WhenGuitar HeroandRock Bandgot oversaturated, Bandai-Namco’s arcade drum ‘em up carved a nice little niche for itself.Taiko no Tatsujinis a bigger deal in Japan, given it’s where taiko drums come from. But it has its international fans too, thanks to its simple yet addictive gameplay. Players must hit the drums in the right way to the beat of the music, which can be easier said than done depending on the song.
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The game has appeared in various forms in other titles and across different consoles. For example, it appeared as a mini-game in Sega’sYakuza 5. Then, more recently, it got a full entry on the Nintendo Switch withTaiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival. The game offers a broad range of music from pop, rock, anime, Vocaloids, and even other videogames. Which ones should players try out first?
10Into the Night
Also known as “Racing into the Night,” Yoasobi’s catchy pop hit is easy on the ear with its twinkly piano tunes, neat guitar, and steady drumming. It’s a fun tune that’ll linger with the listener.
It also makes for a gentle intro toTaiko no Tatsujin’s gameplay, as it doesn’t have crazy drum rolls or rapid flourishes from the off. Beginners will have fun starting off with this one, and it will help veterans shake off the drumming rust and get back into the swing of things.
9Moonlight
Sailor Moon’s Moonlight Sonata is in the game and is a treat to play. But this ‘Moonlight’ refers to Yorushika’s ‘That’s Why I Gave Up on Music.’ It hits the same area as ‘Into the Night’ with the sweet piano, rocking hints, and fun drumming.
It’s just as beginner-friendly, but with a few more flourishes here and there to keep players on their toes. Players better be careful not get lost in the rapid vocals, or the beat will run away and leave their combo streak in ruins.
8Guren no Yumiya
Even if players aren’t fans ofAttack on Titan, its dramatic OP by Linked Horizon is a banger. And that’s meant quite literally, as its intro includes some heavy, slow beats to lull players into a false sense of security before breaking out into full-on rock.
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The game has difficulty settings for each tune, ranging from Easy to Extreme. Even beginners might find themselves mixing up their pans from their dons on the gentler settings before finding their bearings. However, the mastering its beats is as thrilling as the tune itself.
7A Cruel Angel’s Thesis
This songdoesn’t need an introduction, but it’ll get one anyway. Shiro Sagisu and Yoko Takahashi’s OP forNeon Genesis Evangelionis known to anime fans and non-fans alike. With its poppy brass section, sweet vocals, and quick beats, it’s a classic.
While the drums are rapid, it’s easier to get a hold of its rhythm than ‘Guren no Yumiya’ because they don’t mix up too much. With a sharp set of eyes and hands, players can enjoy the tune without worrying too much about their combo.
6Makafushigi Adventure!
Theintro toDragon Ball? Goku’s childhood adventures are fun, but why include ‘Makafushigi Adventure’ over ‘Cha-La Head-Cha-La’ or ‘Dragon Soul’ fromDragon Ball Z? That’s the thing. Those songs are in the game…as DLC.
Players can pay $3.99 for the Dragon Ball Anime Songs Pack, and similar prices for One Piece, Studio Ghibli, Hatsune Miku, and a grab-bag of anime songs. Or, they can make do with the default song list, which include this bop with its snappy, 80s drumbeats that’ll get players’ sticks swinging.
5He’s A Pirate
ThePirates of the Caribbeanmovies got kind ofshaky after the first film. But its score earned its fame for a reason, as it encapsulates the feeling they were going for. It’s grand, epic, adventurous, and available in this game to pan and don along to the beats with.
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After all, the beats are what make the tune. Matching the horn section, it’s what everyone hums along to when they think of the film’s score. It’s not too challenging either, so it’s a good party item to choose if the other songs don’t catch people’s fancy.
4Roki
There are plenty of Vocaloid tracks for fans to tap away to, though they can be an acquired taste. The autotune AI vocals can pitch pretty fiercely and overpower the rest of the song. Luckily, ‘Roki’ by Kagamine Rin & Lex V4X is easier on the ears.
The vocals are smoother here and features some nice bass guitar playing along the way. While the beats are fast, they keep a consistent pace going throughout the song. It’s a neat treat for intermediateTatsujinplayers.
3William Tell Overture
There is a fun version of Funiculì Funiculà (the Italian song used for theSpider-Man 2video game pizzamissions) available inRhythm Festival. But if players really want to tell their Taiko skills, they should go for Rossini’s ‘William Tell Overture.’
It’s one of the fastest tracks in the game, with rapid bursts of beats that gallop through the entire track. The song may be riveting to listen to, but it’s all the more thrilling (if testing) to get the hang of. It’s a good choice to impress friends with.
2KATAMARI on the Rock – Main Theme
TheKatamari Damacytheme is probably a touch too weird to thrill friends with, unless they were also big on Bandai-Namco’s object-rolling puzzle game. It’s a fun, wacky tune with odd vocals and instrumentation.
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The beats are also challenging with their rapid flourishes, if not as wild as the ‘William Tell Overture.’ It has a few slower sections for players to get their bearings with. This track should fit the bill for intermediate players who want to test themselves, but not too much.
1Donderful Everyday
Finally, whileRhythm Festivalhas a lot of fun original tracks, ‘Donderful Everyday’ is perhaps the best of the bunch. It’s a joyful tune with rapid vocals that’ll make players glad it’s not a karaoke game.
The beats are back to being more beginner-friendly with its slower beats. However, it’ll still test players' skills as it throws in the odd quicker section for them to keep up with. After going crazy with ‘Guren no Yumiya’ and the ‘William Tell Overture’, it’s a nice option to cool things down. It’s easy-going without being too easy.
