Bandai Namco’s wonderful PS4 rhythm action game Taiko No Tatsujin: Drum Session is currently holding a limited time event in celebration of the new year. Drum in the new year fest runs until January 10th and rewards players for taking part in online matches.
First of all, for any of you who haven’t played this iteration, or others in the series, Taiko No Tatsujin is a rhythm action drumming game straight from the arcades of Japan. Red and blue notes scroll in from the side and must be hit on time, as per every rhythm game ever. No surprises here. These can be drummed on the standard controller buttons or with actual drumsticks with the taiko drum controller. There’s a slightly different version on the Switch and there’s a demo available on both platforms.
The online play is exclusive to the PS4 and challenges you against other players’ ghosts. The ghost player will appear on the bottom, playing exactly how the player did at the time. Whoever has the most points at the end wins. It’s a nice way to play the game online and stops any pesky lag, which is a godsend in a music game.
The new year festival allows players to earn items based on points they earn during play. Festival points (FP) are awarded as follows:
Win + 3 Points
Draw + 2 Points
Lose + 1 Point
Play a DLC song + 1 Point
There’s also the option to spend Don coins earned in the main game and double any FP earned.
The above picture shows what can be unlocked (I apologize, I’ve been playing when I should have been writing). The prizes include outfits, costumes, and even an extra song.
In the age of pay to win, loot boxes and expensive DLC it’s great to see something like this event. While there is purchasable DLC available, the ability to earn a new song, as well as costumes, just by playing is great and something I’d love to see more games adopt. Winning things for playing? It’s like being in the good old days.
I’ve already managed to earn the song and outfit and am now going back to get the last unlockable title. Feel free to join me. In fact, the game is currently on sale on PSN. For anyone without a PS4 another version entitled Drum ‘N’ Fun is available on the Nintendo Switch. There’s no online play, but, it is still a blast on either console, with or without the drum controller. Drum on.