The greatest game on PSP since Loco Roco.
Until now. Patapon, from the creators of Loco Roco, a game that is so genius they should have earned a Nobel Prize for just simply thinking of it. It is, yet again, phenomenally simple, but this time instead of Loco Roco's highly one-dimensional take on platforming, it bring micro-management, real-time strategy, RPG, Benami and action gaming elements into the mix.
When I first heard micro-management and real-time strategy, I was extremely put off, I severely detest those types of games. Bring Total Roman War up to my face and I'll spew it back at you. Sit me down in front of The Sims for a half hour and I'll have already eaten half my foot. Even RPG games aren't a particular fave of mine. Final Fantasy is great and all, but I just can't get into it.
Fortunately I was won over by the stylish looks, which is really low, I know, but it did look interesting so I gave it a shot. A boy what a shot. It's like been given a shot of happy juice or hyper mix, the gameplay is phenomenal. It doesn't lay anything on thick enough for it to grow stale and it all comes together like a dream.
Even better, in the game you get to play God, and all the Patapons pray to you and stuff and it's all pretty cool. "Mike! You are legendary!" and praise like that.
I've rambled on so much. I've forgot to mention how it actually works. Each face button is assigned a beat, Pata, Pon, Chakka and Bon, perform these beats in time to the music and you can command your mini-battalion of ps-eye-cho balls. Them actions are simple, you have, defend, attack, retreat, forward all the basic stuff, but it works so efefctively and is incredibly enjoyable. On the train to college, I tap me feet and sing along to crazy beat, it's infectious.
Your Patapons normally behave and do what they're told, but there is sometimes you feel as if they are unresponsive and don't do what you want them to. But apart from that, there's nothing that flaws this game.
The micro-management and RTS isn't over done, which is good. Collect objects to build up the strength of your army and earn new warriors to take part in battle. You get spears guys, archers, knights, the entire shawaddywaddy. And as you progress, you do notice the change in your little chaps agressiveness and durability. HP and speed also have to be taken into account but that's about it.
It looks gorgeous, yeah I know it's not 3D or anything like GOW: Chains of Olympus, but it's stylish looks present a unique visually enticing experience. Your Patapons jump all over the place and indications of their expression tell you wether to attack or not.
The accompnying soundtrack is very Loco Roco and very Katamari Damacy., very jumpy *** poppy stuff, but totally incredible. And when the FEVER kicks in, when you hit a 10-streak combo of successive beats, the music keeps layering in fantastic chimes, trumpets and twangy guitars.
Overall, Patapon is the PSP game to own...until God of War comes out, but I got a feeling, though that may be incredible and pushing PSP beyond a gentle jog, it won't be as addictive or insane as Patapon. Simplicity is the key to success as it seems. A must buy, and my first 10/10 PSP game! Hooray - at last!