aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
TTTTTTTTT AAAAAAA III KKK KKK OOOOOOOOO
T T A A I I K K K K O O
TTTT TTTT A A I I K KKKK K O oooo O
T T A A I I K K O o o O
T T A AAAAA A I I K KKKKK K O oooo O
T T A A A A I I K K K K O O TM
TTT AAA AAA III KKK KKK OOOOOOOOO
DD RRR U U M M M M A SSSS TTTTT EEEE RRR
D D R R U U MM MM MM MM A A S T E R R
D D RRR U U M M M M M M AAA SSS T EEE RRR
D D R R U U M M M M A A S T E R R
DD R R UU M M M M A A SSSS T EEEE R R
***** Taiko: Drum Master FAQ *****
Created By: ravenhood27
E-mail:
[email protected]
Copyright (C) 2007 (Axl Surette)
**********************************
*** Table of Contents ***
A. Version History (vehi)
B. Introduction - The Purpose Of This Guide (intro)
C. Story and Characters (stoch)
D. Don's Tour of the Wada House (dtwh)
E. Basics and Controls (baco)
i) Concept
ii) Controls
iii) Basics/Tips
iv) Modes
F. Song List (soli)
G. Song Lyrics (soly) *UNDER CONSTRUCTION*
H. Perfect Combo Note "Requirements" (pcnr) *IN PROGRESS*
I. Secrets and Unlockables (secu)
J. Wrap-Up: Credits, Legal/Copyright Info. (the usual boring stuff) (cred)
**********************************
A. Version History (vehi)
***************
v0.10 - v0.75 - Began FAQ; decided layout and Table of Contents listing/order;
Added to all areas except for Basics and Controls
v0.75 - v1.00 - Finished adding all areas (including new Characters section);
Added new sections to Basics and Controls; Completed Introduction, Story and
Characters, Don's Tour of the Wada House, Basics and Controls, Secrets and
Unlockables, and Wrap-Up (sections B, C, D, E, I, and J)
**********************************
B. Introduction - The Purpose To This Guide (intro)
****************************************
Taiko: Drum Master is one of my favorite rhythm games of all time, and despite
the short length and fairly simple challenges, the game is highly addicting and
does require some skill for the more challenging difficulties and songs.
This FAQ will provide a basic rundown of the controls on the analog controller
(I lack the actual Taiko drum, but I will provide controls for that as well, as
best as I can). After that, you will find a full song list, containing all 31
songs, as well as the amount of notes needed to obtain the 'Gold Crown,' a sign
of perfectly hitting every note in a given song on a given difficulty.
Finally, I will finish with the secrets and unlockable songs in the game, and
what is needed to find them (which really doesn't take all that long).
Please note that this FAQ is for the North American version of the game, and
will contain information relating to the songs found in the North American
version.
**********************************
C. Story and Characters (stoch)
********************
Story
*****
In the spring, at a certain Taiko drum factory with a long and distinguished
history... Don and Katsu were born!
They made their way to Tokyo to promote the beauty of Taiko throughout Japan,
and created the game Taiko: Drum Master!
The birth of Taiko: Drum Master ignited an outbreak of Taiko fever that
quickly spread throughout Japan, turning every day into a festival.
Now, Don, Katsu, Tetsuo, Hana, Neko and Shaxy are all working hard to make
an even more festive game for the US!
One day, with the end of their task in sight, Unagi took everyone to the beach
so they could all go swimming. Don and Katsu leapt about in the sunlight,
Tetsuo and Hana swam around, splashing as they went, and Inu and Master Bachio
were going wild over the sight of the ocean, which they had never seen before.
On their way back after the sun had set, Tetsuo said, "Wouldn't it be cool if
everyone could have this much fun with Taiko?"
This simple remark sparked the birth of three exciting mini games. After
everyone came back from the beach, Granpa, who had been resting due to back
pain, was well enough to return to work and help finalize the game.
Thanks to everyone's efforts, Taiko: Drum Master was completed!
Now, the beat of Taiko is taking the world by storm!
Characters
**********
Don
The star of Taiko: Drum Master. Don's dream is to share the beauty of Taiko
with the world. Three years have passed since he moved into the Wada House,
and he's become quite popular around town. With his monstrous appetite,
shopping expenses at the Wada House have taken a turn for the worse.
