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Taiko Drum Master sequel needs more cowbell
Further securing its place on our list of games that need to be imported, Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure will feature more than just a drum. Siliconera reports that the game will include six other percussive instruments, like a tambourine, a bell, and, well -- some other types of drums. There may even be more instruments at hand, but we're going to guess that it stops at seven, since there's a "seven" in the game's title (eat your heart out, Sherlock Holmes). It may be a rather simple addition, but it's a nice enough change to add a little bit of freshness to the Taiko Drum Master series. If your looking to import this game, you won't have to wait long; it's set to release in Japan on April 24th.
Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/25-3/2
The DS dropped to third in last week's hardware sales, as the PSP inched its way to first. (In case you haven't been keeping track, Wii sales have been above those of the DS for quite some time, but the PSP and DS keep flip-flopping for the week's best selling portable.)Hardware: PSP: 73,706 Wii: 64,535 Nintendo DS: 51,922 PlayStation 3: 13,520 PlayStation 2: 10,986 Xbox 360: 2,282 In the software chart, though, Nintendo's portable dominated once again. There were fourteen DS games to hit the top thirty last week, three of which made the top ten. Most of note is the new release Soma Bringer, a game that many of us outside of Japan have been coveting. It debuted in fourth, and was the top seller for the dual-screened handheld last week.Meanwhile, Professor Layton 2 and Animal Crossing slipped back into the top thirty, while Harvest Moon and Etrian Odyssey II managed to remain in the top ten. Check after the break to see a whole lot of DS games in boldface.
Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/18-2/24
The DS and PSP seem to be in a tooth-and-nail fight for second place. This week, the PSP took back the second spot, but just barely.Hardware: Wii: 63,504 PSP: 53,373 Nintendo DS: 50,151 PlayStation 3: 14,060 PlayStation 2: 9,634 Xbox 360: 2,001 The DS did better in software, though, with Etrian Odyssey II becoming popular in its first week. The DS dungeon crawler was only 9,000 units away from Super Smash Bros. Brawl, in fact. Harvest Moon: Shining Sun and Friends was another DS champ, ending up 5th on this week's chart. There were twelve DS games in the top thirty, which is impressive, especially considering the ton of new releases that came out last week. The new software did manage to bump a bunch of DS games out of the top thirty, though, including big names like Professor Layton and Pandora's Box, Dragon Quest IV, and Final Fantasy IV. To see the software placements, make sure to check after the break.
DS Daily: taking a stand
You know, we've never really felt the need to actually purchase one of the many stands available for the DS. We don't own Cooking Navi and playing Elite Beat Agents (or Ouendan) can be accomplished fairly easily by holding the DS with one of our hands and playing with the other. Then, we get an eye full of Hori's Taiko no Tatsujin stand and immediately felt the need to get one.We can't imagine what we'd use it for, so we figured we'd ask you! Who better to let us know the many uses of a DS stand than the fine folks who've been using one for awhile now. So, tell us how your DS rocks its stand.
Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/11-2/17
The DS reclaimed second place for hardware, managing to inch past the PSP on this week's chart. A bunch of new releases helped the handheld's sales, as fifteen of the top thirty games last week were DS titles. Hardware: Wii: 78,583 Nintendo DS: 62,362 PSP: 59,645 PlayStation 3: 17,637 PlayStation 2: 11,266 Xbox 360: 2,198 The top contender for the dual-screened portable last week was the Japanese dating sim, Tokimeki Memorial: Girl's Side 2nd Season, which beat everything except Smash Bros. and Wii Fit. Meanwhile, After-School Boy and Doraemon Baseball were knocked out of the top thirty, but remained in the top fifty (along with Rune Factory 2). Overall, though, it was a great software week for the DS. If you want to see why, check out the numbers after the break.
Taiko Cameo Master
Hey kids, Namco Bandai's Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure isn't just about providing us with a source of rhythmic, touchscreen-tapping goodness -- according to the latest batch of screens from Famitsu, it also happens to feature some pretty neat cameos.The Butt-Biting Bug to the right there is just one example of this, but it looks like we'll also be treated to cast members from Doraemon and The Idolmaster. Rhythmically tap your way past the break for more cameotastic shots!
Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 2/4-2/10
Aside from Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, the best seller for the DS last week was L, the Prologue to Death Note: Rasen no Wana. It's no surprise that this game did well in Japan, as it's based off a popular anime series. It wasn't enough to help the DS overcome the PSP or Wii this week, though, as Brawl and Mobile Suit Gundam kept their respective systems on top easily. Wii: 81,737 PSP: 75,912 Nintendo DS: 60,464 PlayStation 3: 23,985 PlayStation 2: 11,038 Xbox 360: 3,615 The rest is the same story as last week, with After-School Boy managing to stay in the top thirty, and a new Brain Age-like game thrown in. Check after the break to get a look at the software rankings and sales.
