Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[First look: Taiko no Tatsujin Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/first-look-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/first-look-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/first-look-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Taiko no Tatsujin Wii just released in Japan and, as you can imagine, we're incredibly jealous. We fell in love with the series back when Taiko Drum Master released on the PS2. Basically, every installment we see looks great, including the latest DS incarnations.

Thankfully, Josh from Wii Folder has snagged a copy and composed a video for those of us that don't live in the awesome country of Japan. Head past the break to check it out.

Continue reading First look: Taiko no Tatsujin Wii

JoystiqFirst look: Taiko no Tatsujin Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>namcotaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinFri, 12 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko no Tatsujin rocks Japanese television in latest ad spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/taiko-no-tatsujin-rocks-japanese-television-in-latest-ad-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/taiko-no-tatsujin-rocks-japanese-television-in-latest-ad-spot/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/28/taiko-no-tatsujin-rocks-japanese-television-in-latest-ad-spot/#commentsFiled under: ,


Oh boy, we're pumped to try out some Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) on our Wii. The only problem is, we're not sure if we're going to be able to, as Namco has made no intention to release the game outside of Japan ... so far. Sure, we could import, but the Japanese might be a bit too much for us. That's a discussion for another time, we suppose.

With some crossed fingers (do you know how hard it is to blog with crossed fingers?) and optimistic attitudes, we're wishing upon every star we see and hoping beyond hope that we will get a localization of the game. In the meanwhile, we'll just have to settle for awesome Japanese advertising, which you can catch past the break. Be sure to hit up our gallery for some new screens, as well.

Continue reading Taiko no Tatsujin rocks Japanese television in latest ad spot

JoystiqTaiko no Tatsujin rocks Japanese television in latest ad spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinTue, 28 Oct 2008 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Plugging it in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/wii-warm-up-plugging-it-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/wii-warm-up-plugging-it-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/wii-warm-up-plugging-it-in/#commentsFiled under: ,


After seeing Taiko No Tatsujin Wii yesterday, we definitely think the drum looks pretty sweet ... but we also noticed something mildly annoying: it plugs into the Wii remote, like so many other things. Now, look, we're not saying this feature is in any way a gamebreaker -- it's just one of those features that begs the question of whether or not there would have been a better way. Of course, we are completely picky bastards, so perhaps this is something you don't even think about. Or is it?

Gallery: Taiko no Tatsujin Wii

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Plugging it in originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drumnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-no-tatsujinFri, 10 Oct 2008 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/09/tgs08-up-close-with-taikos-drum-master/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) is currently delighting Tokyo Game Show attendees on the showfloor, allowing us a first glimpse of the drum controller that comes with the game. It looks sturdy and very ... hittable! We look forward to seeing how it comes packaged, though are slightly saddened that this version won't have its own Taiko-themed stand.

Also worth noting: judging by these photos, the drum is wireless, and connects directly to the Wiimote, à la the Classic Controller. Beat a path past the break for more pictures.

Continue reading TGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master

JoystiqTGS08: Up close with Taiko's Drum Master originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drummusicnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintgs-2008tgs08wiimotewirelessThu, 09 Oct 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Music weekend instrument roundup!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/wii-music-weekend-instrument-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/wii-music-weekend-instrument-roundup/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/08/wii-music-weekend-instrument-roundup/#commentsFiled under:


Over the weekend, Nintendo continued posting new videos of new Wii Music instruments. Above, the accordion, which is like Thor's hammer Mjolnir, but for Weird Al. Only the worthy can pick up the accordion, but those who can wield it are transformed instantly into Weird Al Yankovic. Due to technical and licensing constraints, only the sound-producing capabilities of the accordion are reproduced in Wii Music.

After the break, videos featuring simulated taiko, clarinet, and conga drums. We think that of all the instruments, the ones involving drumming look silliest when there's no actual instruments. The model just kind of punches the air like one of those action figures whose arms swing out when you squeeze their legs. But we must admit that Wii Music's taiko sounds pretty cool.

Continue reading Wii Music weekend instrument roundup!

JoystiqWii Music weekend instrument roundup! originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accordionclarinetcongamusictaikotodays-instrumentwii-musicMon, 08 Sep 2008 15:38:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Instant import]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/ds-daily-instant-import/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/ds-daily-instant-import/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/ds-daily-instant-import/#commentsFiled under:


Some games just have to be imported. For us, it was Ouendan and its sequel. We were even considering Taiko Drum Master, but ended up holding out for a localization. What about you all, though? Was there a Japanese game you just had to have? What was it?

JoystiqDS Daily: Instant import originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicouendanrhythmtaikotaiko-drum-masterTue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-6-16-6-22/#commentsFiled under:

The DS found itself back in cozy old third place in this week's chart, as the hype from Metal Gear Solid 4 died down a bit in Japan:
  • PSP: 59,531 (5,325)
  • Wii: 41,037 (4,527)
  • NDS: 36,599 (2,602)
  • PS3: 20,336 (54,975)
  • PS2: 6,346 (951)
  • Xbox 360: 2,555 (392)
Meanwhile, Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team's steady climb back into the top ten makes us wonder if supply just wasn't meeting demand a few weeks earlier, when the game fell out of the top thirty.

