Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n' Fun! Reviews
In the space of a year, the Nintendo Switch has set itself up as the premier choice of console for rhythm gamers, with Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun the most polished of the genre on the system and my personal recommendation as the best place for newcomers to start rhythm gaming period.
Taiko no Tatsujin on the Nintendo Switch will likely find itself in consumer limbo in North America - the lack of a way to purchase the TataCon locally will likely drive away some dedicated players, and the $50 price tag might drive away new players. That's unfortunate because the overall Drum 'n' Fun package is very enjoyable if you can accept a few minor setbacks. Drum 'n' Fun might not match the arcade version pound for pound, but it's a faithful version picked ripe from Japan and has a lot to offer to rhythm game fans on the Switch.
While Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun failed to make the motion control experience capture the challenging appeal of the original arcade game, it’s not without merit. The colourful presentation and catchy set list are a joy to experience, and the tap controls are responsive if a little easy to master. It’s certainly nothing to shake a stick at, but fans of the genre may not find much for them here here, especially when the console already has some solid rhythm games available.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! is a dizzyingly weird but wonderful rhythm game that’s both easy to pick up but ever so tough to master. Those playing with the drum set will undoubtedly have the best time but even if you opt for its more traditional control scheme there’s still enough fun to be had making your way through the game’s unique song list or facing off against your friends in its party games.
Your enjoyment with Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! is going to come down to two main factors: how well you can adhere to its motion controls and how much you enjoy its soundtrack.
Even without the physical instrument, Taiko no Tatsujin Drum ‘n’ Fun! is a wonderful game and a great “port” of the popular japanese game. Even with the not so good motion controls, is definitely a great party and multiplayer game.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
If you enjoy Japanese culture, Japanese songs, and rhythm games, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! is absolutely for you.
It's been far too long since Taiko no Tatsujin saw a release in the west but Drum 'n' Fun! brings back Namco's rhythm series in a fantastic way.
If you’re after a rhythm game that’s heartwarming, bold, and a hell of a lot of fun to play at parties, then you don’t have to look any further than this latest offering.
As a package, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun! is a formidable one; on your own, you can spend ages playing though all the songs on offer while also unlocking new ones, and with others by your side you can play some of the funniest minigames I’ve had the pleasure of encountering in recent years.
Taiko No Tatsujin: Drum ‘N' Fun is out now for Nintendo Switch (with an alternate version out for Playstation 4). Do you think you will pick this game up? Do you consider yourself a master of the Taiko drum? Let us know in the comments, or on Twitter, and check back for more coverage of games like this and other Japanese titles.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun is undoubtedly one of the most enjoyable rhythm games available on the Nintendo Switch. It additionally presents a unique multiplayer mixed in with all the exciting rhythmic action offering a substantial amount of replay value. The lack of gameplay modes is a fundamental flaw that hurts its lasting appeal.
Polished, fun and incredibly weird at times, Taiko no Tatsujin is nothing short of a blast to play on the Switch. The translation isn't great and the motion controls don't quite work, but everything else here is a pure delight. The core gameplay is simple yet addicting, and the party games make this a title you can enjoy with just about anyone.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! is an entertaining title in the rhythmic genre, and if you are a fan of Japanese songs, you'll probably love it. But if you are not familiar with Japanese songs or you simply don't like them, then this game is not for you, though you may still enjoy the Party Mode.
Review in Persian | Read full review
While it's great to finally see a Taiko reach Europe, it has some disappointing aspects, like sub-par motion controls that make you want to rely on standard controls, and a track listing that is decent, but misses many of the memorable Taiko tracks of recent years - some of which ended up on the PS4 version instead. The decision to have two completely different track listings is also baffling. There are already a bunch of songs on the eShop, including a Ghibli pack that is a must-buy. Those negatives aside, Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! is still a ton of fun, and a joy for anyone who has played it in Japan. Hopefully, the first of many in the series to get such a release.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum'n'Fun is a fine rhytm game, graced by a rich tracklist but held back by a lack of game modes and inconsistent motion controls.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n' Fun! gives Europeans a long-awaited taste of Japanese drum-fun. You'll want to consider forking out for the taiko peripheral to see the game at its best, but Switch's touchscreen makes this an easier recommendation than it would otherwise be. The motion controls should be avoided with extreme prejudice – they're simply unworkable – and a few odd design decisions, not to mention an excess of loading screens, take the shine off what is a beautifully bold and bouncy game. Fortunately, the Party Game section helps shore things up, offering short bursts of multiplayer fun as a credible stopgap until Rhythm Paradise arrives.
It's a real treat to finally see Taiko no Tatsujin make a splash in the West, with Drum ‘n' Fun delivering a faithful and fun package for arcade purists, while being a title I'd happily recommend to casual Nintendo Switch owners.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'N' Fun is aimed at a specific audience, those that feel comfortable smashing away to J-pop and flailing their arms. And it caters to that audience perfectly. With more than 70 songs and dozens of minigames, it's going to keep players tapping and drumming along for hours, and likely humming the songs for hours after playing too.
The best rhythm game on Nintendo Switch, and one with a surprisingly fun party mode.