Idolmaster Live For You [OVA]

Review: THE IDOLM@STER Live For You! (OVA) – A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Treat for Fans

If you’re a fan of THE IDOLM@STER franchise, you’ve probably stumbled upon Live For You! (OVA) at some point. Released back in 2008 as part of the limited edition of LIVE FOR YOU!, this 17-minute OVA is a quirky little addition to the iDOLM@STER universe. Produced by Actas and directed by Keiichiro Kawaguchi, it features the original game voice cast and follows the idols of 765 Productions as they prepare for a fan appreciation event—only for things to spiral into chaos.

But is it worth your time? Let’s break it down based on what fans are saying.

The Good: Nostalgia and Charm

For many, this OVA is a nostalgic trip back to the early days of iDOLM@STER. The animation style, while noticeably dated (it is from 2008, after all), has a certain charm that fans of the original game might appreciate. Some viewers pointed out that the character designs were intentionally closer to the game’s art style, which was a nice touch for those familiar with the source material.

The humor is another highlight. The OVA leans heavily into slapstick comedy, with the idols stumbling from one ridiculous situation to another—getting on the wrong truck, dealing with dead cell batteries, and even being rescued by a helicopter. One fan described it as “the iDOLM@STERS being their usual clumsy selves,” and honestly, that’s the vibe. If you enjoy lighthearted, chaotic fun, this OVA delivers.

The costumes and performances also got some love. While the OVA doesn’t feature a full concert (a disappointment for some), the glimpses of the idols in their outfits were enough to satisfy fans who just wanted to see their favorite characters shine.

The Bad: A Mixed Bag of Execution

Not everyone was impressed, though. A common complaint was that the OVA felt underwhelming—especially for those expecting something more substantial. At just 17 minutes, there’s not much room for deep storytelling, and some fans felt it was too short to leave a lasting impact. One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “It was a nice little OVA to kill time, but nothing special.”

The animation quality was another point of contention. While some appreciated the throwback style, others found it jarring, especially compared to later iDOLM@STER adaptations. One fan even called it “weird,” though they admitted it grew on them over time.

Then there’s the plot—or lack thereof. The OVA’s story is essentially a series of random mishaps leading up to the event, which some found entertaining but others dismissed as “all over the place.” The ending, featuring Haruka’s speech about doing everything for their fans, was particularly polarizing. Some saw it as heartfelt; others called it “insultingly bad.”

The Verdict: For Fans Only

So, should you watch THE IDOLM@STER Live For You! (OVA)? If you’re a die-hard fan of the franchise, absolutely. It’s a fun, if flawed, piece of iDOLM@STER history that offers a glimpse into how far the series has come. The humor, nostalgia, and sheer absurdity make it an enjoyable watch—just don’t expect anything groundbreaking.

But if you’re new to iDOLM@STER, this probably isn’t the best starting point. The OVA assumes familiarity with the characters and their dynamics, and without that context, it might feel underwhelming. As one fan put it: “I watched this because I’m already a fan. If I weren’t, I’d probably skip it.”

Final rating? A solid 6/10—flawed but fun, and a must-watch for anyone who loves 765 Productions’ idols.

What do you think? Have you seen Live For You! (OVA)? Let us know in the comments!