Shake It: Portable Video Gamer Reports on DS Rhythm Titles

I have to confess something here... I have no rhythm. And this isn't the kind of no rhythm that would allow me to get away with only clapping my hands or snapping my fingers to a beat at a dance. I'm talking about no rhythm in the sense that if I tried to do half the things that I see being done on DDR machine in arcades, I would literally break my neck (and more than likely the machine) in a flaying, flying contorted ball of human limbs. I'm really that bad.

Fortunately, the Nintendo DS with its touch screen seems to have the answer. Instead of threatening life and limb (and the lives of those around me) trying to play a rhythm based game at an arcade, I can now play them from the comfort of my own home with a stylus in hand (so that my limbs don't break any valuable lamps). The added benefit of this is that when I fail miserably only my cat will see just how horrible I am (since I try to avoid playing rhythm games around my wife; she has tendency of laughing at me... a lot).

Just around the corner, the Nintendo DS has a full selection of new rhythm games scheduled for release. Though a lot of them are only announced for Japan only, due to the nature of the genre, most are relatively import friendly. But where to start once you are done with Elite Beat Agents and Gunpey DS considering the overwhelming number of titles available?

Portable Video Gamer has been kind enough to give a great run down of the upcoming titles that we expect to grooving out to on the DS in the next few months. Here's some notables from the article:

Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Damashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2
Release Date: May 17, 2007 (Japan)
We played Ouendan and we loved it. We got Elite Beat Agents and we were left craving for even more rhythm action. Inis and Nintendo are making a full sequel to Ouendan, which was recently announced and surprised many with its closely approaching release date. Ouendan 2 will play just like its predecessor; tap enclosing circles on the touch screen as you follow the beat of the song. 19 songs have been confirmed featuring J-pop hits from different bands, as well as an extra group of cheerleaders which seem to compete against the popular black-leathered Ouendan from the first game. This game is highly recommended, especially if you tried either Ouendan or Elite Beat Agents and liked it. This game, like the first one, is very easy to navigate and understand, even with a complete lack of Japanese language knowledge.

Ontama Onpu Shima Hen
Release date: June 7th, 2007 (Japan)
Very little is known about this game, but the trailer’s song is pretty catchy! Ontama seems to play similarly to PaRappa the Rapper; you will rhythmically press different D-pad directions, as well as circling objects on the touch screen and even blowing into the DS’s microphone. We will have more information on the game as its release date approaches; for now, check out the trailer and sing along!

For the rest of the selections highlighted as well as some videos of the available games, please visit Portable Video Gamer Until then, I'll be jamming out at home to Guitar Hero 2 with extra padded protection in case I get a bit carried away. Stage dives from couches are never, ever recommended for recreational activities.