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Well I've spent more time with it. Finished up to Nitro in Stellar Master Mode. If my burn didn't suck a** and crash every few trials, I'd probably have finished The Last by now.

Put simply, this is the mix they should have released in the US. The default songlist is much bigger than the US version (at LEAST 80% of the US version's unlocks are available from the beginning), and it's a direct port of the arcade version (minus the repeats, of course), plus a few new songs (a new nc song? ******** yes.), plus some Ultramix songs. The only things that really disappointed me were the licenses (I never cared much for Supernova AC's licenses to begin with, sans Wookie Wookie), and the numerous Ultramix 1 repeats. How many freaking times are they going to revive Insertion (Machine Gun Kelly Mix)?

Stellar Master Mode also has been given a couple tweaks. First of all, most of the trials now allow you to use modifiers. This is a VERY welcome change for me. Seemed like the US version didn't allow mods on every trial except those that required them. Another nice change is the broader difficulty range for trials. Many trials allow you to use Heavy, rather than being forced to use Beginner or Light (unless my memory fails me. I just remember having to play a lot of Light on the US version). The showdowns are also shorter. You now only have to play four songs instead of the usual five. The only downside is that most Stellar Joints only unlock two or three songs each, so it feels a little pointless in a way (especially considering the unlocks are mostly UM1 revivals). It goes by even faster than the US version's though, which is a big plus.

Overall, I think this mix is just a little better than Supernova US. To me, Konami Originals are the songs that make or break a mix, and this mix delivers. It's not worth modding your PS2 over, but if you're already an importer, you should definitely pick this up.

9/10