Patapon
Players 1
Rated E for Everyone : Mild Cartoon Violence

Ever wanted to know what it'd be like if you mixed LocoRoco, 300, and a steady drumbeat? Of course you have.

Welcome to Patapon, a PSP game that has charm falling out of its ass.

Patapon. This race of small eyeball-ish lookin' warriors, led by their drum beating God, once dominated the land. Prosperous beyond belief, fearless, and never short on adventure. However, today they've been in exile. No Patapon God to lead them, and his drums have stopped beating.

That is, until you, the Patapon's God, return. You shall pick up your drums and lead them to glory.

You are a God in this game. Not in the normal sense of "God Games", where you're a cursor or hand that makes everyones lives a living hell. Instead these little Patapon actually worship you. They offer you sacrifices of items, and praise your glory. This game will boost your ego if you do well.

You're given certain beats to guide the Patapon on their journey, for they won't do anything without your drums to guide them. You eventually get 4 drums: Pata, Pon, Chaka, Don. You press these in a special sequence to the beat of the game in order to give commands to your Patapon. For instance, Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon! will tell your Patapon army to march onward. Pon-Pon-Pata-Pon! will have them attack. Stringing together long combos puts you into Fever mode, which boosts the tempo, and your Patapon are more effective. Did I mention that your army will chant your commands? It makes for a VERY catchy playtime.

The graphics in this game look fantastic. Sure, it's all 2D, but I'll be damned if it isn't absolutely beautiful and charming. If you don't feel bad when one of your Patapon falls victim to the hell that is war, then you have no soul. The graphics will remind you a LOT of LocoRoco. That's a good thing.

However, this game has a ton of depth to it. You can equip each individual Patapon with better weapons and armor. You can create new Patapon to fight in your constantly growing army. They'll fight rival armys, slay dragons, and many other adventures. There's even a little mini-game involving a singing tree, Pakapon the Patapon, and a horn. I'll let you figure it out.

Buy this game. It's $20 new. You have NO excuse to pass this one up. Unless you have no rhythm. Then you suck.

Graphics : A -- Everything is so beautiful. The artstyle fits perfectly. You'll fall in love.
Sound : A- -- You'll find yourself doing the Patapon chants when you're not playing the game. It's that catchy. (Also, wear headphones!)
Gameplay : B- -- If only there was a bit more variety in chants/actions.
Replayability : A -- Very pick up and play. It's a game that's great to play in bursts.

Overall : A -- Who says the PSP doesn't have innovative and original games? And at $20, it's a must buy.

Nice review bro. I loved this game. Got it for $9.99

Thanks. For $10 you're getting a great deal of enjoyment for sure.

I saw this the other day and I'm considering getting it. Just got paid and I could use more PSP games...

You won't be disappointed.

QFT

got the game like this summer or something. It was fun. Got bored of it already

I tried to buy it. Unfortunately nowhere has the damn thing!

Finally found it and I love the game! I get very attached to my little eyeballs, especially later on in the game when they've got the funky weapons and helmets I've found.

Very nice. I knew you'd like it.