Patapon 2
Review
It's like someone gave you a needle of sugar right in the eyes!
by Keaton Arksey
reviewed on PSP
That fabled sense of rhythm
The rhythm part of the game comes when you send your Patapons out into the world. Stages are 2-D, moving from left to right. The face buttons on the PSP are used for different drum sounds. For example, the square button makes a “pata” noise, the triangle makes a “chaka” noise and circle button makes a “pon” sound. A beat along with a white border around the screen forms a beat to which the player must match their button presses. Different button presses make the Patapons do different things. Square Square Square Circle (or Pata Pata Pata Pon) moves your Patapons forward, while Circle Circle Square Circle (Pon Pon Pata Pon) commands them to attack. The trick is to time the beat so you defend when the enemy is going to attack and use variable elements like the wind to aid your attacks. If you keep the beat for a certain amount of time, you get into fever mode that makes your Patapons deal more damage.
The gameplay, while potentially difficult for new players and those with no sense of rhythm (like me -Ed), is definitely one of the strong points in the game. Nothing feels better than letting a volley of spears and arrows loose at just the right moment. A good note is to play the game in a quiet area or with headphones, as any outside noise can mess up your inner rhythm.
Vibrant charm
Graphically, the game is distinct from almost every other game in the PSP library. The characters are charming, and their distinct style makes you realize just how well they are designed. Towards the end of the game, some of the larger enemies are truly awe-inspiring, with interesting and unique designs that make you feel sad for slaughtering them. Colour-wise, things are vibrant range many different colours, from the basic blacks of the Patapons to bright blues and reds.
Tribal sounding beats play in the background while you're playing, while you bang on the drums to direct your Patapons. The music is surprisingly catchy, and you'll often find yourself repeating the commands even when you're not playing. The Patapons sing along with the beat, and while their voices do seem childish, they fit the Patapons like a glove.
Get the rhythm with friends!
Along with the vast single-player game, multiplayer is also included. Sadly, it is local only, so hopefully you can find some friends with copies of the game and PSP's. Throughout the single player you will find eggs after defeating the larger boss creatures. In multiplayer, you and three friends must work together to carry the egg to the end of a level, all the while fighting the boss you had to beat to get the egg in the first place. At the end, everybody has to match button presses to help hatch the egg.
Charming game
It's hard to look at a game like Patapon 2 and not smile. The game just exudes charm and joy on almost every level. The gameplay is deep and rewarding, the graphics and designs are great, and the sound wraps it all in a nice little package. Add in the fact that anyone with an internet connection can get it, and unless you live on a rock or don't own a PSP, there is no reason for you not to own this game.
9.0
fun score
No Pros and Cons at this time
