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Patapon

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Play OverviewPlay Overview

Patapon (2008) 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. It's a good game to introduce players to light combat because of the cartoon visuals and music-rhythm aspect of play.

Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked Patapon 5 years ago. It was re-examined by Andy Robertson and updated 6 weeks ago.
There are lots of games similar to Patapon (Series). Here are some we picked for you:

Play StylePlay Style

This is a Fighting and Rhythm game with Action and Strategy elements. This is a single-player game.

 
You can play this game in the following styles:

DurationDuration

Play Time: This game will take between 15 and a half hours and 24 and a half hours to complete.

BenefitsBenefits

Age RatingsAge Ratings

Content Rating

Rated PEGI 7 for Violence. The violence in this game is unrealistic and exclusively against fantasy creatures. These show barely any reaction to the violence. When a Patapon dies he is reborn after the battle. The Patapons throw spears and javelins at their targets and all characters vanish when hit. There are boss battles that pit the player’s army against one big target.

Rated for younger players in the US. Rated ESRB EVERYONE for Mild Fantasy Violence. Players match button presses with drumbeats, commanding Patapons to move, gather resources, and attack enemies. Stylized Patapons use cartoony spears, swords, and bows to defeat enemies; skirmishes are accompanied by impact sounds, cries of pain, and numerical values indicating damage. One boss character emits a green flatulence cloud during combat. The word “hell” appears in the game.
This game includes adverts on some platforms that are watched to unlock additional content. Note that these adverts are not covered by the age rating and may include older-rated content.

Skill Level

10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. The timed attacks and related strategy makes this better for older children.

CostsCosts

Patapon usually costs £11.99.
 

Patapon

Steam Store PC Coming Soon
PlayStation Store PS4 £11.99 Free

PS Plus Premium

There are the following additional costs associated with this game:
  • Advertising: Smartphone or Tablet version of this game includes adverts. This varies in form but watching ads is often incentivised by unlocking additional content and progress in the game. Note that these are not covered by the age rating and may include older-rated content.
 
This was released in a few forms:
  • Patapon (2007) on PlayStation Portable and re released on PlayStation 4 and PC
  • 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. 
 
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DetailsGame Details

Release Date: 22/02/2008, updated in 2025

Out Now: PC, PS Vita, PS4 and PSP

Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds

Players: 1

Genres: Fighting, Rhythm (Action and Strategy)

Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )

Components: 2D Side-On and Hand-Made

Developer: Sony Japan Studio (@SonyJapanStudio)


Taming Gaming Book Written by parents for parents, the database complements the in-depth discussion about video game addiction, violence, spending and online safety in the Taming Gaming book. We are an editorially independent, free resource without adverts that is supported by partnerships.

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