Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Daigasso! Band-Brothers: Request Selection builds directly on the core mechanics of the original Daigasso! Band Brothers, offering dozens of new tracks for players to strum, drum, and tap their way through. As an expansion cartridge, it seamlessly integrates into the existing DS software, unlocking new note charts and multiplayer options. Whether you’re tackling J-Pop hits like ORANGE RANGE’s “Onegai! Senorita” or Nintendo classics such as the Star Wolf Theme from Star Fox 64, the challenge remains the same: match the on-screen prompts with precise timing.

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The inclusion of diverse track difficulties ensures that both newcomers and seasoned rhythm game veterans will find something to suit their skill level. From the bouncy melodies of “Neo Melodramatic” by Porno Graffitti to the laid-back groove of Yuzu’s “Eikou no Kakehashi,” each song features multiple difficulty tiers. The touchscreen and button controls are as responsive as in the base game—though you will still need to master the DS’s input lag quirks, especially during rapid note sequences.

Multiplayer mode gains renewed life with this expansion. Up to four players can connect wirelessly, comparing their high scores on fan-requested tracks or competing head-to-head in real time. The Request Selection cartridge even sparks friendly rivalry when tackling challenging tracks like BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tentai Kansoku” or the high-energy “Rewrite” by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION. In short, if you’ve already mastered the base setlist, this cartridge is a must for extending your play sessions and social fun.

Graphics

Visually, Request Selection follows the same crisp, cartoon-inspired art style that made Band Brothers a standout on the Nintendo DS. The interface remains clean and intuitive: each instrument lane is color-coded, note icons are clear, and backgrounds subtly shift to match the mood of each song. While there’s no radical overhaul or 3D animation breakthroughs, the existing visuals remain charming and perfectly functional for a rhythm game.

Song-specific backgrounds are modest but tasteful. For example, “Sakura” by Ketsumeishi features soft cherry blossom petals drifting across the screen, whereas “Dragostea din Tei” by O-Zone unleashes a vibrant burst of color to match its upbeat tempo. These minor visual flourishes help to differentiate each track without overwhelming the player or detracting from the core focus on timing and coordination.

The help menus and song selection screens maintain their straight-forward design. Album art for each request track is presented clearly, and loading times between songs are minimal. While the DS’s dual screens limit resolution, there’s no noticeable slowdown or stutter even on the most demanding charts. Overall, the graphics in Request Selection prioritize clarity and responsiveness, ensuring you never miss a note due to an unclear icon or laggy frame.

Story

As an expansion cartridge for a music-focused title, Daigasso! Band-Brothers: Request Selection doesn’t feature a traditional narrative or character arcs. Instead, its “story” is told through the community-driven selection process. Nintendo’s Japanese website opened the floor to fan requests, and this cartridge is the culmination of those collective choices. Each track represents a snapshot of what the player community wanted most, weaving a tapestry of J-Pop, anime themes, and classic Nintendo melodies.

The implicit storyline revolves around the cultural impact of music itself. From the hopeful optimism of Ai Ootsuka’s “SMILY” to the nostalgic pull of “Athletic” from Yoshi’s Island, the cartridge celebrates the breadth of Japanese pop culture and gaming heritage. Although there are no cutscenes or character dialogues, the playlist’s diversity tells a story about music’s universal appeal—uniting gamers and music fans alike.

Fans who followed the online voting process may appreciate the “behind-the-scenes” narrative of Request Selection. Seeing track after track that they personally championed literally inserted into the game offers a unique sense of ownership and involvement. In that sense, the “story” is co-authored by developers and fans, making each session feel like a celebration of shared musical passion rather than a linear plot progression.

Overall Experience

Daigasso! Band-Brothers: Request Selection is a robust expansion that offers significant replay value for anyone who fell in love with the original DS title. With over thirty new tracks spanning upbeat J-Pop, rock anthems, and beloved Nintendo themes, it caters to a wide range of musical tastes. The requirement of owning the base game and a Nintendo DS sometimes limits accessibility, but for existing Band Brothers owners, this is one of the most content-rich add-ons available on the platform.

Performance is consistently solid: note charts are well-designed, the DS hardware handles the demands of rapid sequences without hiccups, and multiplayer sessions run smoothly over local wireless. The fun factor remains high, whether you’re going solo to perfect that last section of FLOW’s “DAYS” or challenging friends to see who can nail the tricky passages in Ken Matsudaira’s “Matsuken Samba Part 2.”

In sum, Request Selection breathes new life into an already excellent rhythm game. It deepens the gameplay experience, adds fresh visual touches, and underscores the communal spirit behind song selection. Fans of the Band Brothers series—or newcomers keen on an expansive DS rhythm title—will find this expansion to be a worthy investment that keeps the beat going strong.

Retro Replay Score

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