Another Week In Japan: Hardware and software numbers 1/28-2/3
It's a sad day for the DS in Japan. As Media Create's hardware figures from last week were released, we found out that not only the Wii topped the DS (like the week before), but also the PSP managed to overtake the dual-screened handheld. Hardware: Wii: 94,473 PSP: 72,528 Nintendo DS: 67,472 PlayStation 3: 41,796 PlayStation 2: 12,115 Xbox 360: 6,060 According to Media Create, the DS only had one game in the top ten (Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games). That's not surprising, since there were many new releases on other systems, but it's far from the DS dominance that we're used to. Still, it was nice to see some low-key games like After-School Boy, Taiko Drum Master, and Doraemon Baseball getting love in Japan. Check after the break to see the full list of software rankings from last week.
Taiko Drum Master boxart wants you to be excited for the game
When it comes to dissecting boxart, there's usually one man who can get the job done. However, when it comes to Taiko Drum Master, there's little stopping this blogger from destroying all in his path to the delicious news. The latest on 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken (known as Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure to us English-speaking folk) presents us with the boxart you see above. Looking at the boxart, we see the overly-cute taiko leaping high above the islands that make up the game's title. The slight sparkles surrounding the taiko implies that this game is fresh and clean, one that is new and waiting for an anxious player to pick it up. Also, you can see the taiko is directly above the volcano, causing us to believe it shot the little guy out toward the clouds, smile upon its face, so that it may leap to your attention and have you pick it up off the shelf. Of course, if you were to jump into a volcano in real life, you would probably not be the same anymore.You'd probably be Vader.
More screens for Taiko's Drum Master sequel
Famitsu has dished out the goods in the way of some fresh screens for upcoming Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure for the DS. Like the first Taiko Drum Master game, there isn't any plan to bring it to the United States. And, considering it's just about the same game as the first title, you can bet we're incredibly upset that we're not getting it. Sure, we can import, but we don't have tons of money to do that.Any of you going to import the game?
A video most bizarre: DS Taiko drumming commercial
Ever wonder how much fun you can have drumming with two styluses in Taiko's upcoming DS drumming game? In 16 seconds, this Nintendo commercial (and the two happy-go-lucky individuals, pictured in their Wonder Twins form) shows you just how the game works and how much fun you could be having. You might want to sit down for this one; video embedded after the break.
Play Taiko Drum Master DS with a stylus in each hand
JeuxFrance has posted some images of the DS instalment of Namco Bandai's popular drum-bashing rhythm series, Taiko Drum Master (or the fun-to-pronounce Taiko no Tatsujin in Japan). The game, which we feel must be described as "unflinchingly adorable," makes use of two styli for tapping along to the music in rhythmic fashion. The idea of hanging the DS around your neck and marching through the streets to the beat of tiny drumsticks has never been more appealing. Namco Bandai has yet to mention an English version, but the universal language of music and the lack of region coding on DS games allow you to import a copy once the game releases in July. Just remember, the key to beating the game is to, uh, beat the game.
Friday Video: Masters of drums
Since Taiko Drum Master was announced this week for the DS, and we also happen to be a little fond of rhythm games, we thought we'd bring you another pair of videos dedicated to getting your drum on. The first makes us yearn for arcades, because there's nothing like huge drums or motorcycles and steering wheels to really get you in the game. We also want that guy's skill, because he really knows how to rock out. The video was originally posted to Chris Kohler's Game|Life blog, so you've probably seen it before, but we felt it was a good finisher for the week. The second shows off a Taiko Drum Master mini-game featured in Nodame Cantabile, which was recently released in Japan.
Taiko Drum Master headed to DS
Poor Sony. First we stole Crash Bandicoot, and now it's Taiko Drum Master, which previously appeared (outside of the arcade) on the PS2. But the move only makes sense, for a number of reasons; in 2004, the PS2 was on top. Now it's the DS, and publishers can't fit their popular properties on the dual-screened handheld quickly enough. Second of all ... it's a rhythm game, and as we've seen, there's really no better platform for rhythm games. Namco Bandai is trying to be all secretive about the controls, but let's see ... rhythm game ... DS ... anyone out there have any idea how this might work? If you said "touch screen," you're probably correct. If you said something else, like "donkey face" or "mudpie," you might want to check for, uh, insanity. Or something.Game|Life's Chris Kohler has a translation of the partial songlist from the Japanese version (including the Mario theme!), which is set for this summer. There are also a couple of scans, and you can check those out after the jump.
Ask PSP Fanboy: Volume 2
Every Saturday, PSP Fanboy will answer your burning questions. If you have a question for the team, send an e-mail to andrew @ pspfanboy.com with the subject "Ask PSP Fanboy." The opinions stated in this article are those of the author, and do not represent the views of Weblogs Inc or AOL. Q: I noticed you are more free to speak of mods/hacks/homebrews lately. Do you have restrictions on what you can and can't say? If not, are you finally being more open now realizing that Sony has recently been putting the customer last? Andrew says: We do mention homebrew once in a while on the site, because it is newsworthy, and important in the PSP scene. However, we don't focus on it because our target audience doesn't use homebrew. We're one of the few (if not the only) fan sites out there that want to focus on getting the most out of your PSP through Sony-sanctioned firmware. My personal belief is that although Sony may not make the best decisions, that doesn't give us the right to promote software piracy. Yes, many will argue that homebrew isn't about that (I too have one PSP that runs 3.03OE-B). However, piracy is a large and active part of the homebrew scene--and it's something I avoid wholeheartedly. Any PSP "fan" that downloads ISOs and emulators should understand that they're simply hurting our beloved console, and industry as a whole. See more questions after the break.
