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Interview | Bandai Namco: Do Nintendo Fans Want Taiko no Tatsujin DS in the West?
on 22.07.2008 at 23:22
Posted by Jorge Ba-oh (jb) 
Comments: 12 
Reads: 2727
Tags:
Taiko, Bandai Namco, Nintendo DS, Drum Master
Posted by Jorge Ba-oh (jb) Comments: 12 Reads: 2727 Tags:
Taiko, Bandai Namco, Nintendo DS, Drum Master Recent News
Bandai Namco will be known by many Nintendo fans in the West for creating the Donkey Konga GameCube titles. However, over in Japan the company has a far stronger rhythm franchise in the form of 'Taiko no Tatsujin', a series that has predominantly appeared on Sony consoles. However, now that era appears to be over and Nintendo fans are getting a taste of the game. Cubed³ was lucky enough to catch up with the developer of the Taiko no Tatsujin titles to find out more about the two Nintendo DS iterations already released in Japan and discuss the possibility of them coming to the West.
Cubed³'s Adam Riley: For those that do not know about the Taiko no Tatsujin franchise, could you please explain about how it works and why you think people are so addicted to the series?
Mr. Ken Nakadate, Producer of the "Taiko no Tatsujin" franchise: "Taiko no Tatsujin" is a game concerning a Japanese traditional percussion instrument, called "Wadaiko (Taiko)," and uses drum sticks, called "Bachi," to co-operate with the music that is being played. The franchise is originally from the arcade version, and "Taiko no Tatsujin" has now been released on Nintendo DS. We believe that the reason many users, across generations and regardless of sex, enjoy the game is that the gameplay is unique and intuitive; just touching the face ("Men") and edge ("Fuchi") of the Taiko drum with the exclusive touch pen, "Bachi Pen." It also contains a lot of hit songs, including J-POP and cartoon theme songs.
AR: The games have been predominantly on Sony formats. What made you bring the series over to the Nintendo DS?
KN: Nintendo DS is a handheld hardware that is easy to play anytime, anywhere and the touch pen can be used like the Bachi to beat the Taiko drum. That's why we thought we could create a new style to play the series on DS.
AR: Whose idea was it to include the Super Mario Bros. theme as one of the songs in the game ? yours or Nintendo's?
KN: Super Mario Bros. has a wide appeal and the theme rhythm makes the body move irresistibly. That is the reason we included it in the game.
AR: Are more Nintendo songs included in the DS sequel? And how many songs are included in the new game in total?
KN: The game contains well-balanced music so that people, regardless of age, casual users to core users, could play; J-POP, anime, classical, folksongs, nursery rhymes, game music and also Bandai Namco Games originals.
AR: Choosing the right songs for a game like this is very important. How does your team decide which songs are perfectly suited for the final game?
KN: We choose the songs based on requests from customers and data from CD sales rankings. It is also important for the music to be catchy so it corresponds with playing the Taiko drum. However, we leave out some styles, like slow ballads, because they just wouldn't fit.
AR: What sort of modes are available in the new DS Taiko no Tatsujin? Is there a multiplayer option as well?
KN: We introduced "Dojo-breaking mode" as a new mode. This mode provides a quest to sort through seven islands with the main character, Don-chan, in which the players can compete with enemies. Also, "Corresponding VS mode" from the previous one is available, in which the players can enjoy playing with up to four friends and family with just one DS card.
AR: How does the new Taiko no Tatsujin differ from the first DS game?
KN: The new one is the adventure version with more powerful elements. Other than the Dojo-breaking mode, the players can change the instrument from the Taiko to drum or tambourine, and popular cartoon characters join as guests within the game. The first one is like the ABC to learn the basics of how to play the standard songs with the Taiko drum. I recommend both!
AR: Nintendo released a GBA cartridge with new songs for Band Brothers on DS, and there is also the option to let download tracks using the Wi-Fi Connection. Has either of these options been considered for Taiko no Tatsujin to help extend the game's life?
KN: We find the download service of songs attractive, but it is undecided so far.
AR: What are your thoughts on head-to-head Wi-Fi battles? Is this something that might be included in a future DS version?
KN: Wi-Fi battle is also interesting, but it is also undecided so far.
AR: Rhythm games have been extremely popular in the West, including the Bandai Namco-developed Donkey Kong series, as well as the extremely Japanese-themed Elite Beat Agents. Given this fact, will either DS Taiko no Tatsujin or the forthcoming Wii game be considered for a US or European release?