Yet overall, the DS had a relatively boring week in terms of software, with no exciting new releases to congratulate or poke fun at (unless you consider the budget-priced re-release of Puyo Puyo 15th Anniversary "exciting" and "new").

If you want to see what Japanese gamers were buying last week, though, just click on past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 6/16-6/22 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartsdiamondempty-space-trainingendless-frontierevangeliongamesaleshisshou-pachinkojapankyoto-murder-fileslets-make-a-pro-baseball-teammario-kartmario-kart-dsmedia-createmisa-yamamura-suspensemore-toeic-testnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-diamondpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagepuyo-puyosuper-robot-wars-og-sagataikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinwe-are-fossil-diggersFri, 27 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: A band in your hands]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/ds-daily-a-band-in-your-hands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/ds-daily-a-band-in-your-hands/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/ds-daily-a-band-in-your-hands/#commentsFiled under:

With Guitar Hero: On Tour allowing you to turn your DS into an axe for shredding, we were wondering if the DS could be turned into other instruments. Like drums, or even a bass to back up that guitar.

There's already Taiko Drum Master, which allows you to wail on the touch-screen like you would a Taiko drum, but what about a good piano-based title? How about a karaoke game? What other rhythm-based times would you like to enjoy on your DS? If you could have any major console title in the genre on the DS, which title would that be?

JoystiqDS Daily: A band in your hands originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>musicon-tourrhythmtaikotaiko-drum-masterTue, 17 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/06/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-26-6-1/#commentsFiled under:

Two DS games debuted in the top ten this week (Endless Frontier: Super Robot Wars OG Saga and the cutesy spatial puzzler Empty Space Training), but otherwise, DS software had a relatively lackluster performance. Only twelve titles ended up in the top thirty, which is low for Nintendo's handheld. As for hardware, the DS is getting comfortable in third place behind the PSP and Wii:
  • PSP: 71,986 (7,537)
  • Wii: 50,851 (1,804)
  • Nintendo DS: 38,355 (951)
  • PlayStation 3: 9,169 (98)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,203 (14)
  • Xbox 360: 1,959 (12)
Front Mission 2089: Border of Madness is another game that premiered last week, taking twelfth in the charts. If it follows the path of games like Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team! and Glory of Herakles, though, it's likely to drop soon. As for English of the Dead, the game didn't debut in the top fifty, and according to Famitsu it only sold 1,500 copies in its first week.

Click on past the break to see the other software numbers and rankings from 5/29 to 6/1.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/26-6/1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingborder-of-madnesscalligraphy-trainingchartsempty-space-trainingendless-frontierfront-mission-2089gamesalesglory-of-heraklesglory-of-herculeshirameki-trainingjapanlets-make-a-pro-baseball-teammario-kartmario-kart-dsmedia-createpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnageproof-of-spiritriddle-trainingsuper-robot-warssuper-robot-wars-og-sagataikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggersyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 06 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-19-5-25/#commentsFiled under:

After a somewhat stalwart week, DS software recovered nicely and once again dominated the charts. Even though the same amount of games appeared in the top thirty (fifteen in total), they ranked higher on average than they did in the previous week. Good software sales also gave DS hardware a little boost:
  • PSP: 64,449 (6,087)
  • Wii: 49,047 (7,475)
  • Nintendo DS: 37,404 (2,499)
  • PlayStation 3: 9.071 (1,370)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,189 (167)
  • Xbox 360: 1,947 (473)
Four new games debuted in the top thirty, including Sega's Let's Make a Pro Baseball Team!, which nabbed the first place spot from Monster Hunter. The other three games were Glory of Herakles, Scarlet Fragment, and Tea Dogs Room 3. Herakles (or Hercules, if you prefer) is the title that sparks our interest the most, as it's an interesting RPG published by Nintendo. Even so, it's first week sales were (unfortunately) subpar, yet good enough to land it in the top ten.

Check out the sales numbers and rankings for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/19-5/25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscurious-villagegamesalesglory-of-heraklesglory-of-herculesjapankanji-brain-testlaytonlets-make-a-pro-baseball-teamluminous-arc-2mario-kartmario-kart-dsmedia-createnew-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnageprofessor-laytonproof-of-spiritsalesscarlet-fragmentsim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintea-dogs-room-3tottadowe-are-fossil-diggerswe-are-fossil-holdersyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 30 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/23/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-5-12-5-18/#commentsFiled under:

The spotlight this week is on Luminous Arc 2: Will, a game that has yet to be confirmed for English language localization. While we're forced to sit and wait jealously, though, forty thousand Japanese gamers ran out and bought the title. Only falling behind the juggernauts Monster Hunter and Mario Kart Wii (and almost squeezing past Nintendo's racer), Image Epoch's SRPG debuted pretty impressively.

In other sales news, the announcement for another Professor Layton game in Japan managed to push the first title in the series back into the top thirty. Aside from that, there weren't any differences in DS software worth mentioning.

