"You'll probably never look at cheerleading the same way..."

Alright, time to tell you about 'Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan!'

GAMEPLAY - 10/10

It is a rhythm game for those who don't know. So, while you're listening to Japanese music such as Kokoru Odoru or Atsuki no Hate, you'll be tapping the bottom screen with male/female cheerleaders in the back, doing some pretty impossible moves. There a selection of 15 levels, all with a different song and unique note layout. When you're not tapping notes, dragging your stylus across tracks, or spinning circles like a madman, you'll be watching cutscenes on the top screen.

STORY - 7/10

You play as a group of cheerleaders led by a man who looks like a general in a war. You travel through a small town where you burst through doors and into people's houses to motivate people to do better or work faster. However, later in the game, very ridiculous things start occuring such as evil, blue, giant rats or helping Cleopatra build a pyramid. Though the story slightly is lacking, the gameplay and replayability more than make up for it.

GRAPHICS - 8/10

The 3-D figures in the background aren't the greatest the DS has to offer us, but it still portrays the cheerleaders very well. Their cloaks don't move through their bodies, they don't bend limbs in wierd ways.

SOUND - 10/10

The focal point of all rhythm games is the music. Now, the little beeps and whistle blows from the tapping of notes does get a bit old, but the music is almost as good as listening to it on a MP3 player. The Japanese rap, pop, soft rock, and hard rock are all visible when listening to the tracks of Ouendan.

RE-PLAYABILITY - 9/10

This is one game that almost doesn't ever get boring after you beat it. The unique levels and gameplay are like a magnet to gamers, even ones who have beaten it. Also, the 4 modes of gameplay will more than likely satisfy your needs of fun.

OVERALL - 9/10

Not the perfect video game in my opinion, some minor, minor flaws, but none the less, a very good game. The unfortunate thing is that you would have to import it. But still, this game more than makes up for the okay graphics. Stunning music and beautiful artwork drawn in manga style; this game is probably the best you'll find for a while now.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/10/06