Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session

Video ChumsA.J. Maciejewski

8.1/10

Rhythm game fans are in luck because Taiko no Tatsujin is finally back in the west with a couple of brand new games.

Playstation LifestyleLucas White

8/10

Few things in this world are as exciting as wandering into an arcade space and finding a Taiko no Tatsujin machine. They are wondrous things, massive hunks of plastic housing enough space for two players to tear it up on the huge drum controllers, big ol’ screens ,and of course, the adorable red and blue Taiko mascots. Banging on those drums and clacking the sticks together is such an irreplaceable experience, but playing home versions can be a suitable alternative as well, thanks to choice music licensing, and controls that adapt well to a normal pad or even touch screens. It has been tragic,...

Worth PlayingCody Medellin

8/10

Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session! plays to the spirited competitive side of Taiko with its Ranked Mode, enabling players to connect online and test their skills against Taiko players around the world through ghost data.

COGConnectedStephanie Sung

78/100

The classic arcade rhythm game is back, and this time for PS4 and Switch owners! Despite being released on the same day, the two games are slightly different from one another – they even have different titles with the Switch version being called Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum ‘n’ Fun. For this review, I will be focusing on my experiences with Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session!, the PS4 version of the game.

DestructoidChris Moyse

7/10

Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session achieves its goal of being incredibly simplistic but wonderfully addictive. Painted in fun and adorable visuals and peppered with unique tunes, it’s a worthy addition to the canon of enjoyable rhythm-action titles. But heed should be paid to the potential cost of picking up a drum peripheral or two, as without all the manic arm-waving and ground-shaking, Drum Session may prove a harder sell for many wannabe tub-thumpers.

Push SquareStephen Tailby

6/10

The Taiko No Tatsujin series is largely exclusive to Japan, but every now and again, these colourful rhythm titles do head West. In the case of Taiko No Tatsujin: Drum Session, it's the first time the franchise has been brought over to Europe, making it the most widely available outing yet. However, this is still very much a niche within a niche; fans will likely already be playing, while for everyone else, it's a harder sell.

Gamers HeroesCasey Scheld

60/100

Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session! has rock-solid drumming mechanics and a fair difficulty curve, but the amount of DLC available at launch is a little extreme. Buyer beware - this is one game that will cost completionists a pretty penny.

MonsterVineMonsterVine Staff

I was hesitant about playing Taiko no Tatsujin without the drum, but that comes with its pros and cons. Some of the experience is definitely taken away with using the controller, but it’s easier (at least for me) since you don’t get as tired as quickly. I’d definitely recommend investing in it if you plan to play often, though—get a good workout in AND feel like a badass drummer. If not, though, DON still makes Drum Session! worth it.