Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this is an affordable rhythm/strategy adventure that has a theme about war. Using a set of drums, players control an army of Patapons across various environments. Since you're involved in a war, there is some mild (this is E-rated) cartoon violence. Patapons use spears and axes to defeat enemies. When Patapons "die" on the battlefield, they can be resurrected later in Patapolis.
Families can talk about the rise in popularity of rhythm games. What makes titles like these so appealing?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Brett Molina
PATAPON is an alluring, hypnotic rhythm game with a mix of real-time strategy. You control the Patapons, a tribe of warriors resembling walking eyeballs. Once rulers of their world, the tribe returns to Earthend to try to regain their previous glory. You play the game by using each button on the PlayStation Portable to represent a drum. Playing different tunes will require the Patapons to march forward, attack, or defend. The goal is to keep your song going as long as possible to maximize your force's efforts. The longer the song goes, the higher your combo. Play long enough and the Patapons reach fever status, which drastically improves their battlefield skills. Patapons vary from long-range archers to melee warriors. With your drumming, you will lead the Patapons through a series of missions.
The look of Patapon is incredibly unique. For walking eyeballs, the Patapons can be very expressive. Environments boast plenty of powerful colors that pop right off the screen. Learning the drum beats is easy, yet there's still a solid challenge between hulking enemies as well as attempting to string varying beats together in succession. Also, don't be surprised if the catchy tunes get stuck in your head.
Patapon also sports a surprisingly high level of customization. Between battles, you go to Patapolis to create stronger Patapons using collected items. You can then customize or upgrade each with weapons and armor. Each Patapon's stat sheet is thorough, detailing everything from attack power to speed so you can strategize on how to become more powerful. This gameplay is fascinating and fun, making Patapon a must-have for PSP owners of any age.
Younger players seeking similar rhythm games may enjoy Pa Rappa the Rapper 2 for PlayStation 2 or Boogie on the Wii. Also fun in Elite Beat Agents, a rhythm game for the Nintendo DS. Older gamers should check out Rock Band.
Rate It!
| Content | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CS | adults | kids | ||
Sexual Content |
 |
|
||
ViolenceViolence is rather cartoonish. Characters use spears, axes, and bows to attack enemies. Patapons "die" on the battlefield, but can be resurrected later. |
|
|
||
Language |
|
|
||
Message |
|
|
||
Social Behavior |
 |
 |
||
Commercialism |
|
|
||
Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco |
|
|
||
Educational Value |
|
|
||
