Sequels almost always never work for some reason. Maybe it's the gaping chasm that their predecessors made that they have to inevitably fill, or maybe something changed along the way that turns out for the worse, and lets down an expectant audience. Rarely does a sequel (and sequels after that) really manage to capture the magic of the first - but when that does happen, it's a cause for celebration.

This is the review of Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan! 2, the sequel that IS.

The full review after the jump!

It's always good to know what other countries' tastes in video games are, and Japan's no exception. Thankfully, Famitsu's just published the software sales charts for May 14 to May 20, to give us a look at what's currently getting fellow gamers in the land of the rising sun all a-titter.

Leading the pack is Shining Wind, the sequel to the critically-panned Shining Tears title for the PlayStation 2. You may remember all the hubbub about the latter being mediocre at the most, but with its sequel taking the top spot in Famitsu's sales chart, it's not hard to imagine that the issues that made Shining Tears so-so were done away with. Let's all hope so.

Following closely behind is Moero! Nekketsu Rizumu Damashii: Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2 for the Nintendo DS. The much-awaited sequel to the hot-blooded, beat-tapping Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan and Elite Beat Agents, Ouendan 2 takes what made the original such a hit worldwide, combines it with EBA's improvements, and gives DS owners another chance to save the world all over again through rhythm and music.

Racking up the third spot is Odin Sphere, Atlus' 2D brawler, again for the Playstation 2. A rather quirky title that goes back to the old days of 2D brawling, complete with hand-drawn visuals and sprites, Odin Sphere could be something to look out for.

Other video games that made the list are Final Fantasy Tactics: The Lion War, Wii Sports, New Super Mario Brothers, and Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings.

Get your wacky hairdos and cheerdancing superpowers into high gear, because here's some news bound to perk you right up. IGN reports a Dengeki Online bulletin about the return of iNiS' Elite Beat Agents to the DS with a sequel.

Titled Moero! Nekketsu Rhythm Tamashii Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan 2, or Burn! Hot Blooded Rhythm Soul Go! Fight! Cheer Squad 2, expect the game to not have as long-winded a name as its Japanese counterpart. One thing confirmed so far, according to IGN, is "the promise of multiplayer support for up to 4 players," though no additional info has been given.

Rest assured that we'll have more for you when hear about it. Till then, GO! and FIGHT!