Game Details
Price
  • $19.99
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Patapon (PSP)

common sense media says

Hypnotic, fun rhythm game with quirky characters.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

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.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence & scariness: Violence is rather cartoonish. Characters use spears, axes, and bows to attack enemies. Patapons "die" on the battlefield, but can be resurrected later.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.

More on Patapon

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the rise in popularity of rhythm games. What makes titles like these so appealing?

What's the story?

What's the story?
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.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
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.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: PSP
Not available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment
Released on: February 26, 2008
Price: 19.99
ESRB Rating: E for Everyone

This review was written by Brett Molina
 
 

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patapon
teen, 14 years old
 
awesome

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age