In Japan, drum beats YOU!

While the manic clacking of plastic guitars has largely fallen quiet across the world, Japan still has a place in its rhythm gaming heart for a different instrument: the humble-yet-iconic taiko drum.

According to Siliconera, Namco Bandai has announced more than 500,000 combined units shipped for two titles in its Taiko Drum Master series: Taiko Drum Master: Super Splendid Edition for the Wii and Taiko Drum Master: The Little Dragon and the Mysterious Orb for the 3DS. Each game has currently seen release only in Japan, making their numbers even more impressive.

The Taiko Drum Master series requires players to beat their drums to a list of songs ranging from classical works to videogame soundtracks. Super Splendid Edition includes tunes from Dragon Quest X, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Monster Hunter Tri G. Its 3DS counterpart offers tracks from Tales of the Abyss and My Neighbor Totoro, as well as a light quest mode. All games feature the mascot Wada-don, an anthropomorphic taiko and the cutest thing you’ll ever want to un-ironically smack in the face.

Taiko Drum Master has had a few releases outside Japan in the past, but never seemed to take off. Have you ever played a game in the series? Let us know your experiences below.

[source siliconera.com]