Taiko no Tatsujin Portable 2

The first Taiko no Tatsujin (Bataburu) game for PSP featured a measly 38 songs. Add the 7 downloadable songs to the mix and players made do with a total of 45 tunes in Bataburu. Namco's a little more generous with the second PSP Taiko release and throws in a total of 62 songs - 40 of which are new along with 22 tunes culled from Bataburu. Also new are four mini-games where the Taiko participate in foolhardy exercises. In one of the games, players control a Taiko who sits upon a paper airplane and goes airborne. As the ebullient Taiko flies through the air, provide guidance so that it dodges obstacles. In another game, players are prompted to rotate the PSP 90° counterclockwise for stacking action. Taiko's friends are sequentially dropped on top of one another with the goal of reaching a target height. The challenge is keeping the tower stable as it grows ever taller.

For beginners to the Taiko mirth, gamers may practice their skills in the "Donko Mode" which ratchets the difficulty down for children and players without rhythm. Experienced gamers who need a refresher course on the nuances of PSP Taiko control may check out the Taiko Classroom which offers training exercises. Up to four players may link up for a cooperative game or a competitive communication battle by using a single game UMD. When playing the mini-games, up to two players may compete for the rank of top Drum Master.