On the surface, the original Patapon took the contagiousness of music gameplay and combined it with traditional linear progression. What waited underneath for players was a serious strategy role playing game that required patience and attention to detail.
Players used drums to command a tribe called the Patapons in their battles against enemy tribes and other trials. Different sequences like “pata pat pata pon” to the beat would translate to different commands. At the same time players also had to manage a lot of stats, equipment, and resources.
Patapon 2 pretty much just brings more of both of these things. The deeper RPG elements however have been reorganized to give players a better idea of what they’re going into. The result feels not unlike a Diablo II or Phantasy Star Online.
A Most Unique Music Game
The initial hook of the original Patapon was how well its aesthetic complemented the rhythm gameplay to make the game so infectious. It was almost impossible to play Patapon without tapping one’s feet or swaying to the rhythm. Headphones were, and still are, a must.
Although the notes used by players remained the same, each level of Patapon had its own song that morphed to whatever commands were given. This was enhanced by the persistent tribal theme that carried from each battle on to watching the Patapons parading the heads of their enemies upon victory.
Patapon 2 carries this theme in full with new levels and new songs. This retains the gameplay’s status as some of the catchiest around. What lies beneath that however has been made slightly clearer and more accessible in the sequel, revealing the game for what it truly is.
A Shockingly Deep Role Playing Game
Behind the original Patapon’s attractive and accessible rhythm face was a strategy role playing game that took the dedication of a serious gamer to get through.
Rocking campaigns would often grind to a halt when enemies proved too strong, requiring players to repeat levels many times in order to collect resources and bolster their forces. The grind became slow and the effectiveness of certain units in battle was always mysterious.
In Patapon 2, things are a lot more addictive when players can see what they need in order to get the most out of their armies and they know they can get it in a timely fashion.
The first game’s grind is still in Patapon 2 but the rewards are made much more visible and the pace much smoother. Valuable loot appears far more often now, and the differences between units that can now be leveled up and transformed are made much clearer by an evolution chart.
Bottom Line
Despite being twice as long as its predecessor, Patapon 2 manages to feel like a smoother and quicker experience, even when it gets hardcore.
Daniel Sims - Daniel Sims lives in Fairfax, Virginia and recently graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelor Arts degree in ...
