A sequel to Taiko no Tatsujin 6, Taiko no Tatsujin 7 is a major turning point of the franchise featuring PS2-like graphics thanks to the new Namco System 246 board. All songs are streamlined into 6 genres excluding Game OST which is partially split between Namco Original and Variety until a little later on. Game modifiers such as Go-Go Time and Doron and a Popularity Ranking system were added. However, the Battle Mode and the ability to choose the same song more than once per play were both removed.