX series had no removals until SOUND VOLTEX III GRAVITY WARS, with [[Cyber thunder cider|サイバーサンダーサイダー]] being removed on June 1st, 2016, due to its expired license.


= External Links =
= External Links =
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