Katsu
Don's twin brother. Katsu is every bit as rambunctious as Don. Three years
have passed since he moved into the Wada House. He only recently realized
he's not the main character. He also eats like a hog, but tends to hold back
more than his brother.
Tamashi
These are the very souls of Taiko. Upon entering two flawlessly designed
Taiko drums, the Tamashi gave life to Don and Katsu. Without the Tamashi,
Don and Katsu would be mere drums. various types of Tamashi exist. When Don
and Katsu make a mistake in Taiko Mode, they exhale "Dispirited" Tamashis.
Master Bachio
Master Bachio is a mysterious character who is two, yet one. He teaches how
to strike the Taiko, and prides himself on his grace and agility. He is
actually quite big in the world of water treading.
Inu
The Wada household's kind and courteous dog. He loves to wear a hood. Inu
risks his life performing death-defying balancing acts in the Reach the
Helicopter! mini game.
John
Inu's younger brother, John is a festival dancer. Exactly what motivates him
to perform the stunts he does in the Reach the Helicopter! mini game is
anyone's guess...
Tetsuo
The youngest son in the Wada household. At six years of age, he's already too
much for anyone to handle. He attends a Taiko class, but often skips it to go
to festivals. In the Watermelon Eating Contest! mini game, it almost seems he
enjoys hitting Don and Katsu...
Granpa
The 75-year old grandfather of the Wada household. Retired from work, he
spends most of his time looking after his grandson Tetsuo. He asked Unagi to
take everyone to the beach so he could recover from back pains.
Hana
Hana lives next door to the Wada House. She is one year older than Tetsuo,
and acts like his older sister. She became friends with the Wada family when
they were talking about Ms. Mariko and Katsu at the beach.
Mimizu
Don's pet worm. She sleeps in a flowerpot. She can't speak, but expresses
her feelings with body language. She is an excellent advisor when it comes
to romance. This veritable doctor of love single-handedly manages all of
Donko and Ms. Mariko's relationship troubles.
Neko and Shaxy
Neko and Shaxy are like two peas in a pod. They're inseperable and share
everything 50-50. Neko doesn't like to swim, so they always stay at the
beach hut.
Neko - The pet cat of Hana, who lives next door to the Wada House.
Shaxy - Hailing from Miyajima, this ladle was given to Hana as a souviner.
The Japanese characters for "Victory" are written on the back.
Unagi
This mysterious creature has a lantern on his head. He travels throughout
the country, running a stand at various festivals across the land. He puts on
a beautiful fireworks performance in the Fireworks Festival! mini game. A
very dependable figure, Unagi takes everyone to the beach.
Donko
The lovely maiden was brought to life at the same Taiko factory Don & Katsu
came from, and later followed them into Tokyo. She took too long getting
ready for this game, so she wasn't included. Too bad.
Kame
This turtle can be spotted a mile away by the apron he wears. He helps out
in the mini game Fireworks Festival! Kame greatly admires Unagi, who he
calls "Bass" (meaning "Boss").
Kabuki Kids
These kids wear a fox, man, and woman mask, but they're really three teddy
bears. Extremely shy, these dancers never remove their masks. They recently
decided to attempt more aggresive dances.
Ika
Ever since seeing how scrumptious the Takoyaki looked, these silly squid
began worrying if they'll look just as appetizing as calamari. Skilled
swimmers, the Ika have labeled themselves "Children of the Sea."
Dancing Lion
Chomping his teeth as he moves, the Dancing Lion performs hypnotic dances to
the music. No one knows what sort of creature lies underneath the costume.
A rival of the Kabuki Kids, the Dancing Lion in continously striving to
improve his dances.
Namahage
Although he has an intimidating appearance, Namahage is actually a good
person at heart. No one knoes what sort of creature lies underneath the
costume. It's also unclear exactly how good a person he is too...
Suzudon
These bells chime off prayers of thank's at shrines. They've been a part
of Unagi's family for as long as they can remember.
Takoyaki
These 10 brothers are from Osaka. They apparently enjoy being pricked with
toothpicks. Rumor has it there were originally 11, but that's never been
verified.
Chick
Colored festival chicks. Unagi always hollers, "Don't dirty your colors!"
but takes good care of them.