In terms of hardware, the numbers for the DS weren't so hot. In fact, we don't remember the sales numbers for Nintendo's handheld ever being this low in Japan. With everyone and their mother already owning a DS in the country, does the system still have room for growth? We won't know for sure until the next big software push, but for now it looks like the dual-screened handheld should get comfy in that third place spot.
  • PSP: 70,536 (19,348)
  • Wii: 41,572 (25,736)
  • Nintendo DS: 34,905 (16,323)
  • PlayStation 3: 7,701 (353)
  • PlayStation 2: 7,022 (442)
  • Xbox 360: 1,474 (176)
The software numbers are located after the break, so go on and take a look. They won't bite!*

*DS Fanboy claims no responsibility for those who get bitten by our sales figures.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/12-5/18 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 May 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's no new DS software in the top of the charts to report this week, but that doesn't mean Nintendo's little handheld didn't completely clean house. In fact, nineteen of the top thirty were DS games, showing how gluttonous the dual-screened portable can get when it comes to sales. Some old favorites also popped back up around the bottom, including Brain Age 2, Animal Crossing, and the original Taiko Drum Master DS.

Hardware continues to be a struggle, though. That doesn't mean the DS is doing poorly, because it's not; sales for the handheld even jumped up almost 10,000 units since last week. However, since the PSP and Wii have been doing so well lately, it's hard for Nintendo's handheld to compete:
  • PSP: 89,884
  • Wii: 67,308
  • Nintendo DS: 51,228
  • PlayStation 3: 8,054
  • PlayStation 2: 7,464
  • Xbox 360: 1,298
We have no doubt that the DS will be on top again soon enough, but until then, you can check out the satisfactory software numbers posted after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 5/5-5/11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureanimal-crossinganother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingbrain-age-2calligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-chanemblem-of-gundamgamesaleshitman-rebornjapankanji-brain-testmario-and-sonicmario-partymedia-createnarutonew-super-mario-brospokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagesim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinwe-are-fossil-diggerswe-are-fossil-holdersyattermanyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 16 May 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Namco Bandai financial report reveals Taiko no Tatsujin Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/namco-bandai-financial-report-reveals-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/namco-bandai-financial-report-reveals-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/namco-bandai-financial-report-reveals-taiko-no-tatsujin-wii/#commentsFiled under: ,


Buried in the latest Japanese Namco Bandai financial report, in a chart showing their sales projections per game for 2008, is the first mention of a Taiko no Tatsujin (Taiko Drum Master) game for Wii, planned for late this year. The company released Ennichi no Tatsujin (Festival Master), a spinoff minigame collection, as a Wii launch title, but this would be the first for-real Taiko on the Wii. They expect to sell around 500,000 copies, the same as they project for Family Trainer.

We're anxious now for an official reveal, because we want to see how the controls will work. Will it use a drum controller, or will players be asked to air-drum with the Wiimote and Nunchuk? There's also the third, more unlikely, option of hitting a drum with the Wiimote, though that would get expensive.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqNamco Bandai financial report reveals Taiko no Tatsujin Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drummusicnamco-bandaitaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinWed, 14 May 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-28-5-4/#commentsFiled under:

We realized today that we don't know Japan as well as we thought we did. With our reasoning, a new Gundam game + the popularity of the DS = cha-ching. While the debuting Emblem of Gundam had decent sales for its first week, though, taking the twelfth spot isn't all that impressive -- especially since there was only one new release cluttering up the top ten.

On the other hand, We're Fossil Diggers, Pokemon Ranger, and the Taiko Drum Master DS sequel continued to shine, giving the DS a nice piece of top ten representation. Batonnage managed to reach the half-million mark, while the other two games neared 100,000 copies sold.

For hardware, DS numbers went up since last week, but the handheld is still convincingly behind the PSP and Wii in recent sales. If you want to see the numbers, though, just click past the break. You can check out the software listings there, too.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/28-5/4 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Not only did the PSP gain momentum with the hideous brown, er, we mean shiny bronze model that released in Japan last week, but the Wii also beat out its portable cousin, sending the DS to third place in hardware sales:
  • PSP: 92,411
  • Wii: 48,796
  • Nintendo DS: 42,435
  • PlayStation 3: 9,107
  • PlayStation 2: 7,108
  • Xbox 360: 1,283
DS software fared better, though, with two new releases gracing the coveted top ten. Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure was the shining star of the week, reaching almost 56,000 sales. Summon Night gets an honorary mention, though, as it debuted in the fifth spot.

To check out the other new releases and software placings, just keep on reading ... forever.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/21-4/27 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventureace-attorneyanother-week-in-japanapollo-justicebatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartsdetective-saburou-jinguujifossilgamesalesgyakuten-saiban-4inextinguishable-heartjapanmario-kartmedia-createnarutopokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesshippuuden-shinobi-retsuden-iisim-city-2summon-nightsurprising-startling-battletaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggeswe-are-fossil-holdersyattermanyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 02 May 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ba-dum! Taiko No Tatsujin Clay Anime]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ba-dum-taiko-no-tatsujin-clay-anime/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ba-dum-taiko-no-tatsujin-clay-anime/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/01/ba-dum-taiko-no-tatsujin-clay-anime/#commentsFiled under: ,


We already knew Taiko no Tatsujin's characters are pretty darn cute from playing the games, but this clay anime series, officially produced by Namco, makes sure we'll never forget it. Though it's supposed to be a show for children -- it originally aired on Japan's Kids Station channel, if that's any indication -- we've found ourselves totally drawn into the adventures of Wada Don, Wada Katsu, and their clay friends.

