Once in a great while a game comes along that truly amazes and goes beyond the expectations of the players. From flow to Locoroco, Ive seen my share of Quirky unique games, But none grabs my imagination and keeps my feet tapping to a continuous beat like Patapon.
For years the patapon tribe has lived in the desolate frontier, driven from their home by the evil zigoton army, Behind the Patamons’ rhythm pumping, cute dancing and all around awesome looking exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit. The Patapons believe the Almighty would return, and that the magical drums would once again ring out, lead the Patapons to victory over the Zigotons and guide the lost tribe back to its homeland (otherwise known as the Earthend).
That is the premise behind Patapon. The game behind the addictive rythmatic gameplay thrusting players into an a game where button combinations cause specific beats combining harmony with gameplay.
As there Almighty, It is your job to guide the Patapons to the promise land through over 30 different chapters using the games unique beat button system. By striking each button on your psp causes a different style beat. When combined in combination with other buttons the patapons come to life, Marching,attacking,Defending, And more. When you have the Patapons worked up to a frenzy, the Fever icon will let you know that you can unleash the rhythms of the Juju, which will create a “miracle.”
Controlling patapons is simple, once you collect the 4 drums and musical notes needed to have access to the sounds you need to memorize the beats.
acquiring more patatroops is as easy as gathering materials from the pataplains and combining them to “Birth”, yes i said birth your patapons from what I call the Life Tree. Customization is moderate but enjoyable, Putting different equipment and weapons on your patapons as you find them offers a level of depth. Adding a variety of wood,iron,and steel weapons, Spears, Axes and swords gives the player the edge over the battle.
As you progress through the levels,(you will have times you backtrack) you will encounter various obstacles in your way. You have the ability to resurrect fallen patapons as well as recrute new members.Strategy and Remembering your button combo’s is the key to your success in the two dimensional world. keeping your spear throwers in the rear, leaving room for your skirmish sword/axe wielding fighters in front for the real damage to be dealt. The initial me lee warriors are the Tatepon, but is also the Yaripon and Yumipon (range attacks), the Kibapon (horse-mounted troops), the Dekapon (large melee troops) and the Megapon (fires sound waves at the enemy).
Graphically, The game lives up to what we all expect out of a locoroco style side scroll two dimensional playground. Sound is amazing when you get enough rhythms unbroken you start to get a harmonized chant going on behind the pata chant. Keeping a beat is crucial in this game, half second out of beat and your Patapons will look at you like your a mono toned out of beat hillbilly.
The mini-games are fun and interesting. Who doesn’t love a good minigame? For example you play a trumpet to the tune of a singing, dancing tree and if you get the tune correct he drops materials for your patapons to use. It doesn’t take long before your sucked into this amazing title. Patapon will keep you captivated for hours on end while you fight the uphill battle to get the tribe to there promise land. Amazing title, I highly recommend this game.
Gameplay: 8.9
Graphics: 10.0
Sound: 9.5
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 10.0
Overall: 9.8
Tags: Patapon, PlayStation Portable, SCEA