The Idolmaster Live For You [OVA]

Review: The Idolmaster Live For You! (OVA)

A Nostalgic Yet Flawed Side Story

If you’re a fan of The Idolmaster franchise, you’ve probably stumbled upon Live For You! (OVA) at some point. Released in 2008 and later streamed online in 2010, this 17-minute OVA is a quirky little side story that follows Chihaya, Miki, and Haruka as they navigate a series of absurd mishaps the night before a big fan event. Produced by Actas and directed by Keiichiro Kawaguchi, it’s a fun but uneven addition to the iDOLM@STER universe.

The Plot: Chaos Before the Spotlight

The OVA kicks off with the idols of 765 Productions preparing for their Fan Appreciation Event. While most of the girls head home, Chihaya—ever the perfectionist—stays behind for some last-minute rehearsal. Meanwhile, Haruka and Miki find themselves in a bizarre chain of events involving a wrong truck, an onsen, and an angry truck driver. The trio’s misadventures escalate to the point where they’re rescued by a helicopter (yes, really).

Fans of the franchise will recognize the lighthearted, slice-of-life tone, but the OVA’s brevity means the story feels rushed. As one MyAnimeList user put it: “This was pretty short, so there wasn’t much time to show much, unfortunately. I was kinda hoping to see them all on stage performing, but that didn’t happen.”

Animation and Art Style: A Mixed Bag

The animation quality is… interesting. Some fans praised the character designs for staying true to the original game, while others found them jarring. One commenter noted: “The animation of this episode was a bit odd, it was quite different, I must say.” Another added: “I was happy to see Miki, but the way she was drawn was weird.”

It’s clear the OVA was made on a tighter budget, and the art style reflects that. Still, the costumes and background details are charming, especially for fans who appreciate the franchise’s early aesthetic.

Fan Reactions: Love It or Hate It

The OVA has sparked some polarizing opinions. Some viewers found it hilarious and entertaining, with one fan saying: “This was a hilarious and entertaining episode.” Others, however, were less impressed. A particularly harsh review called it “insultingly bad,” criticizing the rushed plot and lack of depth.

Interestingly, many fans watched it purely out of nostalgia or curiosity about the franchise’s evolution. As one commenter pointed out: “An interesting piece history-wise, looking back how far the franchise came, from this piece to where it is today.”

Final Verdict: For Die-Hard Fans Only

The Idolmaster Live For You! (OVA) isn’t a must-watch, but it’s a fun, if flawed, addition to the franchise. If you’re a longtime fan, you might enjoy the absurd humor and nostalgic vibes. If you’re new to iDOLM@STER, though, you’re better off starting with the main series or the games.

As one fan summed it up: “A nice little OVA to watch to kill some time, and see a completely different plot for the girls!”

Rating: 6/10 – A harmless, forgettable romp that’s best enjoyed with low expectations.

What did you think of the OVA? Let me know in the comments!