There isn't much to talk about in the graphics department, as Taiko no Tatsujin has always maintained a similar, simple graphics style throughout their games. That's pretty much the same here. But what does matter is the sound aspect of this game, and I'm happy to report it is executed quite well. The game features some 50 different songs, plus ones that are unlocked later on, and each sounds as clear on the DS as it would on the Wii or any other console. The library ranges from J-pop to anime and game music to classical music, so there's likely something here for everyone. A number of different instruments are also at your disposal. Some are pulled from reality, like the drum, tambourine, suzu (ball-shaped bell from the Shinto religion), tsuzumi, and mokugyo (both being Japanese percussion instruments). Others are more fun and sometimes a little odd, like the "kendo" instruments featuring the different yells of kendo as musical sounds. However, even the sillier instruments are pretty realistic-sounding, which is definitely a good thing.
Multiplayer also returns in this installment of the Taiko no Tatsujin series, and like the first game, it features up to four competitors facing each other on one song. Through playing the right note on a song, items can be acquired that can help or hurt the player and/or rivals. Items like multipliers and autoplay are beneficial, while items like takoyaki, water balloons and bombs can be helpful in slowing down rivals ... as long as they don't end up on your drum. These items must be manually removed from the touch screen drum via the stylus before any further notes will count towards a player's score. There's also a megaphone, which blots out the backing music, making it a bit harder for the affected gamer to match up the notes with the rhythm. Since items are randomized by the game, you'll never quite know what to expect. This keeps everyone on their toes at all times and adds some level of fun to the multiplayer mode.
Article comments
1 - Taiko Man
Quick heads up-- -there is an actual taiko ensemble in the Cleveland area now. Search Icho Daiko.