this is my shrine dedicated to imagine: figure skater, a game designed for the nintendo ds system!
what is imagine: figure skater?
Imagine: Figure Skater is a virtual simulation game created by Spike and published by Ubisoft. It was released for the Nintendo DS system first in Japan (2007) then in other locations including North America, Europe, Australia, and Korea (2008). It's original name in Japanese was "Kuru Kuru Purinsesu ~Figure de Kira Kira ☆ Koori no Angeru~". It is part of a line of simulation games including, but not limited to, Imagine: Babysitters, Imagine: Teacher, and Imagine: Rock Star.
The game case cover in North America (left) versus Japan (right). I prefer the Japanese one!
The player takes on the role of a high school ice skater who is working towards competing in the worlds skating competition. Balancing practice, friends, drama, high school life, and fame, the goal of the game is to increase character statistics, learn skills, and win the worlds skating competition.
My favorite character was the blonde girl because she looked the most like me, but I have played all the characters! Depending on the character you choose, the other two characters are either your character's friend or rival. If I remember correctly:
If you chose the blonde-haired girl, the black-haired girl was your friend and the pink-haired girl was your rival.
If you chose the black-haired girl, the pink-haired girl was your friend and the blonde-haired girl was your rival.
If you chose the pink-haired girl, the blonde-haired girl was your friend and the black-haired girl was your rival.
Interestingly, no matter how the relationships changed in the game, the girls' personalities remained the same.
main storyline
the player's character receives two goals per week in the game: one to increase statistics and one to increase figure skating skill. statistics can be increased through mini games, and each mini game is geared towards a specific statistic: stamina, coordination, and artistry. (i remember my favorite being artistry!) figure skating skill can be increased by practicing at the skating rink. during each practice, the player has to draw a specfic pattern on the screen two or three times before the skill was "learned" and the goal complete. if the player does not meet the goals for the designated week, they must replay the week until they meet the goals.
the game will also not progress if the player chooses not to engage in certain activities, such as talking to another character or visiting a certain place. if the player tries to try to check in with their coach before they have completed all required activites, she will always say something like "there's something else you need to do". i remember this being very frustrating as a kid at time because i did not know what i was missing to complete the week.
mini games
there are several mini games in imagine: figure skater. each is designed to increase a specific statistic the player needs to progress in the game. depending on the player's performance in the game, the statistic may increase a partial or a full level (a full level is usually required for each week). this sometimes requires replaying mini games multiple times. the mini games include:
- a sushi training game, where the player must feed their character the sushi they like, avoid the ones they don't like, and prevent them from choking by giving them a glass of water. (this is hilarious now that i think about it) this game increases stamina.
- a locker game, a matching game where they player must match the skating items in the lockers as fast as they can. increases coordination.
- a rhythm game, a self-explanatory game that increases coordination.
- a cake decorating game, only unlocked after the player unlocks the museum. the player must match the cake decorating design on the top screen to the best of their ability using the provided decorations. increases artistry.
- a gallery game, only unlocked after the player unlocks the museum. in this game, the player engages in a timed slide puzzle to unscramble a work of art. increases artistry.
my favorites were cake decorating and the sushi game! the locker game was also really fun, it always tested my speed and i tried to go as fast as i could. each one is super fun and unique and i rarely got annoyed if i had to play them multiple times per week.
screenshot of the rhythm game
shopping and money
each week, the player's coach gives them an allowance of money. the player may use their money to buy items at the skate shop, the music shop, or the boutique (the latter two are unlocked later in the game). among the items you can buy are music, clothes, patterns, colors, and accessories.
wip
more sections coming soon! —☆