Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!

For those of you who have never heard of Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!, it is a single player Nintendo DS game that has only been released in Japan. It takes elements from many rhythm games like DDR and Bust a Groove and suits them to the DS touch screen input.

The premise is this: You belong to a motivational dancing squad (you are a cheerleader) and you go around providing free motivation to those in need. You may help a kid practicing an instrument, or a surgeon performing open heart surgery.

You provide this support by dancing to one of the many songs included in the game. Certain symbols appear on screen to let you know what to do; ie, tap an area, drag the stylus across the screen, make circles as quickly as possible, etc.

It sounds pretty whacky, but it's apparently great fun and is getting good reviews. Here is some gameplay footage to check out:

I just ordered this game from and I'll update with my thoughts when it arrives.

I saw that game in all stores when I was in Japan. I always wondered what it would be like.
Be sure to tell us about it extensively.

Here's the link to a small movie about the game.

Oh, God... so... japanese... can't... comprehend... ....

...

Sorry, blacked out for a moment. What's going on?

Yes, the game is Japanese. What's your point?

Japanese shows and games can be... very strange. For example, Chulip.

Yes, I mentioned that it was weird in the original post. Thank you for being observant.

Just a joke, my friend, nothing more. Don't worry, I'll stop.

I just got confirmation from YesAsia that my game has shipped! I should have it in about 8 days.

EDIT: That video you linked to, manuel, shows some seriously slowed down gameplay. It makes the game look boring. It's actually a frantic rush to do everything properly.

The game came in the mail today.

I'll put it simply: This is one of the funnest games I have played in my life.

It's simple, has catchy tunes, and very addictive gameplay. The farther I get, the harder it is, and the more fun I have.

At first I was having a hard time playing. Then I started listening to the music more closely and I used it as a guide. It's much better than looking at the onscreen indicators for timing.

You can get this game imported for the same price as a domestic DS game from . I highly recommend you do.

I'd really like to know where they get their "List" prices... DS Lite is $249? as I recall, the conversion equaled out to something around $149... but I guess lying makes it look like $200 is a good deal.

Wow, you're right, that seems really suspicious to me. But you can't complain about $43 and free worldwide shipping for an imported DS game.

Apparently the game didn't do particularly well in Japan, so it seems highly unlikely that it will make it here. Especially since it's so quirky and just oozes Japanese culture. Maybe someone will realise its potential here and make a similar game though.

Strange... Katamari Damacy didn't do too well, either... Japan's too busy with it's Nintendogs.

Well, now that I've had this game for a while and my initial excitement for it is gone, I thought I would reflect on what I think about this game...

This is the funnest video game I have played since Super Mario Bros. 3 came out.

I'm not exaggerating. I have not had this much fun playing a video game since my sister got Mario 3 for her birthday 15 or so years ago.

If you look around, you can find it for the same price as a domestic DS game. And since there is a minimal of menu options, it's is 100% import friendly. I can't read a single character on the screen, but I still know exactly what's going on.

Recently, Reggie Fils-Aime (or whatever his name is) hinted at a US release for Ouendan. When asked by an American Ouendan fan why he can't find this game in North America, Reggie replied with "yet". So those of you unwilling to import, there may be a chance you can play the game but there's a good chance that the music will be changed. If so, it will be basically a whole new game. What I'm getting at is; even though it may come out here, it's still worth importing now.

Just get this game, or find a friend who has it. You are truly missing out on something special if you don't.

I own 4 games for DS. Mario Kart, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Animal Crossing, and Osu Tatakae Ouendan. In just the short span of playing these 4 games, the DS has managed to become my favourite gaming system to date. I can only imagine how great it will be when Tetris DS, Metroid Prime: Hunters, and New Super Mario Bros. get released.

Well, even though you guys all suck, and didn't import this amazing game, you'll be able to buy it soon enough.

Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! is being localized for America and will be released as Elite Beat Agents. I'm not sure if it will be as good as the original. The music is going to be changed with songs Americans will recognise. The game premise and mechanics are basically identical.

Keep on the lookout.

Uh oh... My stupid pop music sense is tingling.

i love both Ouendan, and Elite Beat Agents..

i like Agents more because its a little more humorous.

I am really wanting Ouendan 2. Did anyone import it yet? I just thought of a great idea how about Ouendan or Elite Beat Agents for Wii! That would be pretty sweet. Maybe some Online play aswell.

How would it be awesome on the Wii?

You think the jumpy, inaccurate wiimote would be fun to play with?

it works on the DS because you simply tap the screen, you don't have to waggle some cursor around and then try to hit a note.