Patapon for PSP Review

Circle circle square circle!

I generally don't play handheld games in long periods, but this game I couldn't pull myself away from. Patapon is the awesome, unique and addictive rhythm game by Pyramid and Japan Studio. Why haven't I blogged for so long you ask? I was on holiday and since I got back I haven't had the time until now. But anyway, here's the review.

The story is that you are the Almighty, aka God, and you must guide the Patapons (the little guys in the picture) through many scenarios such as hunting, battles and so on by using a holy drum they have given you. Each button makes different noises; square makes a PATA noise, circle makes a PON noise, triangle makes a CHAKA noise and X makes a DON noise. By using them together, you can give orders through different combos, such as PATA PATA PATA PON moves your Patapons forward, PON PON PATA PON attacks, CHAKA CHAKA PATA PON defends and PON PATA PON PATA makes all Patapons retreat. Yet, you can't use them all at the start, you have to unlock them.

Graphics and sound, for those who care, are great. The music is fitting, the chanting of the Patapons is good and the graphics are really artsy, fitting for the game. The Patapons look great, and I like the way how they worship you. I just wish they could put video games in the altar. Speaking of the altar, that's where the offerings are put from the Patapons. They usually put good stuff in there, and it's a neat feature. You can also discover new things in battle and generally just by playing the game.

The game, however, is not for everyone. One, it's a fast-paced game, meaning that if you screw up then you really screw up, and I lost a hunting mission because I accidentally tapped the wrong button and the animals ran away. Two, the game is not easy. In later levels, it really becomes a challenge, and if you don't stay in rhythm then it takes a while to get back into it. Also, you have to wait for the Patapons to chant the combo before you can do another one. Also, having to push a bunch of buttons in a row whilst in battle can be difficult for some.

Enemies are good in this game. Just like for your Patapons, there are different classes for them, each tougher than the next. But, you fortunately start with basic soldiers and then work your way up the food chain to ones like that giant insect thing in the picture above. This gives you time to get better and prepare for the next battle. Enemies aren't overpowered either, and bosses aren't impossible.

Patapon is a great rhythm game, and you should pick it up. It's something different and unique, unlike Call of Duty. If you have a PSP definatley try this game out. Like mentioned, it isn't for everyone, but if you're up for something new this is the game for you.