I don't have to tell you just how odd Princess Debut is. For one, it's not the sort of title one usually associates with Natsume. Second, it's developed by Cave, who are usually behind hardcore shooters, and not titles like this. So, as odd as this all sounds, I was dying to get my hands on it when I hit up Natsume's booth at E3 just to see what this game is all about.



Upon immediately picking up the game and being thrust into the title's main campaign, I was given a rundown on what the title is all about. As a princess, the player is given 30 days to get in shape for an upcoming Ball, where the princess is to be debuted. Getting in shape means completing a variety of tasks, narrowing down whom the princess will be attending the event with and practicing her moves along the way.

Throughout the 30 days leading to the Ball, talking animals guide you through the process of getting ready. They'll encourage you on what to do and where to be, as well as being a dance partner for you to practice the major dances with. Pulling off these dances is actually quite easy.

Of course, with the title being aimed at young girls, the gameplay shouldn't be too complex. So what's going on here is a lot like Ouendan or Elite Beat Agents, just on a much smaller scale, from a complexity standpoint. You aren't forced to tap to the timing of music in-game, so much as you're dragging the stylus around the touch-screen and keeping up with a moving ball. As long as your stylus is pressed against this ball (which usually runs around a track), you'll do fine.

The demo build we were also able to play let us check out the several dates available. Each has their own personal traits, as well as preferences when it comes to dances they'll take part in. This is something to consider, as should the player find themself particularly suited to a dance, yet their date utterly despises it, then there could be trouble.

I'm a big fan of the rhythm-based games, so Princess Debut definitely intrigues me. I'm interested in seeing what the final product will look like, as it could be a great way to introduce gamers to the genre.