Namco Networks has confirmed to us that it has no plans to release Taiko Drum Master for iPhone and iPod touch outside of Japan.
Known as Taiko no Tatsujin in its home region, the game was revealed in the latest issue of Famitsu where the screenshot appearing here was published.
The game will not be made available in the US, UK, or any other western territories for that matter, a spokesperson for Namco told us. "This is planned as a Japan-only release for the moment."
While the response is definitive, there's a bit of wiggle room in stating that the game is only slated for Japan "for the moment." In other words, speak up and perhaps Namco might reconsider.
It's understandable why Namco Networks would be hesitant to release the game given the slowing interest in music games combined with the niche appeal of the game.
Taiko no Tatsujin is expected on the Japanese App Store within the next few weeks.
omg I remember playing this addictive game in Japanese and Singaporean arcades. PLEASE RELEASE THIS GAME ON THE IPHONE FOR US!!!!!!!
Anonymous |18:41 - 25 January 2010
I don´t understand Namco philosophy. This is the perfect gameplay for iPhone game and they will keep the game only for Japan! Sales on Occident could be amazing.
Anonymous |21:00 - 24 January 2010
I would love to see a North American, European release. This game was a blast in the arcade. We used to play the coin-op version at Japan Arcade in Little Tokyo, L.A.
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