A total of 26 episodes were put out over two seasons in 2005-2006, and the first seven are subtitled and available to watch on Youtube. Like the clip above, each Taiko No Tatsujin Clay Anime episode is only four minutes long, so you could feasibly watch the entire collection of translated videos in the time it takes you to watch a single episode of a much less interesting anime.

On the topic of Drum Master, Siliconera has an excellent preview and walkthrough of Taiko no Tatsujin: 7 Islands' Adventure, which shipped to stores in Japan just last week. Combine that with these menu translations, and you've got nothing stopping you from importing the rhythm game!

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqBa-dum! Taiko No Tatsujin Clay Anime originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 May 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animebandai-namcoclaymationdrumsrhythmtaikotaiko-no-tatsujinThu, 01 May 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/14-4/20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-14-4-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-14-4-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-4-14-4-20/#commentsFiled under:

Something caused a Phoenix Wright sales revival, and we suspect it was the Gyakuten Meets Orchestra concert (which was also a Gyakuten Kenji hype event). Both the first and second Gyakuten Saiban games for the DS ended up in the top thirty this week.

Newcomer We're Fossil Diggers (a second-party effort by RED Entertainment that actually sounds really fun, at least to the dinosaur lovers in us) deserves all the glory, though. Debuting at third place, this unique piece of software did rather well for itself in its first week.

Besides the same old games that have been showing up in the charts for the past few weeks, the other notable is Square-Enix's dull-sounding bookkeeping game. It seems like a rather niche title to end up in the top thirty, but who knows -- maybe a lot of Japanese folks are getting ready to take the Level 3 Bookkeeping exam. Or, maybe they just can't resist a game by the beloved Squeenix.

To see all the placings and numbers for yourselves, just click on past the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/14-4/20

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/14-4/20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorneyanimal-crossingbookkeepingcrayon-shin-chanfossilgundamgyakuten-saibangyakuten-saiban-2harvest-moonjustice-for-allkanji-brain-testkaseki-horidaamario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmbphoenix-wrightred-entertainmentshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2square-enixtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowe-are-fossil-diggeswe-are-fossil-holderswild-worldyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 25 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master DS: 39 Songs' Adventure]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/taiko-drum-master-ds-39-songs-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/taiko-drum-master-ds-39-songs-adventure/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/taiko-drum-master-ds-39-songs-adventure/#commentsFiled under: ,

Taiko no Tatsujin: 7 Islands' Adventure comes out in Japan -- and ships out to happy importers -- this week. Along with more screenshots, GAME Watch included the full (as far as we know) song list. We thought it might be nice for people interested in the game to know what's in the game, so we translated, or transliterated, the song titles and linked to a video of each one. Except for the Fukoumori theme, which we couldn't find.

The game's music falls into six categories: J-Pop, game music, Namco originals, children's songs, classical music, and anime. Well, functionally, they fall into one category: stuff with beats. Check after the break for the list, and please watch some videos so we don't feel like we've wasted our time.

Continue reading Taiko Drum Master DS: 39 Songs' Adventure

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master DS: 39 Songs' Adventure originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodrumsrhythmtaikotaiko-no-tatsujinMon, 21 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: One more time!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/friday-video-one-more-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/friday-video-one-more-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/18/friday-video-one-more-time/#commentsFiled under: ,


We love the kind of hyperenthusiastic trailers that Japanese game companies produce. When such a chipper announcer tells us how awesome a game is, we're inclined to believe them. And we have no reason to believe that Meccha! Taiko no Tatsujin DS: 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken is anything but great, between the tried-and-true fake-drumming gameplay and the endless march of beloved characters.

But even if we didn't care about the game, or didn't even know what the hell it was, the super-adorable moment at the end of the trailer when the boy, dejected after a loss, raises a drumstick stylus and sleepily asks for another game would have sold us as our hearts were melting.

JoystiqFriday Video: One more time! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a strange turn of events, there's only one new DS game in Japan's top thirty this week, and that's Oshiri Kajiri Mushi's Rhythm Lesson DS. In case that title doesn't ring a bell, you may know it better as "that butt-biting bug game." If there's one thing we've learned from this bug, it's that biting is serious business. Despite Japan's love for DS software and quirky rhythm games, though, Oshiri Kajiri Mushi only debuted in the eighteenth spot. Perhaps butt biting is even too weird for Japan?

In hardware, the DS fell behind the PSP once again. Yet, there's already signs of the Monster Hunter hype beginning to dwindle, as the PSP sold 35,000 less units than the week before. Will the new brown model that comes out next week help the PSP keep a wide lead, or will the gap start to narrow again between the two handhelds? We're looking forward to finding out!

