Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival is a casual rhythm game centered on taiko drumming. Players tap along to the beat of licensed tracks using simple controls that translate to hits on a virtual drum. The 90s Pops Pack adds five songs from that era to the library, each with four difficulty tiers that scale from beginner-friendly patterns to complex sequences requiring precise timing and endurance.
Gameplay
The core loop involves reading scrolling note charts and striking the drum in time with the music. Notes appear as red or blue markers that demand center hits or rim hits respectively. Accuracy builds combos and scores, while misses break the streak and lower the final rating. Four difficulty levels structure each track: Easy introduces basic rhythms, Normal adds variety, Hard increases density, and Extreme tests advanced players with rapid patterns and tricky syncopation.
Controls support multiple input methods including keyboard, mouse, gamepad, and touch on compatible devices. The PC version maintains smooth performance with responsive feedback that rewards consistent practice. Song selection draws from pop, anime, and game soundtracks, with the 90s Pops Pack contributing tracks like APOLLO at Easy 2 through Extreme 8, HOT LIMIT at Easy 3 through Extreme 8, Timing at Easy 3 through Extreme 9, Robinson at Easy 3 through Extreme 8, and Sorega Daiji at Easy 3 through Extreme 9. These additions fit seamlessly into existing progression and practice sessions.
Game Modes
Taiko Mode serves as the primary single-player and local two-player experience. It focuses on clearing full songs for high scores or personal bests, with an optional improvement system that lets players loop difficult sections repeatedly. Great Drum Toy War introduces a competitive layer for two players where drumming performance charges a meter to deploy toys that interfere with the opponent through effects like false notes or blocked inputs. Decks of toys can be customized from an in-game collection unlocked through play.
Additional modes expand the experience for groups. Don-chan Band supports up to four players in cooperative performances where each participant handles a different instrumental part. Run! Ninja Dojo adds a racing element with up to four participants navigating obstacle courses while maintaining rhythm. Online features include ranked matches that pair players of similar skill and room matches with customizable rules for casual sessions.
Expanding the Song Library
The base game launches with 76 tracks spanning multiple genres. The 90s Pops Pack specifically targets fans of that decade's hits by delivering five new options with balanced difficulty spreads. These songs integrate directly into Taiko Mode and Great Drum Toy War without altering core mechanics. A subscription service called Taiko Music Pass offers further tracks on a rotating basis, though individual packs provide permanent ownership for selected content.
Some tracks from the pack may overlap with the subscription catalog, giving players flexibility in how they access music. The pack does not include online mode support for every song, focusing instead on offline and local play where the emphasis remains on personal skill and head-to-head competition.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback on the PC version rates the game Very Positive based on thousands of reviews, highlighting its accessible entry point for rhythm newcomers alongside depth for experienced players. The variety of modes supports both solo practice sessions and social play with friends locally or online. The 90s Pops Pack enhances replayability by adding era-specific tracks that appeal to those seeking nostalgic or upbeat pop rhythms.
Those who enjoy timing-based challenges and drumming simulations will find consistent value in the progression systems and competitive options. The game runs well on modern hardware with low storage requirements, making it straightforward to pick up for short or extended sessions. Support for multiple control schemes broadens its appeal beyond dedicated peripheral users.
