Patapon is a charming 2D side-scroller from the studio responsible for LocoRoco, another infectious PSP exclusive title. While the visual style is similar to LocoRoco, Patapon’s gameplay mechanics are wholly unique. Those interested in trying it out for themselves can download the demo from the PlayStation Store. Successful completion of the demo allows you to save your progress for use in the retail version of the game and gives you access to an exclusive weapon.
Although Puzzle Quest and Professor Layton stand out as recent successes, it’s not often that developers are willing to take risks and create new genres in this industry. It’s surprising then, that Patapon manages to borrow the best aspects of old genres and create something entirely fresh and innovative. Best described as a rythm-based real-time 2D side-scroller, Patapon truly breaks new ground on the portable system.
While the essential objective of 2D side-scrollers remains the same (start at the left side of the screen, move to the right, repeat), the means with which you do so have radically changed. As a deity, it is your job to guide the Patapon army into battle by beating a ceremonial drum. Different rhythm patterns tell your subjects to perform various tasks like advance, attack, or defend. Chaining these beats using timed presses of the PSP face buttons increases the effectiveness of the command, sending your troops into fever mode. In this mode, accurate timing is more difficult due to increased background noise coming from the game, and this strategy makes for a compelling risk-reward system. As you progress through the story, you’ll collect new troops and various items to equip your soldiers. This mechanic adds role-playing elements and strategy to a game already bursting with new ideas.
At a surprisingly low price of $19.99, it’s likely that many PSP owners will find something to like about Patapon. Unfortunately, the game is not without its faults. Even from the demo, a few niggling issues are apparent. For example, the difficulty curve ramps up fairly quickly, meaning you’ll have to replay a number of stages if you want to be ready for the onslaught of the next level. Furthermore, Patapon is quite possibly the least portable game available for a portable system. Because the gameplay is rhythm based, there is no way to pause in the middle of a level (unless you put the PSP in sleep mode), and you must be listening intently at all times (meaning you’ll probably want to use headphones while you play). Although the PSP’s wide screen is ideal for 2D side-scrollers, Patapon seems like an easy candidate for a downloadable PlayStation Network title on the PS3.
Posted by brianfishman 
