User:Reconrabbit/Sound Voltex

Sound Voltex (サウンド ボルテックス) is a series of music games developed and published by Konami. The first release of the game, Sound Voltex Booth, was tested in various cities in Japan from August 26, 2011 until September 19, 2011. It was then released on January 18, 2012. Since then, 5 sequels have been released, with the latest version, Exceed Gear, being the first to release in North American territories.

The gameplay follows the formula of several other arcade and mobile rhythm games such as Beatmania IIDX and Arcaea, requiring the player to press buttons corresponding to objects approaching the bottom of the screen from the end of a simulated corridor. The game is likened to Beatmania in that the control scheme is intended to simulate performing as a DJ; rather than using a disc, Sound Voltex includes two control knobs to interact with "laser" notes, reminiscent of music sequencer hardware.

Controls
Various objects, otherwise known as notes, come towards the player on the course lane, which consists of 6 columns with rails. The player is required to input corresponding commands when the object reaches the Critical Line at the bottom of the screen. The command required will differ, depending on the objects. Four white buttons in the middle of the controller are used to hit the white notes. Two additional types of input are also required: two black buttons beneath the main four buttons, and two knobs on the top right and left corners. The black buttons (known as FX buttons) are used to hit the orange notes (FX notes). These not only add an extra layer of difficulty, but also add effects to the song, similar to that of a DJ mixed song. The knobs are used to control blue and pink lasers on the screen; the player simply turns the knobs in the direction of the corresponding laser. The left knob controls a blue laser, and the right knob controls a pink laser. The laser colors can be changed by the player (chosen between pink, blue, green and yellow) but a warning will always appear on the corresponding side of the screen a short time before a laser starts, with a white "L" or "R" on a background color corresponding to that of the laser, to indicate which knob the player should turn. A blue button on the top of the controller acts as the "Start" button, also being used as an "Okay" button of sorts. On the arcade cabinet, holding the start button whilst turning the right knob will change the lane speed. Lane speed is the speed of which the notes go down (this is as of Exceed Gear, older versions may require a different command).

Judgment
As the player hits the objects, a judgment is received–from highest to lowest: S-Critical (Valkyrie Model only), Critical, Near, and Error–depending on the timing of hitting the objects. Getting S-Critical and Critical fills the rate gauge, while Error depletes it. From SDVX II onward, Near also fills the gauge, but fills 1/4 of the amount compared to S-Critical or Critical. The player is required to fill the rate gauge to at least 70% full by the time the stage ends to clear it, otherwise the play session will be over. Several alternative modes change the rate gauge rules, such as starting at 100% and failing the stage or reverting to the normal system if the gauge is depleted.

Skill Analyzer
Skill Analyzer is a mode added in SDVX II which can let the player test their skill level through playing a predetermined course of 3 consecutive songs. Each course increases in difficulty depending on the skill level, and each skill level has 3 different courses for the player to select.

As of SDVX VI, there are 12 skill levels. Each level is named after colors, from Lv. 01 Bronze (岳翔) to Lv. ∞ Purple (暴龍天).

Completing a course in Skill Analyzer mode will provide the player with a banner indicating their skill level, which is shown on login and during gameplay provided that they use the same e-Amusement card or account.

History
On February 17, 2021, a new cabinet known as the Valkyrie Model was distributed to coincide with the release of Exceed Gear. The new cabinet included new features, such as a touchscreen and improved framerate.

Sound Voltex has seen a limited release in arcades outside of Japan. An official North American release of Exceed Gear, which included distribution of the Valkyrie Model cabinet, released on June 30, 2022.

On October 4, 2017, Sound Voltex III: Gravity Wars was released for Windows 10. As of late 2021, the game has been directly updated to Exceed Gear.

Mobile version
In 2019, three mobile games were announced by Konami during the Japan Amusement Expo, representing three Bemani series: Beatmania IIDX, Dance Dance Revolution, and Sound Voltex. Only Beatmania IIDX Ultimate Mobile was released to the public, with Sound Voltex and Dance Dance Revolution Ultimate Mobile being cancelled shortly after location tests.

Music
'Sound Voltexs music is mainly produced by independent artists; most of the artists are Vocaloid producers. Song jackets are also created by independent artists, and some songs may have different jackets for different difficulties, as in EZ2DJ.''

Sound Voltex Floor
Sound Voltex Floor is a series of contests where players compete to make audio or visual content for inclusion in Sound Voltex Booth. Contests being held include making original songs, remixing a Bemani song, designing a CD jacket, and designing an Appeal Card. The participants that are allowed to compete are Japanese, Asian or Korean residents. New contests are announced periodically, each with their own theme.

Sound Voltex has two different parts that relate to each other: Sound Voltex Booth and Sound Voltex Floor. Sound Voltex Booth is the main game, while Sound Voltex Floor is a system where in game content is created by Japanese artists and musicians. Content chosen from Sound Voltex Floor will be inserted into Sound Voltex Booth and become available in the game. An optional Generator Real Model can be installed on a cabinet to allow it to print cards.

Hardware
The specifications of SOUND VOLTEX BOOTH are listed below. SOUND VOLTEX Vivid Wave replaces this hardware per BEMANI PC Type 7.
 * CPU: Intel Celeron M 440 1.86 GHz
 * GPU: ATI Radeon HD 2400
 * RAM: DDR2 533 2GB Dual Channel
 * DISK: Intel SSD 320 Series 80GB SSDSA2CW080G3
 * OS: KONAMI Windows XP Embedded System ver6.13
 * Display: Runs in 720 x 1280
 * BIOS: Phoenix AwardBIOS