Happy crazy rhythm game music day
Here at video game music day, we try to bring you examples of great video game music performed on real life instruments. This week we're turning things upside-down and bringing you some great real life music performed on video games. Why? Because we're just that crazy. Also we couldn't think of anything else to do. Please enjoy these seemingly superhuman performances on Taiko Drum Master, BeatMania and Pop N Music.
The top handheld imports
DS Fanboy discovered a great list of the top 10 handheld imports from Modojo. While the list features many DS and GBA games, the PSP also shows up a surprising number of times.10. Tokimeki Memorial: Forever With YouPart of the huge dating game sim genre in Japan, this game has you trying to improve your sex appeal. If you're good enough, you might get lucky. Don't expect any naughty bits in this game though. That's for some other games.7. Taiko no Tatsujin PortableTaiko Drum Master was released on the PS2 to some fanfare, and the PSP version is essentially a remake... without the drums. While it seems like a lot of the appeal disappears without Drumcon, the soundtrack's happy J-Pop and Katamari Damacy tunes make this a hit for importers.2. DJ Max PortableCalled "the single best game on the PSP" by the folks at Modojo, and for good reason too. Essentially Beatmania squeezed into handheld form, the game has you furiously mashing the PSP's buttons to the beat of the music. Harder difficulties apparently make you seem "less of a man." Wow.Of course, these kind of lists require some kind of fanfare. See a video of DJ Max Portable after the cut.
Brain Training used to defeat dementia
According to a BBC report, Nintendo's hugely popular Brain Training titles are invading Japanese classrooms in an effort to help the older population get their minds in motion and running swiftly from encroaching dementia. How effective Dr. Kawashima's unnervingly polite floating head is at preventing or combating the condition (of which hallucination is a symptom) still hasn't been conclusively established, but for some people, keeping their minds active is enough.After demonstrating how to turn on the Nintendo DS and how to insert a game cartridge, the teacher has his elderly students engage in several different activities, not all of which are limited to Brain Training's repertoire of challenges. A golf game is used to train hand-eye coordination which, thanks to the DS' intuitive control scheme, seems to be quite easy to grasp. "It's not difficult to learn how to play them," says Atsuo Umetsu, one of the teachers. "After all I learnt, so everyone can do it." Though one of the students admits that she joined the class in order to better compete with her gamer sons, most are joining in the hopes of doing everything they can to avoid mental problems in a society where a large percentage of the population is older. Dr. Takao Suzuki, an expert when it comes to elderly affairs, points out that "nobody wants to get dementia so even if there is a very small possibility that it might work, most elderly people will want to do something in order to prevent dementia." And it's not just Nintendo that's reaching out to an older generation -- Namco has set up a day-care center allowing older people to bash drums and clobber cartoon crocodiles to their heart's content. Is this the key to defeating dementia? We don't know, but it sure sounds like fun, doesn't it?[Thanks Jon!]
RedOctane CEO: More music games coming
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, RedOctane CEO Kelly Sumner revealed that the company's "got other products in development" in the music genre.The former Take Two Interactive Europe CEO's statement that he "can't tell you what [these other products] are and when they're coming" would lead us to believe he's not talking about the Guitar Hero sequels (sorta like song expansion packs) already announced.A rhythm line-up to rival Konami's Bemani brand, perhaps? This blogger would love something to take advantage of the RedOctane drum peripherals created for Namco's Taiko Drum Master, and it wouldn't be too hard for Harmonix to work up a karaoke game considering their work on Karaoke Revolution (unless licensing prevents it). Whatever the case, fans of music gaming would love to see what Sumner's got up his sleeve.[Thanks, murph]See also: Guitar Hero readies for European tour A whole range of Guitar Heroes to be available A postmortem on Accordion Hero (with a little info on Guitar Hero, too) RedOctane Guitar Hero Specialty Store [where'd the cherry SG go?!]
Taiko Drum Master set is $20 at BestBuy.com; buy it now!
Last night, we received word from the ever resourceful CAG forums (registration required) that the Taiko Drum Master bundle with drum peripheral was on sale for $19.99 at BestBuy.com. If you've never played Taiko Drum Master, it's one of the best rhythm/music party games you can find for the PS2. Think of it as a cross between DDR and Donkey Konga... all right, Namco made Donkey Konga for Nintendo, too, but Taiko's played with two sticks, just like the real Japanese instruments! [UPDATE: online stock sold out. Thanks, Peak. Try in-store?]
