Yep, we may hear something good about Square Enix' Final Fantasy XIII soon. According to the latest issue of Famitsu (which also has a nice feature on Idolm@ster's sequel), the Japanese magazine will have new FFXIII info come January 25. It didn't say if we can expect any release dates or a heads up on how far Squeenix is in development, but we're still excited. Head over to the full article for more details.

The last time that we heard anything about The IdolM@ster for the Xbox 360, it was off draining MS Points all over Japan. Now, it seems that it's draining every otaku's real-life wallet as well, and for concert tickets, no less! It's no joke, as last April 1, THE IDOLM@STER ALL STAR LIVE 2007 was staged at the Zepp in Tokyo. With each ticket costing ¥6000 each (about US$ 50), the standing-room-only event area was filled with fans of the Bandai Namco game and the voice actresses themselves.

The concert featured the voice actresses for each of the characters who are found in the Xbox 360 version of the game, who then obliged the audience with songs from the game, as well as several short voice drama skits.

So...if the Macross ladies Lynn Minmei and Sharon Apple announced a concert somewhere near you, would you shell out fifty bucks for it, too?

More photos from the concert, after the jump!

Now, we're often on the look-out for new and interesting downloads that are available on the Xbox Marketplace, and we're rather used to hearing about new maps, skins, themes, icons, picture packs, and so on. However, we have to admit that even though the Japanese sim The IdolMaster isn't exactly on the same field as the likes of Gears of War, the downloadable goodies for this game that Namco Bandai has made available, may be some of the more "interesting" ones we've seen so far.

As shown by the Japanese IdolMaster site, logging in to XBLM Japan will allow you to download additional items for your fledgling pop idol of choice. However, we just have to warn you that with the range of items available, we're hoping that you're not planning to turn all of your girls into superstars, as this game may just sap your Miscrosoft Points dry if that's the case.

Among the things that can be downloaded would be the requisite theme pack which goes for 150 MS Points. Then, there's the belts, shoes, and Valentine's chocolates which sell for 200 to 250 MS Points and are supposed to boost some of your starlet's stats. And then, there's the outfits... oh, boy. At 500 MS Points each, you could dress up your idol in ensembles which also raise their stats in either singing, dancing, or just looking good.

The last item on the list makes all the other items pale in comparison, though. For a whopping 1000 MS Points, you can purchase the Holy Grail of Japanese kink, the Japanese school uniform.

'Nuff said.

Morning Musume, Aya Matsuura and Mai Kuraki are just a few of the most promising teen idols in the Japanese entertainment industry today. Selling records, gracing the covers of magazines, and appearing on television shows are the norm for these young divas. Can you just imagine holding their stardom's fate in the palm of your hands?

The Idolmaster lets you manage one of these JPop hopefuls. Yes, ladies (and gents), you're going to raise your own Japanese popstar. Give them lessons in singing, dancing, diction, acting and posing for the paparazzi.

When it goes out on sale on January 25, 2007, the limited edition box set will include 11 figure skating characters, a stage set up, a photobook, an "Idolmaster" special DVD, and an Xbox 360 original faceplate. It's what Paris Hilton might refer to as super gourgeousness of a box set.

   

To those who have always wanted to be a Japanese pop star...well, we're not exactly saying that you'll turn into one, but this is, however, your chance to manage one of the many girls of The Idolmaster and turn her into a superstar. Make sure she makes it to rehearsals, memorize songs, make her dance and make TV appearances. Make sure she's dressed well and always ready when the press comes along.

At the recent Tokyo Game Show, some people managed to try it out for themselves over at the Bandai Namco booth. Originally an arcade game, the musical game The Idolmaster will soon be ready for the Xbox 360, and here's a video of just what to expect from this game.

Download: [The Idolmaster TGS Gameplay Video]

If you've ever daydreamed about managing your own Japanese Pop Star Group, ala Morning Musume or the likes of female groups SPEED and MAX, then this game is perfect for you. Making its way from its arcade origins, The Idolmaster now makes its debut into the Xbox 360.

The Idolmaster is basically a music game wherein you need to pick your star and take care of her until she achieves ultimate stardom. You can dress her up in a manner that corresponds with the image you think suits her best, and you have to train her to sing, dance and just plain be charming on stage, in person and on camera. The games uses rhythm-action controls and other minigame controls.

For the Xbox 360 version, Namco Bandai has included a gameplay mode that allows you to take care of your star over the course of a year instead of just a few weeks. Updated visuals and animation have also been included, as well as new songs that are sung by real J-Pop stars.

And just in case you think that The Idolmaster isn't anything big, just think that this game title has spawned a movie, a mobile phone version, a full-scale, sold-out musical concert which features the girls' voice actresses cosplaying as the characters they played, as well as a series of radio dramas which can now also be purchased in CD form.

More Idolmaster screens await after the jump!