"Greatest DS Game Ever."

Addictive. No other word could possibly describe this game better. Any fan of any music game, from DDR to Space Channel 5, couldn't possibly pass this game up. Expecting a Parappa remake with crazy characters, I thought nothing of the insane gameplay and creative ideas brought by Osu! How terribly, terribly wrong I was to doubt this game.

If you're expecting challenge, you will never find a greater game. The final stage, giving no spoilers, is as difficult as Max 300 on Heavy. This game's replay value is far beyond anything I ever imagined, and I can't ever put it down. Even when I try, locking my DS away, I find myself playing it again without even thinking about it.

The sheer simplicity of this game, combined with the easy learning curve and extreme difficulty of the final stages, provides a game you will not dismiss within a matter of weeks, perhaps even months. It is a true shame this game may never make it outside of Japan, but the interface is extremely easy, there are FAQs out that translate everything, and even then you really don't ever need to look at a word of translation. The game plays like a comic in each stage and you can tell what's going on no matter what language you speak.

The controls are simple and basic. Stylus, touchpad. Nothing more. No special button presses. No extra things to learn.

I believe there are approximately 13 songs with several difficulties. The music primarily focuses on what's known as J-Rock, but there are two very Egyptian-like songs, added bass sounds to keep you moving with the beat, and the enclosing circles will help aid you in figuring out where the beat is for each song (though this may not help you the first six or seven times). On normal alone, you will find stages that you will barely beat after nine or ten tries. This game certainly does not disappoint when it comes to challenge.

This being my very first import game, I was not disappointed. I promise you won't be, either. Buy this game. Right now.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 09/23/05