What image comes to mind when you hear “rhythm game”? The exhilaration of pressing buttons, the upliftment of becoming one with the music...... But “IA/VT COLORFUL” is a title that makes you feel “something” different from all of those. This game, made exclusively for PlayStation®Vita, doesn't end with just pressing buttons at the right time. An experience awaits players where sound, color, and heart seem to blend together and become a single piece of art.

Speaking of IA, she's a virtual artist who gained fame with her translucent singing voice. Created based on Lia's clear voice, she is truly worthy of the name “Crystal Voice.” In this title, her singing voice breathes life into various songs, spanning a wide range from electronic and rock to dance music. Being able to play popular tracks from official albums like “IA/01 -BIRTH-” and “IA/02 -COLOR-” is sure to excite fans and non-fans alike. Furthermore, even the latest songs from famous artists like Jin and Ishifuro are included. A luxurious space enveloped in music exists here.

The game's controls are very unique. The mechanism involves matching 8 types of button inputs to the automatically moving “Catcher” to tap the rhythm, and this feeling of “matching” sets it apart from previous rhythm games. Especially in the “Colorful Section” that appears when you enter the climax, production unfolds as if sound is bursting into color, stimulating both sight and hearing at once. Getting engrossed in the manual operation while simultaneously being captivated by the fantastical visuals unfolding on the screen—that dual immersion is irresistible.

And what is particularly noteworthy is the variety of MVs displayed as the background. The “Real-Time” feature is an original 3D stage in this game where IA dances, and the ability to change costumes keeps the visuals engaging. On the other hand, the “Original MV” uses the official MVs seen on video sites and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the artist's world. Furthermore, the “Game Original MV” includes new videos filled with unique direction that can only be seen here. These visuals feel less like a mere background and more like “another storyteller” that significantly draws out the song's atmosphere and emotions.

“IA/VT COLORFUL” is not just a music game. The character IA, the music she sings, and the rhythm created by the player's hands merge as a single “experience.” The overlapping of sound and visuals, which is sometimes fun, sometimes poignant, and stirs emotions, resonates deep within the heart. When you finish the game, you feel not just the sense of accomplishment of “clearing it,” but a feeling of having shared something important. That may be the greatest appeal of this work.