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Taiko Drum Master PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Namco
  • Release Date: Oct 26, 2004
Taiko Drum Master Image
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.4 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 5 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: Namco brings a version of its popular Japanese drum series to the US market. Taiko No Tatsujin ("Drum Master") first appeared in Japanese arcades in early 2001. It was ported to the PlayStation 2 in 2002. The game is played by hitting a drum-shaped controller with two sticks to the beat of various songs. More details to follow.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 35
  2. Mixed: 11 out of 35
  3. Negative: 1 out of 35
  1. Game Chronicles
    94
    I don't care what you read anywhere else. This is a MUST HAVE game for anyone who likes music and owns a PS2. Admit it; at one time in your life you fancied yourself a drummer, beating on pots and pans or anything else that made noise. Now you can live out those fantasies and actually sound pretty good doing it.
  2. Gaming Target
    74
    Taiko Drum Master finally brings percussion to the video game music craze, but the cool factor that made Guitar Hero popular has fled this game on account of its cute presentation.
  3. GameCritics
    35
    Too much effort was spent trying to force loveable, quirky characters down my throat with all the believability of The DaVinci Code's plotline.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Becky
    10
    I love this game, I played it while living in Japan and was so excited to see it here in the U.S. on PS2! I highly recommend it, my 4 and 6 year old girls love it as well. Problem is the game only comes with one drum and they don't sell the drum seperately at this time.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. MadC.
    10
    SO DAMN CUTE!!
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. AngelaS.
    9
    As a drummer I was excited for the release of Donkey Konga, however, as a PS2 (exclusive, for lack of funds) owner, I was even more excited when I heard rumor of Taiko Drum Master. I bought the game on the same day that my friend bought it. So, my first day playing was mostly spent in duet mode. Like in Donkey Konga, you are either pleasantly surprised by the fact that the players notes differ, or you are scarred to death by the fact that "you don't get it" on the first try. This was enough to make me a bit off every once in a while… but not much of a problem. My one big concern was that both players had to be on the same level of difficulty. This wouldn’t normally be as big of a problem, but when you’re playing against a beat game fanatic, who only wants to unlock and play oni mode, it gets to be frustrating. So, for the most part, it isn’t a big deal, as long as you play with someone at your level or, at least, willing to switch off between difficulties. The amount of songs there were was a little disappointing, but I soon got over it once I remembered that there were only a few more songs in Donkey Konga, and the original DDR Mix also had very little selection for songs as well. The choices were fun, and mostly unique. The Namco Originals are probably going to be the fan favorites, although I didn’t mind seeing most of the rock songs or even *gasp* the pop songs. I must admit that Material Girl and Love Shack should have had different vocalists, that is, if they really wanted them to sound like the original artists. But with the case of Lady Marmalade, I was happy to report that the new vocalist is, in my opinion, a much more talented singer then Christina Aguilera. Overall, it’s very addictive, and if you’ve even taken the time to read this whole review, it is most likely the kind of game you will enjoy. As a fan of beat games already, you will definitely want to add this to your collection of Konami and Namco games.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews