PATA PATA PATA PON!
Mar 11, 10:30 am

I’ve been having the hardest time describing this game. Let’s see… Well, you have these really simple creatures that look like eyeballs with legs. And actually, they’re a tribe. You’re kind of like their God and you control them by drumming these beats. But you have to be on the beat or they won’t listen to you. And when you drum, they chant and you can drum different things to make them either walk, attack, do a rain dance, etc. On top of that, they have these high pitched voices that make incoherent noises. The animation reminds me of a 60s retro style cartoon and the music is very tribal/high energy.

Ok, I’ve probably just described the weirdest game. But if you haven’t figured it out, I’m talking about Patapon – a new reason to pick up your dusty PSP. I had been hearing some buzz about it, but had no idea what to expect. But the moment I picked it up (and surprisingly it was only $20 at gamestop), I fell for Patapon’s cute and charming ways, it’s catchy rhythm and beats, and it’s aesthetically pleasing graphics.

I do have a few warnings/tips for when you play this game:

  • Save often! If you die during battle, there is no “continue”. You’ll have to start from the last save point any time you fail a mission.
  • Like most PSPs, beware of loading times. It can become annoying, but it’s just something you have to deal with.
  • The beats are catchy so be warned - you will sound ridiculous when you’re around friends mumbling “PATA PATA PATA PON” to yourself
  • Check the left side of the screen! There’s a dancing tree, toe-jamming rock baby, and other weird things on the left side of the main screen that I didn’t even notice until later. You can get a lot of cool resources from those compadres.
  • And lastly, max out your army when you can. Make use of everyone, strategize, and make sure everyone’s armor is up to date.

    Have fun drumming!

    PON PON PATA PON!
    DOM DOM DOM DOM DOM.