Info about Taiko Drum Master?

[Cirrus]

I recall someone having a Taiko Drum Master character as their avatar here, so I figured I'd ask about it here.

Is it only played with one drum? It only comes with one, right? Is there a 2 drum mode?

Is there only one game out in the US? How many are out in other countries? Any way of experiencing them here? (Swap magic, I assume... does the same drum still work? )

Can it be played with a controller? (Not that I'd have any interest in doing so, I'm just brainstorming here.)

Any way to use the drums to play any PC versions?

I like rhythm games in general, I just never shelled out for this one yet. Planning on doing so soon.

This inspired me: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsunG3XbUz8

Yes, I'm a nerd.

[klausien]

Taiko Drum Master is an excellent rhythm game. It comes with one drum and can be played with, I believe, up to 4. It is possible to play using the Dual Shock as well. I've only ever played 2 player, as I have the Namco drum and a Red Octane one that has managed to continue to work (keeping my fingers crossed). It's like Donkey Konga (another must play rhythm game), only better in my opinion.

There is only one US version. None of the sequels have been published, due to the fact that localizing these games for the US requires recording and licensing music. I also don't believe it was a runaway hit by any means. The J-Pop and Japanese TV themes of the import sequels would be lost on Americans. The music in the US version consists of vanilla US pop music, with a smattering of classical, and some Namco Bandai specific songs (much like Donkey Konga, only swap Namco Bandai with Nintendo). The re-recordings are done well, with the version of Jet's "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" being the most convincing of the lot. The fact that the theme from Katamari Damacy is a playable song made this an absolute must-have for me.

The US drums work fine on the import sequels as they have regular PS2 controller plugs. For the PC, you probably need a PS2 controller to USB adapter, if that works at all. The imports should also work with swap discs. Just be prepared for some bizarre music that is, incidentally, much more appropriate to the aesthetic of the game.

There is a PSP version, but I know little about it. Not sure if it came out in the US (I want to say it did). I didn't even know there was a PC version! The original arcade game is definitely superior, if only because of the gigantic Taiko drum you get to play caveman style. It feels totally ridiculous and fantastic at the same time.

[Cirrus]

Just be prepared for some bizarre music that is, incidentally, much more appropriate to the aesthetic of the game.

That's actually what I would prefer, really. If I wanted to listen to No Doubt, or whatever trash they think Americans want to hear, I'd go watch American Idol.

[Neil Koch]

If you haven't picked this up yet, I got it from Target a few months ago for $10.

It was on clearnace tho, so your local Target may or may not have it.

[VACRMH]

If you haven't picked this up yet, I got it from Target a few months ago for $10.

It was on clearnace tho, so your local Target may or may not have it.

May want to try K-Mart and TRU as well. I think they were $5 and $7.

[roushimsx]

There were some pretty solid tracks in the US version (Killer Queen being my favorite), but the best songs were the classical tunes, of which there were far, far, far too few.

I wish I had picked up the Japanese sequels back when Play Asia was blowin' em out dirt cheap.

[Borman]

I never did like the drum that came with the game, it never seemed responsive enough for me :\

[Oobgarm]

There is a PSP version, but I know little about it. Not sure if it came out in the US (I want to say it did).

I can confirm it's import only.

Good smatterings of info for you, though Klausien was quite thorough:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko_Drum_Master

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiko_no_Tatsujin

I have import copies of Waku Waku ANIME Matsuri and Appare Sandaime, in addition the the US version. They're fun, but I can't help but feel that the drum isn't responsive enough. Maybe I'm just no good at it, but I've noticed times I've hit the drum and it didn't register.

I'd say it's a bargain under $20.

[kainemaxwell]

I can tell ya this is one of the most fun rhythm games that were made and its a shame none of the other sequels came out here. If you have a modded PS2 there's plenty of sequels out there to pick from ranging from j-pop to anime music tracks.

Though it is a bit weird to be drumming to songs like "Killer Queen" or "Material Girl".

[Cirrus]

Thanks for all the info, guys. :)

Turns out none of my local EB or Gamestop has these. The clearance ones at Target were sold out, too. Guess I'm gonna have to eBay this one (augh, the shipping!).

I'll probably check Buying/Selling, too.

[norkusa]

Try to get the Red Octane drum if you ever score a copy of Taiko. I got one for $5 at EB a couple years ago and it's SOOOO much better than the one that's bundled with the game. Way more sensitive, especially on the rim shots. Really wished I picked up another one of those but I didn't expect it to play so well.