Given previews seen at this year's Video Game Developer's Conference, it appears the core game play has remained completely unchanged. For those who missed out on the original title, Ouendan (which translates as cheer squad) is a motivational group that responds to people in need. Players assist those in need by tapping on circles that appear onscreen in rhythm to a popular song played throughout the stage. Other inputs require players to slide spheres along a set track or spin a meter as fast as they can.

Also see Blogcritics' review of Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! for the Nintendo DS.

The Beat Goes On
Konami of Japan's Web site reveals that two of its longest-running series are receiving even more sequel treatment.

A new batch of location tests have been posted to take place between April 6-10 for the unoriginally titled Dance Dance Revolution SuperNova 2 to be held once again in Japan. The title has traded in its hot red presentation for a brand new, cooler blue and purple interface. Among the completely obvious song updates, the title now features character portraits that slide in when a player reaches specific combo increments and N.G. ratings are now displayed during the results screen.

Konami will also be beta testing Guitar Freaks and Drummania V4, now subtitled RockXRock. Unlike the SuperNova 2 page, RockXRock's official site doesn't provide screen shots, so, at this time, it can't be told what new additions will be made aside from songs.

Konami of Japan's arcade gateway also recently received an official site for the upcoming Eternal Knights game as well as more information on testing for the company's much-hyped Silent Hill cabinet.

Tomorrow's Releases in Japan
Here's all of the titles that will be releasing in Japan on April 5. Each title has a line indicating its likelihood of domestic release in the U.S., which is strictly the opinion of the author:

Kageyama Method - Dennou Hanpuku: Tadashii Kanji Kaki to Rikun
Nintendo DS - Published by Shogakukan
Looking at some screen shots of this title, I couldn't gather much of what the concept was aside from arranging, or manipulating in some fashion, a load of kanji-inscripted tiles. Billed as an educational title, I would gather it aids in using Kanji in some fashion.

Likelihood of domestic release:

Meitantei Conan: Tantei Ryoku Trainer
Nintendo DS - Published by Bandai
Based off the popular Detective Conan, the series stars a young man proficient in soccer with the logic and deduction of a detective. However, one day, he is drugged with a substance that reverts him back to a little boy, but that doesn't stop him from getting involved in solving crimes while he seeks the people responsible for his plight.

While not quite as popular in the United States, the series has received a short-lived anime run on Toonami, a published manga series and a collectable card game under the domesticated name Case Closed. While I couldn't gather exactly what this specific title is about, it is yet another game this week billed under the educational genre. While I suppose this title has a shred of possibility of being released in the U.S., Trainer joins a list of nearly 20 titles based off the license, none of which have been released stateside.