Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan’s gameplay is a masterclass in touchscreen rhythm action. Players tap, hold, drag, and spin in time with the beat as circles appear across the lower screen. The precision required to hit each note perfectly keeps you on your toes, ensuring that every session feels fresh and challenging. Missed taps or mistimed gestures not only cost you points but also drain your “cheer meter,” bringing you closer to failure.

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Beyond simple tapping, Ouendan innovates with multiple gesture types: rapid taps on a stacked circle, following a moving ball along a winding path, and vigorous spinning of a onscreen wheel. Each mechanic is seamlessly integrated, creating a varied and rewarding workout for your stylus. As you progress through a song, you’ll find yourself mastering the subtle rhythm changes and complex gesture sequences that separate the novice from the virtuoso.

The inclusion of four difficulty settings (with two unlockable) caters to a wide spectrum of players. Beginners can warm up on the “Easy” levels with generous timing windows, while veterans can tackle the “Insane” tracks that demand split-second accuracy. A local multiplayer mode allows head-to-head duels, turning every high-score chase into an adrenaline-fueled competition. Even the download-and-play tutorial level demonstrates how accessible yet deep the core mechanics can be.

Graphics

While the Nintendo DS’s hardware constraints limit polygon counts, Ouendan makes up for it with bold, stylized visuals. The Men in Black uniforms, exaggerated dance moves, and comic-book–style onomatopoeia all pop crisply on the dual screens. The UI elements—circles, sliders, and spinners—are color-coded and animate fluidly, so you always know exactly when to strike.

Character portraits and background art change dynamically to match each scenario’s tone. From a teary office worker stuck in a cubicle to a runaway bride needing last-minute encouragement, the game’s art direction sells the emotion behind every track. Animations play out in short but impactful cutscenes, reinforcing the cheer-squad’s over-the-top brilliance without slowing down the rhythm action.

The top screen serves primarily as an animated backdrop for your cheerleader troupe in action. Although not the focus of play, these vignettes are smooth and lively, making you feel like you’re part of a fully produced stage show. Overall, the simplicity of the graphics works to the game’s advantage, ensuring that gameplay never feels cluttered while still capturing its high-energy spirit.

Story

Ouendan’s narrative is deceptively simple: a band of high-spirited cheerleaders comes to the aid of people in dire need of motivation. Each level presents a self-contained story, often comedic or melodramatic, that sets the emotional stakes for the rhythm challenge. Whether it’s helping a student pass on her exams or rallying firefighters, the scenarios are varied and endearing.

What makes these short narratives shine is the seamless integration with the soundtrack. The lyrics and tempo of each licensed J-Rock track underscore the protagonist’s struggle, turning mundane obstacles into life-or-death missions. Although dialogue is minimal, expressive character animations and well-timed musical beats fill in any gaps, creating a satisfying storytelling loop.

Despite the language barrier for non-Japanese players, the game’s universal themes of perseverance and camaraderie translate perfectly. The cheerleaders’ exaggerated poses and heartfelt chants transcend words, making every motivational victory a memorable payoff. In this way, Ouendan’s story is both lightweight enough to stay out of the way and impactful enough to give your rhythm skills a real sense of purpose.

Overall Experience

Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan delivers a thrilling blend of rhythm action and lighthearted storytelling that few games in its genre can match. Each of the 15 licensed tracks brings its own flavor, ensuring that you’re always tapping to something fresh. Whether you’re rallying a reluctant wedding photographer or rescuing a runaway bride, the game’s pacing and energy remain consistently high.

The challenge curve is well-balanced, offering enough accessibility for newcomers while still giving rhythm veterans a serious workout. Unlockable difficulties and multiplayer matchups extend the game’s longevity, inviting repeated playthroughs. And thanks to the DS’s portability, Ouendan is the perfect pick-up-and-play title—ideal for a quick 5-minute cheer session or a marathon high-score run.

Ultimately, Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan stands out as one of the DS’s most inventive titles. It marries precision-based gameplay with infectious enthusiasm and just enough narrative flair to keep you emotionally invested. If you own a Nintendo DS and enjoy music games, this must-have title will keep your stylus moving and your spirits soaring every time you hear that rallying cry: “OUENDAN!”

Retro Replay Score

8.7/10