Taiko no Tatsujin Appare Sandaime refines the Japanese rhythm formula. More songs, improved modes and festive vibe. A taiko peak on PS2 for fans.
Your verdict
Category
Rhythm2 players3+
Description
A Namco rhythm game released in 2002, the third Taiko no Tatsujin franchise entry on PS2 in Japan (Sandaime = Third Generation). The player strikes the Tatakon drum in rhythm with 38 songs (J-pop, One Piece anime, Final Fantasy, classical). Combo and Don/Ka note mechanics signature of the franchise. Japanese exclusive release with official drum compatibility.
Taiko no Tatsujin - Appare Sandaime 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"
Climbing the difficulty ladder up to the fearsome Oni mode turns every track into a challenge to tame. You come back for better scores, flawless note chains and the fastest rhythms. That demanding curve, with no real end, ensures near-infinite longevity for drum devotees.
Technical info
💾0,44 GB📅24/10/2002
Published by Namco
Taiko no Tatsujin - Appare Sandaime (PS2) price, value & rarity
Is Taiko no Tatsujin - Appare Sandaime still worth playing in 2026?
A rhythm game from Namco, this Taiko no Tatsujin transposes the Japanese drum arcade cabinet to PS2, where you hit the centre and rim of a taiko to the beat of J-pop, anime and classics, ideally with the dedicated drum controller. The crystal clear simplicity, the generous tracklist and the physical joy of hitting make it a fiercely convivial festive game. The language barrier in the menus and the reliance on the peripheral temper access. An excellent rhythm game for fans of drumming and Japanese music to share.