Goldfish
Goldfish from a goldfish-scooping game stall. They swim around excitedly even
after being scooped up. All of them are exstatic over their spot in the
limelight this season.
Lantern
These unsung heroes light up the streets and booths at festivals. Their faces
may not show any emotions, but these lanterns are very diligent workers. Unagi
always hollers, "It isn't enough just to provide light!" but takes good
care of them.
Cotton Candy
Sweet, fluffy cotton candy. Unagi always hollers, "It isn't enough just to
be sweet!" but takes good care of them.
Ms. Mariko
A colored water baloon. Her tear-filled smile is adorable. She became
friends with Hana at the beach. She has a crush on Katsu.
**********************************
D. Don's Tour of the Wada House (dtwh)
****************************
====================================
|| || || || ||
|| || || || ||
|| || || 3 || =============||
|| | | | || || ||
|| 9 | | | | | 6 ||
|| | | | | | ||
|| | | | =============||
|| | | | ||
|| || |----------===|| ||
|| | | 10 || 5 ||
|| | | 2 | || ||
|| | | |==|| ||
|| | || | || ||
|| 8 | || | || ||
|| || ==-------====== ==============||
|| || ||
|| ======= ====== ==============||
|| || || 1 || ||
|| || 7 || || 4 ||
=================------=======------=============
| or - : sliding door/window
|| or = : solid wall
1. Entrance
There are goldfish on top of the shoebox.
2. Bedroom
This is where I sleep at night. Everyone plays here too. Lately I feel
like something's watching me here...
3. Living Room
I come here often. The TV's here, as is Taiko: Drum Master. Everyone
relaxes here.
4. Storage Room
Things are stored here now, but apparently this'll soon be Tetsuo's room.
5. Kitchen
I spend half my time here. This is where I eat. I love watermelon!
6. Bathtub
Katsu and I don't use this room. Tetsuo and Granpa seem to enjoy taking
baths.
7. Bathroom
We got a new toilet two years ago, around summertime.
8. Yard 1
Inu's old house is still here. So is Ms. Mariko's pool.
9. Yard 2
This is where Mimizu lives.
10. Alcove
The "Song" box is on display here.
**********************************
E. Basics and Controls (baco)
*******************
i) Concept
**********
The basis of Taiko: Drum Master is to hit all of the notes which appear on
screen with the appropriate button and try to obtain a perfect combo on each
song. Sounds easy enough, but there are some songs which require a large
amount of skill to complete successfully.
ii) Controls
************
The following are the controls for the game, using the Analog Controller:
Selection Screens
*****************
Item selection: Directional Buttons
Enter selection: X Button
Return to previous screen: Triangle Button
Open menu window: Start Button
Turn the Autoplay feature on/off in Song Select and Difficulty Select: Select
Button
When Playing Songs
******************
Red notes/Surface notes: Up, Right, Down, Left, X, Triangle, Square, and
Circle
Blue notes/Edge notes: L1, L2, R1, and R2
The following are the controls for the game, using the Taiko Controller:
Selection Screen
****************
Enter selection: Strike surface
Item selection: Strike left or right edge
Open menu window: Start Button
Turn the Autoplay feature on/off in Song Select and Difficulty Select: Select
Button
iii) Basics/Tips
****************
There are a few things you need to know before playing the game:
1. While playing each song, aside from the normal red and blue notes, you may
see larger red and blue notes. When these appear, if using the Analog
Controller, hit a corresponding button on both the left and right side of the
controller. If using the Taiko, strike the corresponding section of the drum
on both the left and right side of the drum.
2. Also during songs, you may occasionally see yellow strips that last for some
time. When these appear, perform a "drumroll." To do this, hit the Taiko as
many times as you can. If using the controller, you can simply button-mash
multiple buttons at once. If using the Taiko, hit both sides of the Surface of
the Taiko as many times as you can. You can also use the edges, but using the
surface is somewhat easier.
3. Sometimes, a red note with a balloon will appear. This is called the Burst
Note. When this shows up, do a drumroll with the surface of the Taiko, or the
corresponding buttons on the Analog controller. However, this note will not
last long, so you have to be fast!