To see the Japanese placings and numbers, just check after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 4/7-4/13 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingcase-closedchartscrayon-shin-changamesalesgundamharvest-moonjapankanji-brain-testmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmissing-professor-and-the-puzzling-towermobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmboshiri-kajiri-mushipokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-batonnagerhythm-lession-dssalesshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintottadowild-worldyowikos-deserted-islandFri, 18 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master ships 500k]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/taiko-drum-master-ships-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/taiko-drum-master-ships-500k/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/12/taiko-drum-master-ships-500k/#commentsFiled under: ,

Those of you who pay attention to Japanese sales have probably noticed that week after week, Taiko Drum Master DS sits comfortably in the top thirty. It may not sell absurd quantities (according to Famitsu, usually around 6,000 copies per week as of late), but it can't be argued that the game has legs, especially considering that it debuted nine months ago. In fact, it's the only third-party game for a Nintendo system that shows up on the charts with such consistency.

It was only a matter of time, then, before the game hit the 500k landmark. We're glad to see Namco's game doing so well, and hopefully the DS sequel will find similar success.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master ships 500k originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcogamesalesjapanmusicnamconamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinSat, 12 Apr 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/11/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-31-4-6/#commentsFiled under:

Sony dominated the first (and last) five in the top thirty software chart, but aside from that, everything else was Nintendo. The DS had fifteen games to represent it, but even if you added up the sales numbers for all those games, the total wouldn't come close to what Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G sold in its second week.

Pokemon Ranger: Batonnage was once again the best-selling DS game, but newcomer Tottado! Yowiko's Deserted Island Life (which is about famous Japanese comedians being stranded on an island) did well, also. In hardware, the DS was crushed for the second week in a row by the PSP, which had its sales boosted by Monster Hunter and Star Ocean 2.

Hardware:
  • PSP: 120,964
  • Nintendo DS: 55,190
  • Wii: 44,618
  • PlayStation 3: 11,303
  • PlayStation 2: 10,423
  • Xbox 360: 1,452
To see the software listings, just check after the break.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/31-4/6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganother-week-in-japanbeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingcase-closedchartscrayon-shin-changamesalesgundam-00harvest-moonmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmissing-professor-and-the-puzzling-towermobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesseeking-the-lost-planetshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintime-hollowtottadowild-worldyowikos-deserted-island-lifeFri, 11 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-24-3-30/#commentsFiled under:

The PSP might have dominated in Japan, selling as much hardware last week as every other system combined, but that doesn't mean the DS didn't do well for itself. In fact, Nintendo's handheld came in second place, selling around 60,000 units.

The story is similar in software, as DS titles came no where near to matching the sales of Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G, yet there was still a lot of DS representation in the top thirty, as usual. New titles rleased last week that made the cut include Mobile Suit Gundam 00, which debuted in third, Vitamin X Evolution, Lux Pain, and Home Teacher Hitman Reborn!

Towards the bottom of the software chart, New Super Mario Bros. reappeared while Taiko Drum Master hung stubbornly onto the thirtieth spot. To see how other games were rearranged, just check after the break for the listings.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/24-3/30 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbatonnagebeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-changamesalesgundam-00harvest-moonhome-teacher-hitman-rebornjapanlux-painmario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmobile-suit-gundam-00new-super-mario-brosnsmbpokemonpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-2pokemon-ranger-batonnagesalesseeking-the-lost-pastshining-sun-and-friendssim-city-2taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintime-hollowvitamin-xvitamin-x-evolutionvongole-battle-diceFri, 04 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-17-3-23/#commentsFiled under:

Last week was the week of new releases! Anticipating high holiday sales, many publishers made sure to release their games last week, with a total of fifteen ending up in the top thirty (seven of those being DS titles). With this slew of new releases, though, a lot of games were bumped off the chart to make room. Etrian Odyssey II and Soma Bringer, for example, did not survive the onslaught. Yet, somehow Mario Kart DS managed to move up a spot -- that game never ceases to amaze us.

The top of the heap was none other than Pokémon Ranger: Batonnage, which completely crushed the competition in its debut week. Sim City 2 DS did well also, ending up in the number four spot. In fact, this is the best an EA game has ever done in its first week in Japan, with the exception of the FIFA titles. Time Hollow and Super Dodgeball are some other notable new releases, ending up in spots ten and seventeen, respectively.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/17-3/23 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbangai-obangai-o-spiritsbatonnagebeautiful-letter-tra...bimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartscrayon-shin-chandragon-sworddramatic-dungeonetrian-odyssey-iifamitsugamesalesharvest-moonjapankekkaishimario-kartmario-partymedia-createninja-gaidenpokemon-rangerpokemon-ranger-baton...sakura-warsshining-sun-and-frie...shugo-charasim-city-2soma-bringersuper-dodgeball-braw...taikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujintime-hollowFri, 28 Mar 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Import your games for cheap during Play-Asia's Easter Egg Sale]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/import-your-games-for-cheap-during-play-asias-easter-egg-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/import-your-games-for-cheap-during-play-asias-easter-egg-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/27/import-your-games-for-cheap-during-play-asias-easter-egg-sale/#commentsFiled under:

If you're keen on importing games, it seems like there's no better time than now. Play-Asia is having an "Easter Egg Sale," which means that all in-stock items that weren't released in the past thirty days are 20% off. The sale ends on March 31st, but you might not even want to wait that long, as items are going out of stock quickly. Some games that might be worth picking up:

Feel free to add any of your own import recommendations in the comments below.

