As well as nutting out the different rhythms, you must become well acquainted with the six different types of Patapons, including melee, cavalry and missile weapon troops, although you can only select three types to use in each mission.
Their equipment can be upgraded with weapons and items found on previous missions, and you can increase the size of your army by collecting resources and spending hard earned ka-ching (money) in their creation.
Each type has different strengths and vulnerabilities to bring to the party; selecting the right Patapons for each mission, customising them with superior equipment and even their placement in the ranks becomes critical to success – especially in later missions.
Scattered throughout the game are a number of imposing bosses – each one of screen filling proportions and all requiring a different strategy to defeat. Kicking ginormous boss butt can be an extremely rewarding and satisfying experience, though you may lose many Patapons in the process.
There are also a number of simple mini-games to discover and enjoy. These, like the hunting levels, provide a nice change of pace from the pressures of the main game, and you can earn valuable upgrades and bonuses to apply to your troops. Although the game is fairly short you will want to play it again – if only to discover all of its secrets or perhaps try another approach (or two).
The abstract, silhouette-style characters are the delightful creations of French artist Rolito, and these provide an effective contrast to the stylized background palette of subtly shaded hues. It’s very easy on the eyes – even with a lot happening onscreen.
In-game music is excellent and a good match for the Patapons’ warrior spirit, with the volume increasing as they enter battle (as it should), and rousing a bagpipe theme for the victorious army returning home with its spoils of war.
Quirky, genre-bending titles such as Patapon often don’t get the exposure or acknowledgment they deserve. Rather than simply running with the pack and sticking with tried and true formulas, these tall poppies should be applauded for bravely offering up something truly different for gamers to try. We’re glad we did; Patapon is a true gaming gem and a most worthy addition to your PSP library.
