Play Taiko no Tatsujin DS - Touch de Dokodon! (v01) (J)(Independent) Online

Game Overview

Taiko no Tatsujin DS is one of those rhythm games that just feels right on the touch screen. You tap and swipe the drum to match the beats flying across the screen—simple at first, but those fast-paced songs will have you sweating before long. The song list is a fun mix of Japanese pop, classical, and game music (I kept replaying the one that sounds like a festival theme).

What surprised me was how satisfying the hits feel—there’s a real weight to nailing a combo, and the drum sound effects are weirdly addictive. Miss a note, though, and your little taiko drummer faceplants in the most dramatic way possible. It’s silly, but it makes failing almost as fun as succeeding.

If you’ve got a soft spot for rhythm games or just want something to tap along to during a commute, this one’s a solid pick. Just don’t blame me when you start absentmindedly drumming on tables afterward.