4. To clear each song, you must reach a certain standard, which can be seen at
the top of the screen on the Tamashi Gauge. This gauge shows you how well you
are doing, as well as how well you need to do to complete each song. Once the
gauge bars turn from red to yellow, you can clear the song. However, if you
start doing poorly after that, the bars will reduce from yellow to red, and you
may end up failing! So keep doing well until the end of the song. Just
because that part of the bar is yellow doesn't mean you're in the clear just
yet!
5. One final note: when playing with two people, another note called the Pair
Note may appear. This note, which is a red note on both players screens that
looks like it's reaching out to the other one, must be hit by both players at
relatively the same time.
iv) Modes
*********
There are three playable modes in Taiko: Drum Master.
1. Taiko Mode - In this mode, you can play songs on the Taiko. Select a song
and a difficulty level before playing. When the Tamashi Gauge is built up past
the Clear mark, the song is cleared.
2. Mini Games - This mode is comprised of three mini games: Watermelon Eating
Contest!, Fireworks Festival!, and Reach the Helicopter! Each game offers its
own unique twist, and can be played by one or two players.
3. Tutorial - When playing for the first time, use this mode to familiarize
yourself with the controls. Don and Master Bachio will perform a song,
teaching you how to play. Simply follow their instructions.
**********************************
F. Song List (soli)
*********
This following list is a list of every song found in Taiko: Drum Master. I
will also provide the original artist that each song was performed by, and when
the song first surfaced in the music world.
The layout will be:
Song #. Song Name
Genre
Band/Artist
Year of Original Release
Difficulty Level - # of Stars/10 (X4)
1. ABC
Pop
The Jackson 5
1970
Easy - 1/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 2/10
Oni - 2/10
2. That's The Way (I Like It)
Pop
KC and the Sunshine Band
1975
Easy - 1/10
Normal - 1/10
Hard - 2/10
Oni - 2/10
3. The Impression That I Get
Pop
The Mighty Mighty Bosstones
1997
Easy - 5/10
Normal - 5/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
4. Tubthumping
Pop
Chumbawamba
1998
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
5. Walking On Sunshine
Pop
Katrina and the Waves
1985
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
6. Material Girl
Pop
Madonna
1985
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 4/10
7. Love Shack
Pop
The B-52's
1989
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 3/10
Oni - 3/10
8. Toxic
Pop
Britney Spears
2004
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 4/10
9. I'm A Believer
Pop
The Monkees
1966
Easy - 1/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 3/10
Oni - 3/10
10. Slide
Rock
The Goo Goo Dolls
1998
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 4/10
11. American Girls
Rock
Counting Crows
2002
Easy - 1/10
Normal - 1/10
Hard - 2/10
Oni - 2/10
12. Boys and Girls
Rock
Good Charlotte
2003
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
13. Killer Queen
Rock
Queen
1974
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 4/10
14. Lady Marmalade
Rock
Labelle
1974
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 2/10
Oni - 2/10
15. Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Rock
Jet
2003
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
16. My Sharona
Rock
The Knack
1979
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
17. Rock The Dragon - Dragonball Z Theme
Anime/TV
Shuki Levy
1995
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 4/10
18. Bowling For Soup - Jimmy Neutron Theme
Anime/TV
Bowling For Soup
2001
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 4/10
19. Beethoven's Symphony No.5
Classical
Beethoven
1804 - 1808
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
20. William Tell Overture
Classical
Gioacchino Rossini
1829
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 4/10
21. Carmen Prelude
Classical
Georges Bizet
1875
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 8/10
22. Foster's Medley
Classical
???
???
Easy - 1/10
Normal - 3/10
Hard - 2/10
Oni - 2/10
23. Symphony No.25 in G Minor
Classical
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
1773
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
24. Hungarian Dances No.5
Classical
Johannes Brahms
???
Easy - 2/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 3/10
Oni - 8/10
25. SOULCALIBUR II Brave Sword, Braver Soul
Namco Original
Various Artists (Soul Calibur II soundtrack)
2003
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 2/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 9/10
26. The Genji and the Heike Clans
Namco Original
???
???
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 6/10
Hard - 7/10
Oni - 10/10
27. Ridge Racer
Namco Original
???
???
Easy - 5/10
Normal - 5/10
Hard - 8/10
Oni - 9/10
28. Taiko March
Namco Original
???
???
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 5/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
29. Don Rangers
Namco Original
???
