Real Ouendan cheerleaders believe in you!
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Aug 24th 2006 at 6:55PM }
We have to update Joystiq, but we're feeling so dejected and uninspired. If only we had some motivation or some measurable system of support. We can't let the readers down! We need some assistance. We need oh ... oh ...OUENDAAAAAAAAANNN!!
This article would simply not have been possible had it not been for three musically inclined, amazingly synchronized strangers bursting forth from the closet and radiating encouragement. It would seem that one of the best games on the DS, Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! (that's the title, not a sign of enthusiasm) is rooted in reality, at least the kind of distorted reality you'd expect to discover on the planet of Japan. The embedded video depicts a very real and personal cheerleader squad facing one of their greatest challenges yet -- a lonely man in search of female companionship. Judging by the state of his home, it's probably best if said female turns out to be a maid.
It's amazing to note that the cheerleader squad has been around for sixty years, encouraging (and perhaps frightening) people into action with obnoxious shouting, frantic arm movements and the general appearance of having a full-blown seizure. The world definitely needs more of these guys.
Next year: The establishment of the world's first Elite Beat Agency!
[Thanks theKiko! You did it!]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
borgie @ Aug 24th 2006 7:05PM
eh... Oendan can be found in every where in Japan where there's organized competition... most noticeably in baseball games (especiall high school, thus their high school uniform). Oendan or Cheering squad, unless the US, us usually lead by 1 very vocal man who uses arm gestures to lead his section in unison. This is just a personal version of the same oendan you can find at a Hanshin Tigers or even a Seattle Mariners game.
h2c @ Aug 24th 2006 7:06PM
Seriously, what he needs is a personal cheering squad to motivate him to clean up his apartment. Holy crap.
Come to think of it, so do I.
GTG @ Aug 24th 2006 7:18PM
"Go get it, Yasushi!"
I think that's the funniest thing I've seen/heard all day. Indeed, go get yourself some Yasushi...
Though at the same time, that's one of the most depressing videos I've ever seen.
raycosm @ Aug 24th 2006 7:44PM
When I watch that I think of that one Pokemon episode where I wanted to shoot the TV, it was about some Pokemon cheerleading squad that talked a whole bunch of BS about how the power of cheer can help you win any battle, I really wanted to throw a knife at the TV cause it was so damn asinine.
James Montagna @ Aug 24th 2006 8:12PM
This video made my day. I always believed, deep down in my heart, that the Ouendan cheerleaders were real, and if ever I was in a jam, all I had to do was scream... "OUENDAN!!!" I'll use it for a free random invigoration session in a time of dire need.
spielcubespielen @ Aug 24th 2006 9:18PM
isnt it only TWO exclamation points, like "Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan" ? sorry i had to.
oh and best game ever
Anonymous? @ Aug 24th 2006 9:43PM
"The power to challenge a new girlfriend", eh? Perhaps that approach lead to that guy's divorce, heh...
32_Footsteps @ Aug 25th 2006 10:05AM
Two things...
Personally, I think the only thing better than three guys who randomly decide to run around and make people's lives better by cheering is the idea of an entire government agency devoted to that same idea.
Second, if any game was ever screaming for a motion-sensitive version on the Wii, it's Ouendan.
James Montagna @ Aug 25th 2006 11:45AM
That's correct, spielcubespielen. Many people totally tend to spell the title wrong, or put the exclamations in the wrong place.
The title is: "Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan", just like that. :)
And yes, Elite Beat Agents is gonna be awesome. Beware of the bogus song list going around.
TJ @ Aug 29th 2006 2:32PM
Actually it's Ossu, not osu. Osu would be 'push'.