Overview
Cryptarithm is a maimai original composition by 削除 (Sakuzyo, born Mitsuki Yoshida), added to maimai でらっくす PRiSM on October 11, 2024. The track serves as the prologue to KALEIDXSCOPE, a multi-song narrative arc within the maimai original song roster. Its title blends "cryptogram" and "arithmetic", a reference to cryptarithm puzzles (also called verbal arithmetic or alphametics), where letters in a mathematical equation stand in for digits.
The song debuted as a LEGEND-class boss unlock in the Friend Matching (オトモダチ対戦) system, requiring players to defeat the SSS1-class boss friend and ascend to LEGEND rank to earn it. Once unlocked, it functions as a conduction song (伝導楽曲) that veteran players can pass to others by playing together in multiplayer. The music video, produced by yoshimo with illustrations by かわく, 鵜飼沙樹, and あるてら, prominently features the character Ris from the 7sRef area and Acid, set against the Prism Area scenery, the first LEGEND boss song to directly incorporate maimai's in-game universe elements into its visuals. The ending sequence pays homage to earlier maimai original MVs, including those for 躯樹の墓守, World's end loneliness, Metamorphosism, and Straight into the lights.
On the charting side, the Expert difficulty (level 13) was designed by みそかつ侍, while the Master chart (level 14+, constant 14.6) was crafted by Safazhel, totaling 995 notes. Cryptarithm is also connected to Sakuzyo's Cryptograph EP, which includes the related tracks Metamorphosism and Faltaxiz; an extended version appears on the maimai DX goods campaign DiSC -PRiSM- and the maimai DX Best Album Area 3 soundtrack. The lyrics, rendered in what appears to be a constructed fantasy language, reinforce the cryptic theme woven throughout the song's identity.
Videos
Charts
DX
BASIC
6(6)
283 notesDesigner: -|Tap 241Hold 19Slide 7Touch 8Break 8
ADVANCED
8(8)
389 notesDesigner: -|Tap 326Hold 14Slide 15Touch 25Break 9
EXPERT
13(13)
703 notesDesigner: みそかつ侍|Tap 553Hold 39Slide 67Touch 13Break 31
MASTER
14+(14.6)
995 notesDesigner: Safazhel|Tap 683Hold 114Slide 99Touch 41Break 58
Trivia
- Cryptarithm's title is a portmanteau of 'cryptogram' (暗号) and 'arithmetic' (算術), and the answer to the wordplay is 'alphametic', a type of puzzle where digits in a mathematical equation are replaced with letters, such as SEND + MORE = MONEY.
- The song is explicitly described as the 'KALEIDXSCOPE Prologue' in the official music video description, tying it to a broader narrative arc within maimai's original song lineup that also includes Sakuzyo's Metamorphosism and Faltaxiz from the Cryptograph EP.
- Cryptarithm was the first LEGEND boss song to debut directly in-game without any prior public release. All previous LEGEND boss tracks had either appeared in goods campaign albums or were already circulating before their in-game addition.
- The music video features Ris (from the 7sRef area) and Acid against Prism Area scenery, marking the first time maimai's in-game universe characters and locations were used in a LEGEND boss song's visual presentation.
- The ending sequence of the music video references four earlier maimai original MVs in order: 躯樹の墓守 (Mukuroju no hakamori), World's end loneliness, Metamorphosism, and Straight into the lights.
- In the Asian version, Cryptarithm became unlockable from January 31, 2025, the first instance where a LEGEND reward class song was not available on launch day of a new Asian version.
- As of maimai DX PRiSM PLUS, the unlock requirement was removed and Cryptarithm became available by default in all regions.
- The lyrics, transcribed on the community wiki, are written in what appears to be a constructed phonetic fantasy language, reinforcing the cryptic, puzzle-like identity of the song.
- Jacket art features Ris from the 7sRef area, marking the first time a conduction song (伝導楽曲) from Friend Matching was tied to a specific in-game area's character.
- An extended version of Cryptarithm is included on the maimai DX goods campaign DiSC -PRiSM- and the maimai DX Best Album Area 3 soundtrack.
FAQ
- Who composed Cryptarithm?
- Cryptarithm was composed by 削除 (Sakuzyo), the alias of Mitsuki Yoshida, a prolific composer well known in the rhythm game and doujin music scenes for numerous maimai originals and BMS works.
- How do you unlock Cryptarithm in maimai DX PRiSM?
- Cryptarithm was originally unlocked by defeating the SSS1-class boss friend in Friend Matching (オトモダチ対戦) and reaching LEGEND class. It could also be 'conducted' to other players by a LEGEND-ranked player playing it with them in multiplayer. As of maimai DX PRiSM PLUS, it is available by default.
- What does the title Cryptarithm mean?
- The title blends 'cryptogram' and 'arithmetic,' referring to cryptarithm puzzles (also known as verbal arithmetic or alphametics), puzzles in which letters in a mathematical equation represent digits, and the solver must deduce each letter's numeric value.
- What is the connection between Cryptarithm and KALEIDXSCOPE?
- Cryptarithm is explicitly described as the 'KALEIDXSCOPE Prologue,' serving as an introductory piece to a narrative song arc within maimai's original song roster. The music video references KALEIDXSCOPE phases and features characters and scenery from the maimai in-game universe.
- Who designed the charts for Cryptarithm?
- The Expert chart (level 13) was designed by みそかつ侍 (Misokatsu Samurai), and the Master chart (level 14+, constant 14.6) was designed by Safazhel. Basic and Advanced charts have no credited designer.
- What difficulty is Cryptarithm on Master in maimai DX?
- Cryptarithm's Master chart is level 14+ with a difficulty constant of 14.6, designed by Safazhel. It contains 995 total notes: 683 Tap, 114 Hold, 99 Slide, 41 Touch, and 58 Break.
- Is Cryptarithm related to other Sakuzyo songs in maimai?
- Yes. Cryptarithm is connected to Metamorphosism and Faltaxiz from Sakuzyo's Cryptograph EP. All three are part of the broader KALEIDXSCOPE narrative arc within maimai's original song library.
- Does Cryptarithm have an extended version?
- Yes, an extended version of Cryptarithm appears on the maimai DX goods campaign DiSC -PRiSM- and the maimai DX Best Album Area 3 soundtrack.
External Links
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