[Via CAG]

JoystiqImport your games for cheap during Play-Asia's Easter Egg Sale originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archaic-sealed-heatarkanoidASHchoushoujuu-mecha-mgdaigasso-band-brotherseaster-egg-saleouendan-2paddleplay-asiapower-pro-baseballtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinThu, 27 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master: So many guests]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/taiko-drum-master-so-many-guests/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/taiko-drum-master-so-many-guests/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/25/taiko-drum-master-so-many-guests/#commentsFiled under: ,

Taiko no Tatsujin: 7-tsu no Shima is turning into the Love Boat of DS rhythm games: a massive confluence of guest stars at various levels of notoriety. Also, much like The Love Boat, the music is great.

Not only will Doraemon, the Oshiri Kajiri Mushi, and characters from Namco Bandai's own The Idolm@ster be popping in, but the seven titular islands will play host to even more game characters. Adorable little animate tiles from Mojipittan (a version of which is launching on WiiWare today) will dance, presumably to "Futari no Mojipittan," the game's signature tune. Characters from the horror/comedy manga (and, of course, DS game) GeGeGe no Kitarou spook it up, as do characters from the similarly gothy-cute Fukoumori. The Spelunker (of Spelunker) is no doubt happy to get a break from heights for a while.

Finally, yes, those are the Power Rangers -- sort of. Our Power Rangers have undergone countless team, costume, and even show changes, because the Japanese shows from which they use footage (pretty much everything in costume) change. The latest such Japanese show, and the one represented here, is Engine Sentai Go-Onger.

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master: So many guests originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcofukoumorigegege-no-kitarouidolmastermusicspelunkertaikotaiko-drum-masterTue, 25 Mar 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/21/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-10-3-16/#commentsFiled under:

"If you bundle a game with a special brush stylus, they will come," the heavens whispered to Nintendo.

While we expected Beautiful Letter Training (also known as Bimoji or Calligraphy Training) to do well, we didn't expect it to sell 66,000 copies in its first week. This first-party effort by Nintendo looks as polished and full of content as a calligraphy nongame could get, but we're still surprised by the high demand for this game in Japan. Nintendo has understood sales markets better than anyone else this generation, though, so we probably should have expected this.

Also appearing on the charts are both versions of Hayate the Combat Butler, as we predicted. The mansion edition was slightly more popular, as preference was given to the little girls in little black dresses. At the sixth spot was Shugo Chara!, which, in case you were wondering, is yet another manga/anime-based game about a school girl.

Harvest Moon: Shining Sun and Friends, meanwhile, jumped back into the top ten, while Soma Bringer dropped down a few notches. One other notable game on the chart is the infamous Duel Love, which debuted at spot twenty-seven. That's not a great start for the title, but perhaps nipple rubbing is more niche in Japan than we thought.

Despite making a killing in software and having fifteen games in the top thirty, the DS remained in third for hardware sales. Still, considering that everyone and their mother already owns a DS in Japan, we're somewhat surprised that it comes so close to the top, week after week.

Mosey on after the break to see the numbers in full, folks.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/10-3/16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>another-week-in-japanbeautiful-letter-trainingbimoji-trainingcalligraphy-trainingchartsdoraemonduel-loveetrian-odyssey-2gamesalesharvest-moonhayate-the-combat-bu...japanjirou-akagawa-mysterymario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createmkdsnew-super-mario-brosnobita-and-the-green-giantnocturnensmbroyal-grailshining-sun-and-friendsshugo-charasoma-bringertaikotaiko-drum-masterthe-invited-killerthree-eggs-and-the-joker-in-loveFri, 21 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-3-3-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-3-3-9/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/another-week-in-japan-hardware-and-software-numbers-3-3-3-9/#commentsFiled under:

Japan loves Doraemon, and it shows. Not only did the manga-based robot cat have a successful DS baseball game, but now a game based on the manga itself debuted in the top ten.

Soma Bringer was still the top dog for the handheld, though, selling a total of 68,000 copies in two weeks. Are numbers like these high enough to motivate Monolith Soft to bring the game to English speaking markets? Well, we certainly hope so, but that remains to be seen.

As for hardware, the DS stayed in third place again last week, but wasn't too far behind the PSP:
  • Wii: 57,068
  • PSP: 53,924
  • Nintendo DS: 48,658
  • PlayStation 3: 21,008
  • PlayStation 2: 10,429
  • Xbox 360: 2,891
The numbers and placings for software are listed after the break, so if you're curious, just click away.

