Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! captures the series' festive energy, especially with Joy-Con shaken to the beat. The tracklist is generous and varied, and multiplayer works wonders. A music party game as simple as it is joyfully infectious.
Your verdict
Category
Rhythm4 players3+
Co-op
Description
You drum in rhythm on a traditional taiko along catchy tracks. Published by Bandai Namco, released worldwide in 2018. Center and rim notes, a vast song list, precision challenges, festive minigames and duos or four-player matches.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! review
4/5
Art direction
★★★★★
"Striking"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
A kaleidoscope of J-pop, anime hits and classical pieces scrolls past with every beat, each track dictating the cadence of the sticks. Bouncy rhythms beg you to tap in time, the cheer infectious from the first note. That motley, festive, crowd-pleasing playlist keeps the drum alive for hours on end.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
The series' festive energy bursts out the moment you wave the Joy-Con in time: the surprisingly responsive motion detection lets you drum the air with a genuine sense of impact. A generous tracklist and instant multiplayer make it a sofa-night staple. As easy to pick up as it is joyous to share.
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
It all springs from the physical joy of hitting the drum in time: every beat snaps, the song list bursts with hits, and the rhythm soon lives in your hands. With friends the party kicks up a notch, between friendly rivalry and helpless laughter. Easy to grasp, hard to drop, the musical party game par excellence.
Four sticks in hand, you pound the drum together aiming for the best shared score, or scrap over first place in a fairground atmosphere. The catchy tracks and immediate playability mean everyone jumps in within two seconds, from novice to fanatic. Competition and cooperation alternate without friction, and the party relaunches the moment you feel like moving.
