Last year, SCEA launched a gem out
of left field for their handheld system. Patapon was a strategy/rhythm game
hybrid that took fun gameplay and a charming universe of characters. The game
was a huge hit from a critical standpoint, and now SCEA is readying to release
the sequel, Patapon 2, to PSP gamers everywhere.
However, this time around there’s a
catch: Sony has decided to release Patapon 2 as a download only title, in a
possible effort to test the waters for future titles (and maybe a UMD-less PSP,
but that’s another story…). However, as much of a caveat as this may be for some
gamers, skipping out on this title would be a huge mistake. Our early
impressions of the game are tremendously solid, and this could very well be one
of the best games available for the PSP, download or otherwise.
Patapon 2’s gameplay will feel
immediately familiar to fans of the original game. You lead a group of Patapon
warriors across a 2D plane, guiding them by rhythmically hitting your battle
drum to the beat. Depending on what buttons you press, you’re warriors will
perform different functions, as in advancing or attacking and defending.
However, they’ll only respond if your stay in the beat; if you lack the rhythm
necessary, you’ll possibly doom your little warriors to a dire fate. On the
other hand, if you keep in the rhythm, your soldiers will be stronger and will
get into “Fever” mode, allowing them to attack more powerfully and even perform
special moves to the beat.
Patapon 2 doesn’t deviate much from
its predecessor, but offers some great new additions to the gameplay formula.
Hero units (called “Heropons”) have been added to the mix. Heropons can not only
be revived should they perish during battle, but they also have special
abilities that they can perform when you go into Fever mode. Heropon can take
the properties of other soldiers in the game, allowing them to become a powerful
asset to help you gain the upper hand.
Aside from Heropons, you have other
new units to help you as you play, including Toripons, bird-like units capable
of high ranged attacks, Robopons that attack with spinning fists, and others. In
order to access these additional classes of warriors, you need to move up the
evolutionary tree, another new feature that allows you to gain new warrior types
by playing through the game and leveling up your Patapons.
Patapon 2 retains the fantastic look
of its predecessor, with charmingly designed characters and a simple yet
effective look. The silhouetted art design is simple yet very cool looking, and
some of the bigger enemies are pretty impressive without being too
technologically advanced.
The sound is pretty much the same as
the first Patapon title, meaning the same squeaky voices and quirky soundtrack
are on offer here. That’s not a bad thing, as it adds to the game’s overall
charm.
All things considered, this entry
more than captures the feel of its predecessor while adding in some great new
features, and easily ranks as one of the best games on the PSP. Don’t miss out
on this downloadable gem.
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Gameplay: 9.0
Simple yet totally engaging, Patapon 2 is a very addictive and exciting
title. The new features and units will definitely appeal to fans of the original
and give them more reason to check out this sequel.
Graphics: 8.5
The character models and environments have a great design to them, and are
quite charming to look at.
Sound: 8.0
The sound and music effects haven’t really been changed much from the
original title, but still sound good overall.
Difficulty: Medium
Concept: 8.5
While not a huge departure from the original Patapon in terms of gameplay,
the added features do help to make the game that much more engaging.
Overall: 9.0
Patapon 2 is a fine sequel, offering compelling new features while keeping
the charm that made the first game so great. Fans of the original would do well
to check this one out.