Continue reading Another Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9

JoystiqAnother Week in Japan: Hardware and software numbers 3/3-3/9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-in-the-skyanimal-crossinganother-week-in-japandoraemonetrian-odyssey-iigirls-sidegirls-side-2nd-seasonharvest-moonjapanjirou-akagawa-mysterykanji-brain-testkeroro-gunsou-3mario-and-sonicmario-kartmario-partymedia-createnew-super-mario-brosnobita-and-the-green-giantnocturnensmbroyal-grailsalesshining-sun-and-friendssoma-bringertaikotaiko-drum-masterthe-invited-killertokimeki-memorialwild-worldFri, 14 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fill your cuteness quota with this Taiko Drum Master 2 DS trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/fill-your-cuteness-quota-with-this-taiko-drum-master-2-ds-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/fill-your-cuteness-quota-with-this-taiko-drum-master-2-ds-traile/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/fill-your-cuteness-quota-with-this-taiko-drum-master-2-ds-traile/#commentsFiled under:

If this trailer doesn't melt your cold, embittered hearts, then you might as well resign yourself to a life alone, never loving anyone because you're just a tin man. Okay, maybe we took that too far, but come on! Smiling drums, happy music, ninja cats ... it's all one giant bundle of cuteness.

We told you yesterday about the various instruments in Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure, and this video shows them in action for a few seconds. We also love the customizable elephant Taiko drum, and -- can we reiterate -- ninja cats!

Rhythm games and quirky Japanese titles are right up our alley, so we enjoy this series because it incorporates the two. Is anyone else getting pumped for the next Taiko Drum Master?

JoystiqFill your cuteness quota with this Taiko Drum Master 2 DS trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventurebandai-namcodrumsnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-mastertaiko-no-tatsujinThu, 13 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master sequel needs more cowbell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/taiko-drum-master-sequel-needs-more-cowbell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/taiko-drum-master-sequel-needs-more-cowbell/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/12/taiko-drum-master-sequel-needs-more-cowbell/#commentsFiled under: ,


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.

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master sequel needs more cowbell originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-islands-adventurebandai-namcodrumsnamco-bandairhythmtaikotaiko-drum-masterWed, 12 Mar 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The DS Life: First-person gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/the-ds-life-first-person-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/the-ds-life-first-person-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/the-ds-life-first-person-gaming/#commentsFiled under: ,


The DS Life is a weekly feature in which we scour the known world for narrative images of Nintendo's handhelds and handheld gamers. If you have a photo and a story to match it with, send both to thedslife at dsfanboy dot com.

We're breaking away from our usual routine this week -- instead of fawning over touching scenes of handheld gamers, we'll look through ten pictures taken from the gamers's point of view. These photographs can reveal a lot about the shutterbugs who took them! You know, besides what game they were playing at the time.

Continue reading The DS Life: First-person gaming

JoystiqThe DS Life: First-person gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beneath-a-steel-skycard-holderchocobotalesfirst-personmariokartnintendogsphoenix-wrightpoint-of-viewtaikotamagotchiteam-fortressWed, 27 Feb 2008 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko: Stand Master]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/taiko-stand-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/taiko-stand-master/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/taiko-stand-master/#commentsFiled under: ,

Similar to its Sangokushi Taisen DS-branded base, Hori has another themed stand set in the works for rhythm game series Taiko no Tatsujin. The adjustable platform comes in red and has two holders for the drumstick styli that come with every copy of the original game. Also included in the kit is an adorable screen wipe

The bundle may or may not also come packaged with the attachable banner of cheering characters -- we haven't decided yet if this would be distractingly goofy or awesome to the max.

Japan has already seen one Taiko DS title release and has another coming, whereas every other country's DSes have been so far Taiko-less. Thus, it's safe to assume that Hori's accessory won't appear in North American stores any time soon. Import shop Play-Asia, however, has the stand available for preorder (due April) for $19.90. Peek past the break for a look at the full, watermarked product sheet.

Continue reading Taiko: Stand Master

JoystiqTaiko: Stand Master originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>horimusicnamco-bandaipreorderrhythmscreen-wipestandstylustaikotaiko-no-tatsujinTue, 26 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko Drum Master boxart wants you to be excited for the game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/taiko-drum-master-boxart-wants-you-to-be-excited-for-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/taiko-drum-master-boxart-wants-you-to-be-excited-for-the-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/07/taiko-drum-master-boxart-wants-you-to-be-excited-for-the-game/#commentsFiled under:


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.

JoystiqTaiko Drum Master boxart wants you to be excited for the game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxarttaikotaiko-drum-masterThu, 07 Feb 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko no Tatsujin's ironically earless guest]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/taiko-no-tatsujins-ironically-earless-guest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/taiko-no-tatsujins-ironically-earless-guest/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/taiko-no-tatsujins-ironically-earless-guest/#commentsFiled under: ,

The last Taiko no Tatsujin DS game featured the Super Mario Bros. theme song, accompanied by wonderful Mario animations. We don't know if any Nintendo characters or themes are going to make an appearance in the sequel, 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken, but Namco Bandai is still looking outside its own properties for guest appearances.

