Patapon and its sequels take rhythmic button-pressing in a real-time battle direction. You assemble a stylised army and then take your troops to battle by tapping buttons in time with the rhythm. How well you press the buttons in time with the music determines how well you land each of your attacks.

At the start of each battle you input specific sequences using the controller buttons to represent each "talking drum". These sequences order the tribe to move forward on the linear battlefield, attack, defend, and other actions.

If the player inputs an unknown sequence or enters them off the main rhythm, the tribe will become confused and stop whatever they are doing. However, repeatedly entering a proper sequence in sync with the rhythm will lead the tribe into a "Fever" increasing their attack and defensive bonuses.

• Patapon (2007) on PlayStation Portable and re released on PlayStation 4
• Patapon 2 (2009) on PlayStation Portable and re released on PlayStation 4
• Patapon 3 (2011) on PlayStation Portable
• Ratatan (2023) is a spiritual sequel from the people behind the original.

It's a good game to introduce players to light combat because of the cartoon visuals and music-rhythm aspect of play.