Taiko Drum Master is the western cut of Bandai Namco's hit. Drum peripherals, varied songs and guaranteed multiplayer fun. A nice gateway to the Japanese rhythm fest.
Your verdict
Category
Rhythm2 players3+
Description
A Namco rhythm game released in 2004, the US edition of Taiko Drum Master, Western localization of the Japanese Taiko no Tatsujin franchise. The player hits a drum controller (or simulates with the controller) in rhythm with over 30 J-pop, anime, classic and Namco video game songs. The first major Western release of the Japanese arcade cult drum rhythm franchise. Adaptation for the US market.
Taiko Drum Master review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
1/5
Story
★★★★★
"Anecdotal"
Drum in hand, you strike in time to an avalanche of J-pop hits, anime tunes and revisited standards, in a fairground atmosphere. The lively, colourful arrangements stick to the motion and keep up a gleeful energy. This festive musical generosity is the whole infectious joy of the Taiko series.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Striking a drum to the beat of Japanese hits and catchy tunes, in a colourful, good-natured world: the fun runs through the gesture and turns instantly infectious. The handling is immediate, but aiming for a flawless run pushes you to outdo yourself. With several players, the party is guaranteed. Festive, accessible and furiously catchy, a rhythm game that gets everyone moving.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Striking the skin or the rim of the drum in time to catchy tunes delivers an immediate tactile pleasure that pushes you to chain songs together. Earning a crown, aiming for a perfect score and unlocking songs sustains a joyful progression. Without the dedicated drum the experience loses something, and the tracklisting varies, but this rhythmic drumming stays irresistibly catchy.
Difficulty
"Balanced"
Lifespan
"Massive"
Striking the drum in time with a vast music selection sets up a rhythm-game loop as easy to pick up as it is demanding to master. Climbing the difficulties, unlocking songs and aiming for the perfect score constantly restarts the session. That depth, with no real ceiling, founds a longevity enthusiasts cultivate for years.
