Bandai Namco's Taiko no Tatsujin is a delightful music game series featuring optional drum controllers. The series always makes for a great time; we had a blast with Taiko no Tatsujin: The Drum Master on Xbox. Drumming with friends is even more fun than going solo, of course, which makes the release date announcement for Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival all the more exciting. When Rhythm Festival arrives on Nintendo Switch in September, it will feature 4-player local co-op.
Rhythm Festival will feature multiple modes, including Story, Taiko, and Party Mode. In Story, Don-chan (the series mascot) and Kumo-kun will travel to Omiko City and work at becoming Taiko masters. Taiko Mode is the traditional arcade experience, with 76 songs included in the base game and more songs available via the optional Taiko Music Pass subscription. Online multiplayer will be available as well.
Party Mode is what we're most excited about because it will allow up to four local players to play cooperatively. With so many notes scrolling across the screen at once, Party Mode should be a loud, frantic good time.
Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is due out on Switch on September 23 of this year. The game will sell for $39.99 digitally, and drum controllers will cost $69.99. Drum controllers are totally optional, but they do add a lot to the Taiko experience. Best Buy has the physical edition of Rhythm Festival available for preorder for $49.99.
Players with save data from Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n Fun will unlock three bonus songs in Rhythm Festival. Drum n' Fun is currently on sale for $10 on Switch, so now's a great time to start drumming!