Product Review: Taiko Drum Master

When Dance Dance Revolution came out a few years ago I was one of the first to have a dance pad in my home and be dancing around like an idiot. I have always been drawn to video games that require you to do something (like step on a square) at exactly the right point to succeed. That desire for simple yet entertaining video games was what drew me to Taiko Drum Master.

Namco, the same people who make the Playstation versions of all your favorite Atari 2600 games, puts out Taiko Drum Master. What the game is, is a plastic toy drum with drumsticks that you use to play along with the music.

I actually purchased my copy of this game when the Toys R Us in my neighborhood was going out of business, so I got it literally at closeout price.

The game doesn't have the fanciest graphics in the world, but they do for the type of game it is. I find myself pulling this out whenever I have parties, or guests over who are looking for something randomly entertaining to do.

Here are some questions you may have about Taiko Drum Master.

Do I Need A Controller?

When I purchased my copy of Taiko Drum Master they included the drum itself in the purchase price. Most places I've seen the game since then charge around $50 for both the drum and the game CD.

How Do You Play?

Playing Taiko Drum Master is fairly easy. You plug the drum into the video game controller slot on your Playstation, put the game in your Playstation and you're pretty much ready to go. During game play you select a song, and then the game will indicate when you should hit the drum. The closer you get to when you "should" hit it, the better your score. There are also several other game modes, and a 2-player option if you're feeling adventurous.

Good Game For Kids?

As far as skill required, Taiko Drum Master is appropriate for children of all ages. Unless your playstation is located pretty faraway from where you are going to be then you may want to keep this game away from your kids however.

You 're playing a drum, and that drum is attached to a pretty loud musical video game, so the game while fun for your kids probably wont be very much fun for anyone around your kids while they are playing the game.