Sold Out is a Japan-exclusive "band simulation" video game published by Shinko Music. In Sold Out , you are basically a band manager. At the very beginning, you will have to choose a main vocalist for the future band.
You will then have to cruise the city and visit eight different locations in order to meet other musicians and composers that will sell their songs. To successfully make a contract with a certain musician, you will have to answer few of their questions. If you don't choose the correct or appropriate option, you will not be able to make a contract and will have to wait until the musician appears again in the future.
The band can be formed once a guitarist, bassist and drummer are hired. Then during the course of the gameplay, the band will have to make concerts in six different venues and release at least one CD under the three different recording companies. Promoting the gigs and CD releases are always essential to achieve success.
During a concert, you can make few movements with the band members (except the drummer) and control the spotlights. The goal is to gather the best lineup for each song, as playing with inferior musicians will result in poorer sound quality and lower attendance numbers.
The game also features a "band meeting" where you can choose options such as "group talk" and "rehearsal" to influence upcoming gigs and CD sales. You can also check the gig attendances, CD sales, and listen to the song that your band played in a specific gig using the "band chart".
Members are replaceable except for the vocalist, but you can hire additional vocalists to buy new songs. However, having a song doesn't guarantee that you can play it, as each vocalist has limited repertoire.
The game will end when all money is spent, but you can start a new adventure with a new band by choosing "band break up". The game also features automatic band disbandment due to lack of motivation or if contracted musicians resign.
To finish the game, you must release a CD under "Bonny Record" and reach an attendance of at least 65000 people in the Tokyo City Dome. You will need to play with the best lineup for each song to access this final gig, otherwise you won't be allowed to play there.