Patapon
| Developer(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment, SAS CO, LTD |
|---|---|
| Publisher(s) | Sony Interactive Entertainment, Bandai Namco |
| Release date | 2007 |
| Genre | Real Time Strategy RPG Rhythm Game |
Patapon is a console rhythm game series developed and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment for the PSP. Patapon combines Real Time Strategy, and Rhythm into a RPG to create a very unique playstyle. The game features tiny cyclops-like warriors, the Patapons, on a journey to "Earthend" and "IT" to reclaim former glory with the help of you, the "Almighty Patapon"
Gameplay
Patapon
Patapon is played by inputting commands to a fixed rhythm. Using the PSP face buttons, you use commands to make the Patapons attack, defend or other tactics to defeat enemies. Inputting "Pata Pata Pata Pon" (□-□-□-○) will make the Patapons march forward, "Pon Pon Pata Pon" (○-○-□-○) will make them attack enemies in their line of sight, and so on. The game takes on a Mission based level structure, which can consist of a Hunt Stage, Boss Stage, or a Story related Stage. Hunt Stages have wildlife and small structures that can provide materials and weapons to help strengthen your army. Boss Stages contain a boss to fight, which can provide special key items, rare materials, or special weapons. Story Stages contribute to the story, and can have special gimmicks or obstacles that can't be found in regular levels. Each Patapon is part of a class that each have their own weapon, equipment, and attack style. For example, "Tatepons" are swordsmen who attack with swords and defends with shields for close range attacks, "Yaripons" use Spears to attack from a middle range, and "Yumipons" use bows to barrage enemies with arrows from afar. Patapons that are defeated in battle will drop their cap, which can be collected to revive them after the mission is completed. After missions, you go to "Patapolis", which serves as the hub for the game. Here you can make new and stronger warriors using "Mater, The Tree of Life" in exchange for "Ka-Ching" and materials, or play Minigames for the chance to get materials, items, or weapons.
Gameplay
Video showing off the core gameplay.
Patapon 2
Patapon 2 follows the same structure as Patapon, adding new enemies, stages, bosses, classes, and much much more. A new addition is the Hero, which wears a mask that grants special powers that can only be used by them. The Hero can change class and rarepon type at will, and can revive when defeated in a mission after a short time. The game also introduces local multiplayer, where you can team up with other Heroes to carry an "Egg" throughout a boss or fortress that contains special items, masks or materials.
Gameplay
Longplay of Patapon 2
Patapon 3
Patapon 3 drastically changes key aspects of the first two games. The game reduces the army size from up to 17 Patapons to just 4, although they are much more powerful to make up for it. The Hero has now transformed into the "Uberhero", which possesses even more power than before. The game is now heavily focused on multiplayer, introducing Online, Teams, and more, although you can still complete the game solo. The game still follows the mission structure, and the hub is now The Hideout, a cave that has everything you need. Patapon 3 has more in-depth team building, such as introducing "Set Skills" and "Class Skills", which apply special effects and more power to your units, and weapons that can have a variety of boosts and enchantments, which can lead to grinding for the optimal equipment.
Gameplay
Live Stream Archive of Gameplay, showing off multiplayer and debug menu
Releases
| Games | Release Year(s) | Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Patapon | 2007-2008 | Playstation Portable, Playstation Vita |
| Patapon 2 | 2008-2009 | Playstation Portalble, Playstation Vita |
| Patapon 3 | 2011 | Playstation Portable, Playstation Vita |
| Patapon Remastered | 2017 | Playstation 4, Playstation 5 |
| Patapon 2 Remastered | 2020 | Playstation 4, Playstation 5 |
| Patapon 3 (PS4/5 Port) | 2025 | Playstation 4, Playstation 5 |
| Patapon 1+2 Replay | 2025 | Playstation 5, Nintendo Switch, Steam |