The latest character to appear in Taiko: Doraemon. The Doraemon theme song is apparently a staple of Taiko games, even appearing in the last DS game. This time, however, Doraemon and friends will appear as guest characters in the bottom of the play area, basically distracting you as you're trying to play. It's quite likely that, since the song has appeared before, the characters have too. But they're cute, and these are new screens of their appearance in this game. Plus, it's pretty strange to feature an earless character in a music game.

JoystiqTaiko no Tatsujin's ironically earless guest originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>doraemonmusicnamco-bandairhythmtaikoFri, 18 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More screens for Taiko's Drum Master sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/more-screens-for-taikos-drum-master-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/more-screens-for-taikos-drum-master-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/14/more-screens-for-taikos-drum-master-sequel/#commentsFiled under: ,

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?

JoystiqMore screens for Taiko's Drum Master sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drummastertaikotaiko-drum-mastertaikodrummasterMon, 14 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan: Two Taiko no Tatsujin DS games, U.S.: still none]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/japan-two-taiko-no-tatsujin-ds-games-u-s-still-none/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/japan-two-taiko-no-tatsujin-ds-games-u-s-still-none/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/09/japan-two-taiko-no-tatsujin-ds-games-u-s-still-none/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's obviously New Famitsu Day, as all kinds of news is revealed via magazine scans. The latest new game announcement found in the magazine's pages is Taiko no Tatsujin: 7-tsu no Shima no Daibouken (Taiko Drum Master: 7 Islands' Adventure). It looks to follow the same formula as the other Taiko DS game: drumming on the bottom screen with two special styli, earning outfits for your adorable little drums, and engaging in 4-player local wireless play.

Our reactions also follow the same formula as last time. With the single Taiko release in the U.S. having bombed, we're probably not going to get this one either, and thus we have no choice but to cry. We do our best to sob in rhythm.

Continue reading Japan: Two Taiko no Tatsujin DS games, U.S.: still none

JoystiqJapan: Two Taiko no Tatsujin DS games, U.S.: still none originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcodrumsrhythmtaikoWed, 09 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiko DS can't handle clothed drums]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/taiko-ds-cant-handle-clothed-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/taiko-ds-cant-handle-clothed-drums/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/01/taiko-ds-cant-handle-clothed-drums/#commentsFiled under: ,

There are few things freakier than dressing a musical instrument in clothes, and Taiko no Tatsujin DS Touch de Dokodon instinctively knows this. That's why the game rejects this activity.

Either that or, you know, it's just a bug. Apparently the game has a problem in which you cannot continue playing after you attempt to change costumes in all three save slots. Bandai Namco is correcting the issue, and will have new copies of the game out soon. We would suggest holding off on importing until then, obviously.

Is the DS really hard to program for or something? It seems like we've had a disproportionately high number of game-breaking bugs. Well, this makes three that we can count, but that still seems high.

JoystiqTaiko DS can't handle clothed drums originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandainamcobugtaikotaikodrummasterWed, 01 Aug 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday Video: Stylus is for the weak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/friday-video-stylus-is-for-the-weak/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/friday-video-stylus-is-for-the-weak/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/friday-video-stylus-is-for-the-weak/#commentsFiled under:

Who needs a stylus? Or even a pair of styli? Pfft. Real gamers don't even need them to play Taiko Drum Master DS -- though we admit, it probably makes things a lot easier. Bring on the "pair of finger" in this week's video spotlight! Check out the action after the post break.

We're curious what happened to this fellow's free styli-drumsticks, though. Did he just cast them aside in favor of going natural? How would you play?

Continue reading Friday Video: Stylus is for the weak

JoystiqFriday Video: Stylus is for the weak originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DrumMasterstylustaikotaikonotatsujinFri, 27 Jul 2007 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: We want to be the Taiko Drum Master edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/wrup-we-want-to-be-the-taiko-drum-master-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/wrup-we-want-to-be-the-taiko-drum-master-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/wrup-we-want-to-be-the-taiko-drum-master-edition/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, the reasons why we wish we were Japanese just keep piling on, as Japanese gamers celebrate the release of Taiko Drum Master on the DS this week. Seriously, we're dying to get our hands on this game. Sure, we could import it, but who wants to navigate Japanese menus? Damn our laziness!

Enough about us and our desires. What are you planning on playing this weekend?

JoystiqWRUP: We want to be the Taiko Drum Master edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japantaikoFri, 27 Jul 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[First Taiko Drum Master DS commercial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/first-taiko-drum-master-ds-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/first-taiko-drum-master-ds-commercial/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/25/first-taiko-drum-master-ds-commercial/#commentsFiled under:


Sure, we've had plenty of screens from the game to look over, but footage has been few and far between. Well, thanks to YouTube, we get our first glimpse of the game, courtesy of a Japanese commercial. And, as with all Japanese commercials, its fairly short and completely ridiculous.

Check the video past the post break.

Continue reading First Taiko Drum Master DS commercial

JoystiqFirst Taiko Drum Master DS commercial originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitelitenamconamcobandainintendonintendodsnintendodslitetaikotaikodrummasterMon, 25 Jun 2007 13:25:00 EST