Pop'n Music Script
Encyclopedia
Be-Music Script is a file format for rhythm action game
s, devised by Urao Yane in 1998. A BMS file describes how notes are arranged and how the game responds when the player takes a specific action. It is a plain text file with 'directive' lines starting with the #
character. Since a BMS file itself does not include either images or sound, BMS files are normally distributed with appropriate image and sound files.
The BMS file format was originally used for Beatmania
simulators, but because of its simplicity, it has been adopted and supported by many free rhythm action games including StepMania
. BMS files have also been produced to accompany original music, rather than songs from commercial games. There are several extensions to BMS, notably BME format (for 7-button Beatmania IIDX
-like games), PMS format (for Pop'n Music
-like games), and a 'long note' extension.
The BMS file extension is also used by Nintendo, for looping music tracks in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
. These files have not been deciphered, and cannot be played outside the game program. These BMS files are not compatible with Be-Music Script.
Rhythm game
Rhythm game or rhythm action is a genre of music-themed action video game that challenges a player's sense of rhythm. Games in the genre typically focus on dance or the simulated performance of musical instruments, and require players to press buttons in a sequence dictated on the screen...
s, devised by Urao Yane in 1998. A BMS file describes how notes are arranged and how the game responds when the player takes a specific action. It is a plain text file with 'directive' lines starting with the #
Number sign
Number sign is a name for the symbol #, which is used for a variety of purposes including, in some countries, the designation of a number...
character. Since a BMS file itself does not include either images or sound, BMS files are normally distributed with appropriate image and sound files.
The BMS file format was originally used for Beatmania
Beatmania
is a rhythm video game developed and distributed by Japanese game developer Konami and first released in 1997. It contributed largely to the boom of music games in 1998, and the series expanded not only with arcade sequels, but also moved to home consoles and other portable devices, achieving a...
simulators, but because of its simplicity, it has been adopted and supported by many free rhythm action games including StepMania
StepMania
StepMania is an open source and cross-platform rhythm video game and engine. It was originally developed as a simulator of Konami's arcade game series Dance Dance Revolution, and has since evolved into an extensible rhythm game engine capable of supporting a wide variety of rhythm-based game types...
. BMS files have also been produced to accompany original music, rather than songs from commercial games. There are several extensions to BMS, notably BME format (for 7-button Beatmania IIDX
Beatmania IIDX
is a series of rhythm video games and the sequel to Beatmania that was first introduced by Konami in Japan on February 26, 1999. IIDX has since spawned over 19 arcade releases and over 13 console releases on the Sony PlayStation 2...
-like games), PMS format (for Pop'n Music
Pop'n Music
, commonly abbreviated as Pop'n, PM or PNM, is a music video game in the Bemani series made by the Konami Corporation. This game is known for its bright colors, upbeat songs, and cartoon character graphics...
-like games), and a 'long note' extension.
The BMS file extension is also used by Nintendo, for looping music tracks in The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, released as in Japan, is an action-adventure game and the tenth installment in The Legend of Zelda series. It was released for the Nintendo GameCube in Japan on December 13, 2002, in North America on March 24, 2003, in Europe on May 2, 2003, and in Australia on...
. These files have not been deciphered, and cannot be played outside the game program. These BMS files are not compatible with Be-Music Script.
External links
- A specification of original BMS format by Urao Yane
- Digital Emergency Exit 2
- Be-Music Scripting Museum
Games dedicated for BMS format
- Be-Music'98 (BM98) by Urao Yane. It is no longer supported.
- BM98 Kikuchan Version Drink Edition
- nazobmplay
- MixWaver
- rhythm-it
- LunaticRave 2