What’s the latest reason girls in Japan are flocking to arcades? A trendy pair of teenage witches has cast a spell on them. Sega’s popular Osharemajo Love and Berry is a head-to-head-style duel in which the player with the coolest clothes and funkiest dance moves wins. Girls choose a witch to be their avatar, then design their own looks. "Love is too cute," says 14-year-old Mai Saito. "Berry’s the cool one." What makes the game special (and especially profitable) is its unconventional power-ups: 274 collectible barcoded cards (which cost about 75 cents apiece) that players can swipe to boost their "magic makeover power." - Tony McNicol
STEP 1: Miracle Makeup
Players give their avatar a makeover by swiping barcoded cards for items like Shiny Planet boots and Miracle foundation. Sega has sold 70 million cards, which girls are swapping at arcades, in school yards, and on Yahoo! Auctions.
STEP 2: The Dance Off
Once gals have perfected their looks, they face opponents in the dance phase. Love and Berry shake their groove thangs when players press a big yellow button in time with the music. Whoever’s more fabulous wins!
credit Tomohiko Tagawa
One gamer swipes her fashion power-up for Sega’s Osharemajo Love and Berry.
Players give their avatar a makeover by swiping barcoded cards for items like Shiny Planet boots and Miracle foundation.
Once gals have perfected their looks, they face opponents in the dance phase.
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Swipe Out the Competition
