Taiko no Tatsujin (which roughly translates to “Drum Hero” or “Drum Master”) is predominantly known as a constant fixture in the Japanese arcade scene. Up to two players take up their sticks, stand in front of a replica of a massive traditional festival drum called a “Taiko,” and keep the beat along to their favorite tunes ranging from children’s songs to anime and video game themes to J-pop to even Western favorites such as Frozen’s “Let it Go.”
But, especially in recent years, Namco’s Taiko no Tatsujin franchise has become far more than just an arcade rhythm game. Spinoffs of the popular series have been released for platforms including (but not limited to) the Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 2, 4, Portable, and Vita, various mobile devices, and even the Advanced Pico Beena children’s educational console. While most of these releases have been simple rhythm games, others have featured adventure elements, story modes, and even collaborations with popular franchises ranging from Mario and Tekken to Ace Attorney and Monster Hunter.
Now, two popular Taiko no Tatsujin titles are seeing an English-language release for the Nintendo Switch – in one convenient package! Titled The Rhythmic Adventure Pack, this release features two rhythm-based RPGs, Rhythmic Adventure I and Rhythmic Adventure II. Both games see series mascots Don-chan and Katsu-chan traveling through time to solve various incidents that threaten the past, present, and future of humanity.
In addition to using powerful taiko combos to strike down fearsome foes, Don and Katsu will be able to recruit over 250 unique monsters to become their allies and fight alongside them. Each monster has its own personality, stats, and skills — Rhythmic Adventure blends the “‘mon collection” and “rhythm game” genres to create perfect harmony.
Want to skip the adventure and jam along with your favorite drum mascots? The Pack will also feature a “Rhythm Mode,” in which players can drum along to any of the 130 songs included in the two games.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythmic Adventure Pack will be coming to Nintendo Switch in Winter 2020.