???
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 5/10
Oni - 5/10
30. Katamari On The Rocks
Namco Original
Masayuki Tanaka and Yu Miyake
2004
Easy - 3/10
Normal - 4/10
Hard - 4/10
Oni - 9/10
31. Dragon Spirit
Namco Original
???
???
Easy - 4/10
Normal - 5/10
Hard - 7/10
Oni - 8/10
**********************************
G. Song Lyrics (soly) *UNDER CONSTRUCTION*
***********
This section is under construction. I'll have something here soon.
**********************************
H. Perfect Combo Note "Requirements" (pcnr) *IN PROGRESS*
*********************************
This section will outline the number of notes you must hit in perfect unison
in order to obtain a Gold Crown. This will merely give you an idea of how good
you already are, and what you may need to accomplish in order to get those last
few notes (or, in some cases, those annoying notes in the middle of the song).
NOTE: This section is FAR from complete. I've already finished the majority of
these with Gold Crowns, but I hadn't decided to create this FAQ until after I
had finished all of the songs on each difficulty. I will be updating this
whenever I have more note numbers to add.
Here's the layout for this section:
Song #. Song Name
Easy - Notes Required
Normal - Notes Required
Hard - Notes Required
Oni - Notes Required
1. ABC
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
2. That's The Way (I Like It)
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
3. The Impression That I Get
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
4. Tubthumping
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
5. Walking On Sunshine
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
6. Material Girl
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
7. Love Shack
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
8. Toxic
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
9. I'm A Believer
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
10. Slide
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
11. American Girls
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
12. Boys and Girls
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
13. Killer Queen
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
14. Lady Marmalade
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
15. Are You Gonna Be My Girl
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
16. My Sharona
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
17. Rock The Dragon - Dragonball Z Theme
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
18. Bowling For Soup - Jimmy Neutron Theme
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
19. Beethoven's Symphony No.5
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
20. William Tell Overture
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
21. Carmen Prelude
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni - 518 notes
22. Foster's Medley
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
23. Symphony No.25 in G Minor
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
24. Hungarian Dances No.5
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
25. SOULCALIBUR II Brave Sword, Braver Soul
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
26. The Genji and the Heike Clans
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
27. Ridge Racer
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
28. Taiko March
Easy -
Normal -
Hard - 553 notes
Oni - 553 notes
29. Don Rangers
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
30. Katamari On The Rocks
Easy -
Normal -
Hard -
Oni -
31. Dragon Spirit
Easy -
Normal -
Hard - 671 notes
Oni -
**********************************
I. Secrets and Unlockables (secu)
***********************
Songs
*****
As you play through the game, you'll unlock different songs, 4 in total. To
unlock these songs, you need to obtain a certain amount of crowns, on any
songs and any difficulty.
1. Taiko March - Obtain 5 crowns
2. Don Rangers - Obtain 10 crowns
3. Ridge Racer - Obtain 15 crowns
4. The Genji and the Heike Clans - Obtain 20 crowns
Oni Difficulty
**************
To unlock the Oni difficulty level, obtain 25 crowns on any songs and
difficulty levels.
Theater Movies
**************
There are 5 movies to unlock in Taiko: Drum Master. To unlock them, do the
following
1. Opening - Simply turn on the game and watch the introduction video.
2. Easy - Obtain a crown on all songs on the Easy difficulty
3. Normal - Obtain a crown on all songs on the Normal difficulty
4. Hard - Obtain a crown on all songs on the Hard difficulty
5. Oni - Obtain a crown on all songs on the Oni difficulty
**********************************
J. Wrap-Up: Credits, Legal/Copyright Info. (the usual boring stuff) (cred)
****************************************************************
I'd like to thank Namco for creating Taiko and eventually bringing it to North
America, as well as GameFAQs for keeping the website up and running.
This guide it NOT to be used anywhere else on any site, for ANY reason, without
my permission. If this guide, or any clearly-altered version of this guide,
is seen anywhere without my consent, then that is a copyright violation and you
will be asked to remove it immediately. This FAQ is for personal use only, and
may not be reproduced, again, unless you have my permission.
All trademarks and copyrights within this FAQ are owned by their respective
owners (in other words, myself).
Copyright (C) Axl Surette 2007
**********************************
