Taiko Drum Circle

About this game

A rhythm game for the big drums of Japanese ensemble drumming. Tap the middle of a drum for don and the rim for ka, in time, with two thumbs or more. Learn six original pieces by call and response, then play them while a circle of computer drummers joins in layer by layer as your timing tightens. Free play with a metronome and an echo partner, a Watch and Learn demonstration, a calibration screen, and an in-app Rules page. Lit hand-drawn drums, synthesised sound, no ads, works offline.

How to play

1. Pick a piece, then start with Learn the pattern: the circle plays a phrase and you echo it back.
2. Notes fall down a lane onto a drum. A red disc is DON: tap the middle of the drum. A blue ring is KA: tap the rim.
3. Tap when the note reaches the drum. Closer to the beat scores more. Use two thumbs, or more fingers, for several drums.
4. Play cleanly and more drummers join the circle. Miss and one drops out.
5. Free play gives you all four drums with an optional metronome and an echo partner.
6. Watch and Learn plays the whole piece for you. Pause it any time.
7. Notes early or late? Settings, then Calibrate, and tap along with the pulse.
8. On a keyboard: A S D F play don on drums 1 to 4, Z X C V play ka, Space pauses.