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Patapon 2 (PSP)

common sense media says

Rhythm/strategy sequel is as fun, quirky as the original.

parents & educators say
See all 8 reviews | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this game's primary focus is tribal battles. That said, the fighting is fairly tame -- all we see are silhouettes of googly-eyed men throwing spears and shooting arrows at large animals. There is no blood or gore. Also note that this game acts as a rudimentary mock-up of primitive tribal culture. The googly-eyed tribe members mindlessly follow the instructions of the player, who issues orders in the form of repetitive drum beats/chants. There is, however, an ever-present sense of humor that keeps the game's events feeling rather whimsical.

Educational value: Not applicable.
Positive messages: There is a lot of fighting, but most of the skirmishing is necessary for the tribe to survive and flourish. No battles are fought out of malice. Note, too, that the game supports local multiplayer. Up to four players can work together as a team. 
Violence: Battles make up the majority of play. Players command an army of tiny figures as they attack animals and barricades using spears, arrows, and swords. There is death, but no blood or gore.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Characters occasionally use words like “jebus” and “hell.”
Consumerism: This is the second game in the Patapon series.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on Patapon 2

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about this series’ odd mixture of rhythm and strategy. Did you try to imagine what it might be like before playing? Was your imagined version of the game very much like the real thing? Do you see why the developers chose to use a primitive, chanting tribe as the focus of such a game? Can you think of other seemingly disparate genres of games that could be melded together to create a fresh, new type of interactive experience?

What's the story?

What's the story?

A sequel to last year's critically acclaimed Patapon, PATAPON 2 once again places players in control of a tribe of googly-eyed warriors looking to gain control of their land and environment. Series fans will be happy to learn that the story picks up immediately following the events of the first game, with the Patapon voyaging across the ocean in search of the end of the world. Alas, they are besieged by a sea creature that wrecks their boat. The remnants of the tribe wash up on a strange shore, where they immediately get to work hunting animals and discovering the secrets of their strange new home.

Play is almost identical to the first game. Players use the PSP's buttons to beat out simple but strategic rhythms, which command the Patapon warriors to march, attack, and defend themselves. Each mission results in the unlocking of new music, new items, and new weapons that players can use to customize their Patapon army. New features include a powerful 'hero' unit that can unleash special attacks via specific drum beat combinations, an evolution system that lets players transform their warriors into more powerful fighters, and a four-player local area network co-operative mode.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Patapon 2 doesn't radically alter the formula of the first game, but instead refines it, adding new abilities, creatures, beats, and a multiplayer mode so that friends can experience the game's beautiful art and innovative play together. There's no need to worry if you missed out on the original; the game's story is more or less self contained, and the first few missions do a good job of acquainting players with the game's idiosyncratic mechanics. What's more, a trio of difficulty levels ensures that players of vastly different skill levels can make their way through the game with equal ease. And while the surprisingly deep warrior customization system might be intimidating to strategy novices, a helpful "optimize" command lets players properly outfit their fighters for each mission with the touch of a single button. In other words, Patapon 2 welcomes back and challenges series veterans while providing an accessible entry point for players who have yet to experience the franchise's delightfully unusual game play.

Game themes & details

Game Details
Available on: PSP
Not available online
Genre: Music
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment
Released on: May 5, 2009
Price: 19.99
ESRB Rating: E for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence, Mild Language
This review was written by Chad Sapieha
 
 

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What parents & educators say

6

Most useful reviews by all members

Sparton
kid, 12 years old
9
 
Perfect for kids nine and up
I only say it's educational because I'm in my school band and this helped me get a really good sense of rythm and frankly it's not really a bad game I think it's hilarious.
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bonso
kid, 11 years old
7
 
not good
i bought this game thinking i was going to love it but it turned out it was bad! i thought commanding a army by rythem would by cool but it just did not work. the only thing i like about it is the characters.
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mescvillot
parent of 6 year old
4
 
I ran
Just Beginning
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hArze
adult
4
 
A very unique and awesome game
i'ts along story but still very enjoyable and i finished this game for only a few months!
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jwahman
adult
7
 
Perfect for ages 7+
I believe that this game is very age appropriate! It is a fast paced beat game that is VERY easy to pick up! The only thing that concerns me is that there word fugly (freaking ugly)! But otherwise a great game!
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Tiney53
adult
7
 
weeeeeeee...
i think this game is pretty ok.
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gameaddictwn
teen, 16 years old
7
 
PATA-PATA-PON
A fantastic game. When I begin playing this game I couldn't get the patapon song right. After months of practice I now have fantastic rhythm. This game teaches a person rhythm and how to manage you're troop and lead them to their goal. The game can get frustrating. You also play as the "almighty" that may be offending to Christians (like me). The patapons will pray to you and give offerings to you. The violence is a bit too much for little kids. Every time you defeat a boss you are usually rewarded with the severed head of the creature.
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franchescolli
parent of 12 year old
7
 
the demo i have
i like this game. they make cool sounds. i just can't beat the red gragon. or the blue dragon.so dragons you sting.
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