Patapon

Such a short game deserves a short review. If you are musically inclined, or can at least keep a beat, this game is a fun twist on 2D gameplay that offers variety, challenge, and good pacing.

Unfortunately there is almost no replay value, and the game often requires grinding certain levels to buy new units. It can be very frustrating at times to see a unique, much needed item in the distance, but be unable to grab it before it disappears because there is a strong enemy in front.

The mini games can be insanely hard and often seem to have no connection to the music, and little explanation for how to play or succeed. I found myself having to visit YouTube many times to understand how to pass certain parts.

This game would be a great rental but a less than stellar purchase.

Patapon is by far the greatest game ever made for the PSP. It doesn't bother with trying to poorly render 3D environments, and instead, goes for the gusto with gameplay bliss in a beautiful 2D side-scrolling environment. The story is intriguing, and the game is overflowing with humor and charm. There's plenty of unit and weapon customization, which creates a deep sense of personalization in the creation of your Patapon army.

A must own for PSP gamers.

It's addicting, this little game. You will soon find yourself chanting the battle cry of the Patapon tribe once you start playing. It's also one of my favorite PSP titles. Not only for it's simplified and stylish art design, but the unique style of game play that has you tapping the PSP control keys in 4/4 time as the Great Patapon god to move your little tribe of Patapons through their quest to find Earthend and gaze upon IT (whatever IT is, they don't know). The patapon warriors (melee, ranged archer, mounted, and spear wielding) chant your command back at you, even though sometimes in a way that can make you lose your rhythm.

Each key is assigned a drum sound and different patterns are used to direct your Patapons (little Kokopelli looking eyeball warriors) through battle. Square (Pata) and O (Pon) are heavily used to move and attack, while triangle (Chaka) comes into use later on and is used in a combo for defense. X (Don) is only used to activate miracles, special effects that you collect along the way to get around difficult obstacles.

By getting the rythm right and not getting distracted you build up a series of commands until the Patapons get battle fever. With this comical battle cry their attacks become more powerful, launching a flurry of spears and arrows at the enemy and you can invoke miracle effects, and the longer you can maintain it, the better you will do.

Go hunting and fight bosses to earn materials and Ka-Ching (money) to create new stronger warriors, or to find gear for existing ones. There are also special Patapons you will find who unlock special mini-games and allow you to earn more resources.

This game sticks with you, and you may find yourself chanting the attack and advance drumbeats while doing other things. Going "PATA PATA PATA PON, PON PON PATA PON...FEVER!!!!!" while riding my bike up a hill last weekend was self-entertaining I guess. My husband thought it was funny, anyway.

While Patapon 2 is in development, this title is an awesome little "must have" game for the PSP.

this is a great game. it allows you to explore your rhythmic side and your strategical side.
rhythmic side,being able to push the right buttons for the right notes and strategical side, by being able to customize your weapons for a better chance to win the battle. win the battle and get ka-ching [money], get ka-ching and get more customizable, strong patapons.

overall:
awesome game,might have some hard levels but worth the effort to win them
very easy to start a new game, and to understand the controls
will keep u busy for a long time!

enjoy!

I have to say,it's difficult to put this game down. Using your four main buttons on the PSP you tie together strings of rhythmic beats while the little Patapons keep the beat and repeat everything you hit. Each beat has it's own command that tells the warriors whether to attack, defend, move forward or start a special chant. Successfully completing a certain number of rhythms in a row will result in frenzy mode which makes the little guys attacks much faster. This game even comes with a great story line that is pretty easy to follow.
While fighting you'll even be able to pickup upgrades which will apply to certain warriors to help you progress in the game like armor, weapons new drums, food and materials for crafting new warriors. Lots of little side areas to to give variety to the game.
If you're looking for a fun and addictive, yet easy to play game try this.