Patapon 2 :: PSP Game Review

Courtesy of Sony Online Entertainment

There just aren't that many great PSP games: N+, Portable Ops, Lumines, maybe Secret Agent Clank. One of the best games on the PSP was Patapon, but even I was turned away due to its difficulty and RPG level grinding and backtracking. But this year, they've released Patapon 2, which is not just a bit easier, but filled with more cool stuff.

Pata Pata Pata Pon!

The Patapon were, at the end of the last game, building a ship to continue on their quest to find IT at Earthend (yeah, it doesn't make any sense right now, but you'll get it). Unfortunately, their ship is destroyed by a great sea monster, and they are washed up on the beach, with only one Patapon having managed to keep hold of the great drum, the source of your power in the game. Through the drum, you are able to rebuild the Patapon on this new island, including growing back Mater, the tree of life from the last game. As in the last game, you use your drum to guide the Patapon in hunting and destroying gigantic bosses, with some all new units.

Pon Pon Pata Pon!

There is a new Patapon hero you can use in single-player or the all-new multiplayer. This hero can be like any other type of warrior, but he is especially strong. Speaking of the multiplayer, you can join up with a friend or three with all your different heroes to get some special items. The rhythm gameplay is especially interesting here, as you and your friends have to give the same commands at the same time, followed by a difficult chant minigame once you get to the end of the level. It's very fun for individual games, where the single-player is more about how you do over time.

Chaka Chaka Pata Pon?

What problems might you have with the game? Well, you can only control your troops once every four beats, but that's where all the challenge comes from, besides keeping the rhythm in general. You will still likely have to replay lots of old levels to get good enough to beat the game, which can get tedious if you aren't excited just to play. Also, this is sort of a genre of its own, not like anything you've played before. It's not really a strategy game, it's not much like other rhythm games, and calling it an RPG doesn't give you the whole idea either. It's really unique, and a must-play for PSP owners.

Rating:

Price: $20

ESRB Rating: E for Everyone