KN: We want the customers in Europe and US to enjoy the Japanese Taiko drum. The schedule for US or European releases is undecided but we would release them if we receive a lot of requests from US and European customers!
AR: Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions.
KN: Thank you very much!
The team would like to know whether you'd purchase the game if it made its way to the West. Please see our official poll or in the community bar on the left.
Be sure to check out our wealth of exclusive interviews by following this link:
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If we were the last man and woman on Earth, I bet we could do it in public
1850
L68 King Boo
I think it looks quite fun.
Nice interview Adam.
Nice interview Adam.
Wishing for a new Rival Schools!
15712
Founder/Admin
Sounds awesome, quick but good read 
Top work Adam!
Would probably try out an import copy to see how it handles. Love the style
jb(at)cubed3.com
Top work Adam!Would probably try out an import copy to see how it handles. Love the style
jb(at)cubed3.com
El perro se comió mis pantalones, por eso estoy desnudo.
115
L12 Kremling
Please, please! I want it!
----
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http://blogs.ign.com/charwiimario
Top games:
5-The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
4-Super Mario Galaxy
3-Eternal Darkness
2-Super Mario Bros 3
1-Super Mario Bros
baten kaitos
28
L3 Gooba
And how do we request? just came back from their websites, they have jack for being contacted, Euro site is mostly arcade cabinet crap even. And since when do they listen to their userbases? recent stuff prooves otherwise.
And I'll request other stuff from them if I can then *TALES OF VESPERIA WII* NOW!!
And I'll request other stuff from them if I can then *TALES OF VESPERIA WII* NOW!!
Sex is bad. Sex is a Sin. Sins are forgiven so stick it in!
9413
L100 C3 Master
raidzero said:
And I'll request other stuff from them if I can then *TALES OF VESPERIA WII* NOW!!
And I'll request other stuff from them if I can then *TALES OF VESPERIA WII* NOW!!
Theres already 2 Tales of games coming out for the wii and you want another!?
XBL Gamertag: James2t3
M30W
99
L10 Bombomb
two tales on the wii ?
symphonia and ? o.o
japanese rythm games ftw! i love this game <3
symphonia and ? o.o
japanese rythm games ftw! i love this game <3
"Sony always wins baby.. Sony always wins.." - Chad Warden on pstripple
Brawl FC : 2191 - 6919 - 2772
Brawl FC : 2191 - 6919 - 2772
baten kaitos
28L3 Gooba
Blade2t3 said:Theres already 2 Tales of games coming out for the wii and you want another!?
There were like 10 tales on Ps2, why? because it leaded. Symphonia got ported, because it leaded too. So why does X360 who sells jack in Japan, and whose sales trends are putting it in third worldwide, get a exclusive tales?
I'm not buying a X360 for that so... port it over Namco, those graphics are possible on the wii for starters, not the joke ToS2 is graphically.( Edited 23.07.2008 04:42 by raidzero )
Prof. Layton 2 Hands-On & Another Code: R Review Now Live!
11672
News Editor
raidzero said:
And how do we request?
And how do we request?
Participate in our poll: http://www.cubed3.com/topic/32222 and I'll pass on the feedback
Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor
Resident Evil 5 and Bionic Commando PC Announced
8336
L100 C3 Master
Win, I love the first. The Wii game is going to be awesome!
Wireless Taiko Drums FTW
Drum Master Wii
http://www.bandainamco.co.jp/ir/presentation/pdf/20080509_1.pdf
So yeah, Golden Sun 3.
18113
C3 Mod
This coming to the West and advertised properly would DEFINITELY make a lot of people happy, and probably even do well. It's just something I think UK would like.
Tales of Symphonia 2 is coming to Wii, as well as the "next big Tales game" after Vesperia.
Tales of Symphonia 2 is coming to Wii, as well as the "next big Tales game" after Vesperia.
Prof. Layton 2 Hands-On & Another Code: R Review Now Live!
11672News Editor
Sadly they were unable to talk about the Wii version (hence the lack of Qs on that topic).
I love the first DS game - so addictive! Not played the new one yet, but I it sounds like they've expanded the concept considerably...wish they'd release it abroad!
Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor
I love the first DS game - so addictive! Not played the new one yet, but I it sounds like they've expanded the concept considerably...wish they'd release it abroad!
Cubed3 Senior Editor :: Lead Writer :: News & Interviews Editor
4938
L99 Master Hand
Yes, yes yes!!! I have the first and second one and LOVE them both.
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