Patapon is a rhythm game like no other. Brought to you by Japanese developers Pyramid & published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Patapon sees you lead a tribe of warriors to the fabled ‘Earthend’ where a prophecy foretells they will gaze upon ‘IT’ and be happy. The game starts out simply enough with a lone Patapon left after a seemly devastating battle. The player takes up the mantle of the Patapon god, the ‘Almighty’, and guides their devoted subjects through an innovative use of rhythm. As the game progresses, the tribe uncover various drums that are then offered to the player. The player can use these drums with the rhythm of the games ambient music. Using different combinations of these drums the player can cause the tribe to do differing things, move forward, attack, defend and other actions. If the player enters an unknown sequence or enters them out of rhythm, then the Patapons become confused and do nothing. Stringing together a sequence of drum patterns fills up a combo meter which eventually sets the tribe into ‘fever’ mode. This mode allows Patapons to attack more, move faster and take less damage.
The game is divided into different missions with each set up as to help benefit the tribe. Many such missions involve the hunting of animals or the defence against the Patapon’s arch emery, the Zigatons. All missions follow the same basic outline with the Patapons places on a linear battlefield. The player uses the drum beat to advance the tribe from left to right, smashing any defences and killing any enemies on the way. Missions are completed when the tribe each a set end point marked by a red monolith. In between mission the player has the chance to view their spoils of war and use them in various mini-games. New type of Patapon can be created and equipped through the Patapon’s ancestral home, Patapolis. Players will unlock various types of Patapon as they progress through the game, from the spear throwing Yaripon warriors to the giant club-wielding Dekapon.
Patapon sets a new precedent in the gaming world. Before now almost all rhythm games were based around the music itself allowing the gamer to pseudo-perform the music track. Patapon uses it’s rhythm in a way that feels fully integrated with the game, not just some afterthought added in at the last minute. The games innovative use of music along with its clear and colourful graphics make it one of the top games for the PSP to date. As one who’s not used to playing the brighter, more colourful game, I found it to be a welcome release from the dark, monotonous world of modern day shooters/action games.
If you own a PSP and have not yet had a chance to play Patapon, I implore you to pick up a copy as soon as you can. You will not be disappointed, I guarantee it. - Mike Hillman.
Score : 5/5