While Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 Miracle Live! is making its way to the global market at some point in 2023, the popular series treated fans with an exclusive insight into this latest game during its Main Event panel on July 1 at Anime Expo 2023 featuring voice actress Aika Kobayashi, Mayu Sagara, and Sayuri Date, the voice behind Yoshiko Tsushima, Kasumi Nakasu, and Kanon Shibuya from the Love Live series!
The event started with an air of anticipation as fans eagerly awaited the exclusive preview of this highly anticipated game, as well as a special meeting with the series cast, who infuses the event with their infectious energy! Greeted by huge applause from the US fans, the three voice actresses expressed appreciation for the fans’ presence.
When asked about their impressions of Los Angeles, the voice actresses shared their experiences. One of them playfully replied, “Yes, I have hamburgers, so tall. That’s so American.” Sayuri Date was impressed by the good weather in Los Angeles “I was walking around the city, and it’s all sunny in here. It’s like the rain sign never exists. It’s a rainy season in Japan, so I’m really glad that I’m here.”
The panel also features a Q&A session that had the voice actresses respond to the fan messages collected from the official social media. One fan expressed her joy at being able to see the cast members at Anime Expo and asked them about their favorite Love Live! characters, excluding their own. Their answers reflected their personal connections to the franchise.
“Since I learned about Love Live!, I’ve been a huge fan of µ’s
Nishikino Maki. I was an elementary school student, but I used to have Maki’s keychain on my bag,” replied Sayuri Date. On the other hand, Kobayashi is also a fan of µ’s and she used to collect all the Hanayo Koizumi’s UR cards from the Love Live! game. While Mayu Sagara expressed her passion for Kotori Minami as she was smitten just by hearing her voice.
Another fan shared his love for the music in Love Live! School Idol Festival and asked the voice actresses to recommend a song that captures the essence of each group. The actresses enthusiastically responded, mentioning specific songs and expressing how those songs represent the unique spirit of their respective groups.
Mayu Sagara, voice of Kasumi Nakasu from Love Live! Nijigasaki High School Idol Club opted for “KAGAYAKI Don’t Forget,” which is the latest song of her group and it is the perfect time for her to promote the song.
On the other hand, Aika Kobayashi, who voices Yoshiko Tsushima from Love Live! Sunshine!!, chose “Water Blue New World” as it illuminates the strong dynamic personality of Aqours. “It captures the coolness and the strength of Aqours, so please play the song on School Idol Festival,” she added.
Lastly, Sayuri Date, the voice of Kanon Shibuya from Liella! recommended, “Mirai no Oto ga Kikoeru” (未来の音が聴こえる). “I believe that this song would lead us to the 3rd season of Love Live! Superstar!! anime. So I think this one represents Liella!” Her recommendation was a nod to the journey of Liella! and the future that awaits them in the already confirmed upcoming third season.
Some other questions revolved around the voice actresses’ impressions of places they would like to visit in America and the American foods they wished to try. Kobayashi expressed that they’ve paid a visit to Hollywood and spent a great time there. “I saw this super cute sweater top over there, but then I didn’t have a chance to buy it, and I’m regretting it right now,” she mentioned.
While the splendid costume of Love Live! was also a highlight of the franchise, one of the fans also asked the voice actress what kind of costume they would like their characters to wear. “I’m interested in a cool Kanon-chan, so I really want to see her dress like a queen,” replied Date.
The last part of the Q&A session had the voice actress show their Ikemen voices as their characters. This Ikemen voice tournament is a staple in Love Live! fan meeting in Japan and it was the first time they brought it to the US fans! It was probably the most exciting moment of the panel as the voice actress gave their best to perform according to their own version of an Ikemen.
▍Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 Miracle Live! GL Version Showcase
The energy in the room heightened as Love Live! panel dropped some thrilling news at the Anime Expo 2023. A sneak peek of the upcoming global version of Love Live! School Idol Festival 2 Miracle Live! was shared. The global version, which is currently under development, promises to deliver an immersive experience of the Love Live! universe.
Featuring a large playlist of over 500 songs from the Club Lives series from the start, all completely free, the Live Show feature of the game is bound to offer countless hours of fun. A hands-on showcase took center stage as the three cast members participated in a live show challenge.
Delving deeper into the app’s features, the cast explained how not just songs, but also the storyline is an integral part of the experience. From costumes to hairstyles, players can customize idols in various adorable ways. A playful banter on the preference of versions, Japanese or Global, lightened the mood further.
The game’s showcase ended on a high note, with a live play demonstration, followed by the introduction of the Scouting feature. Players can scout members from groups such as μ’s, Nijigasaki High School Idol Club, Liella!, as well as many other idol groups from the Love Live! series. An exciting live 10-pool scout session by the three cast members was performed, showcasing the gacha animations.
As a reward for their successful live shows, players worldwide will be rewarded with three stocking tickets and three small LP cans. The panel continued to enthrall the audience with a Food Spirit challenge, revealing various illustrations, and rewarding those who could identify the idol in the image.
Near the end of the panel, an important announcement was highlighted to commemorate the event: the launch of the global version of the game in 2023 supporting English, Traditional Chinese, and Korean languages.
