Patapon 1 + 2 Replay Review – More Pon Than Pata

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Although these niche genres may not be widely popular, the rhythm game sector is thriving more than ever before. Games such as “Rhythm Doctor” and “Spin Rhythm XD,” for instance, draw inspiration from classics like “Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan” while introducing fresh elements. “Rift of the Necrodancer,” on the other hand, combines familiar lane-based gameplay with new challenges, providing a unique twist on its predecessor. However, what has been missing in the past is that consistent, four-beat rhythm that can either draw you into blissful, mindless tapping or push you towards sheer madness.

The sound is “Pata-pata-pata-pon,” and it’s been conspicuously absent since 2007. However, a new game, Ratatan, is being developed as a successor, but due to its delay, it seems that it requires further refinement to truly emulate the original in every aspect, especially the “pata” and “pon.

Thankfully, Bandai Namco Entertainment has combined the first two games of the series into a single enhanced edition titled Patapon 1 + 2 Replay. As you’d expect from a Patapon game, the experience is unique, albeit an acquired taste for both rhythm game enthusiasts and casual players. While there are aspects that could have benefited from substantial updates, it’s puzzling and somewhat frustrating that these areas have remained unchanged over time. We’ll delve deeper into that later on.

Regarding the Patapons, they initially function as spearmen, but you can eventually unlock various types of troops like shield-bearing frontliners, archers, and more. Additionally, in ‘Patapon 2’, the roster expands to include flying and magical combatants.

Patapon is a game where you control a group of characters called the Patapons, who are on a quest to find a place called Earthend and discover something mysterious that happened after they fell from their high place. This unknown entity is referred to as “IT”. The reason for this event remains a mystery. As you progress through the game, you must feed, arm, and guide your tribe through various adventures, including fights against enemies like the Zigoton, another tribe. You do this by playing drums in specific patterns to give orders such as move forward, attack, defend, or even summon rain.

The final part needs Fever Mode to be activated. This happens when you play the tunes correctly without error, or even earlier if you perform them flawlessly. It increases your Patapon’s strength in both attack and defense. Initially, the Patapons are spearmen, but you can unlock various types of units later on, including shield-bearers, archers, and many more. The new versions, Patapon 2, introduce flying and magic-using units into the mix. At the heart of everything is the Hatapon, who serves as the commander of the army and is also the most fragile. If he dies, we’ll have to try again next time because the mission fails.

In “Patapon 2,” as you enhance Patapons using resources earned from missions, unique Rarepons might emerge. For example, Pykola boosts movement speed significantly and offers significant perks for Dekapons, who specialize in heavy attacks. The game refines this system with an evolution map that allows you to selectively develop and specialize the Rarepons. This enhancement greatly improves progression and provides more precise control over a unit’s growth, especially when the Heropon joins the fray and introduces its own twist to unlocked classes.

In the game called Patapon, each character has unique equipment options, but there’s an option to automatically equip them with the best items available. Surprisingly, there isn’t a one-click “Optimize All” feature – instead, you have to customize every unit individually which can be tedious. However, there are numerous unlockable items and equipment, and it can be entertaining to see your starting troops evolve into an unstoppable force that can swiftly crush any unsuspecting enemy (or creature).

Fundamentally, Patapon 1 and 2 are simplified strategy games, where success hinges on the arrangement of your group, understanding the enemy types in a mission, and skillfully employing commands. However, the challenge intensifies in the sequel, as certain bosses like Dodonga and Majidonga can move freely, which makes it tricky to hit their damage cycles because of the limited attack range of your units.

The artistic direction is impressively done, encompassing the designs of Patapons and monsters, the backdrops, special effects, and animations. While these elements are superb, it could have been even better if Bandai Namco had included additional features, such as more bells and whistles, for enhanced user experience.

In the early stages of combat against Majidonga, it’s particularly annoying because it consumes your units without any means to dodge this (for now). The fallen units are represented by ‘caps’, which can be retrieved at Patapolis, your base, for resurrecting them. If a cap isn’t retrieved or consumed, you’ll need resources to replace your units. Running low on those resources? You’ll have to repeat the same missions to improve your damage cycles, otherwise, even easy prey might slip away, causing mission failure.

In the Patapon series, one persistent challenge has been the repetitive nature of gameplay. Although there are additions like miracles and other features that you unlock, and later stages introduce environmental hazards to overcome, the core mechanic primarily involves cycling through a limited set of commands while paying attention to enemy movements to avoid unnecessary exertion.

Apart from the gameplay, the music is another essential part of this game, and I must say, it surpasses today’s standards. It’s a true pleasure to listen to. The rhythmic combination of commands and unlocking new parts of songs, with Patapon’s mysterious chants as the tempo increases, is incredibly satisfying. Seeing your units dance or raise their weapons in sync with the music during marches or combat adds a delightful touch. However, the constant Patapon chanting can become grating when repeating missions. But overall, it keeps you engaged while exploring new stages and discovering fresh tunes. Regrettably, the “Fever!” notification sometimes overpowers the beat, which may disrupt your timing, especially if you’re not careful about the flashing borders on the screen.

As a dedicated gamer, I must say the visuals in this game are truly remarkable. From the unique designs of the Patapons and monsters, to the immersive backgrounds, special effects, and smooth animations, it’s all visually stunning. However, I can’t help but feel that Bandai Namco could have taken things a step further by incorporating more features to enhance the gaming experience.

For instance, it would have been fantastic if they had added more options for customization, like adjusting the beat timing and game difficulty to suit my personal preferences. Additionally, having the ability to toggle the on-screen buttons for commands would have made gameplay even smoother, particularly when compared to the intricate calibration seen in games like Rhythm Doctor and Rift of the Necrodancer.

In essence, while Patapon Replay 1 + 2 is a great game, I can’t help but feel slightly let down that it doesn’t offer as many bells and whistles as some other titles in its genre.

Indeed, for long-time admirers of the series, one might expect ‘Patapon 1 + 2 Replay’ to reach greater heights. If you’re particularly interested in revisiting these timeless classics, especially to explore the less conventional aspects of PlayStation, it could be worth giving it a look.

If you’re open to experiencing both games despite their flaws, they provide a wealth of content, with each offering numerous hours of gameplay. As a straightforward remake, “Patapon 1 + 2 Replay” performs adequately. When the rhythm captivated me and I switched between attacking and defending like a delicate dance, the gameplay flowed smoothly. However, when I lost a battle against a monster due to insufficient unit upgrades or lack of appropriate equipment, all the harmonious rhythms and continuous Fever modes felt redundant. Losing in such situations only made the frustration worse.

Absolutely, for long-term enthusiasts of the series, one might expect “Patapon 1 + 2 Replay” to aim higher. If you’re particularly interested in revisiting these original games, perhaps just to experience an unusual facet of PlayStation, it could be worth exploring. However, those seeking to relive the charm from the PlayStation Portable era might find it a bit short, whether in terms of gameplay and its quirks or the level of effort invested into both remasters.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

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2025-07-14 13:41