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Play 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.
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.
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Play Style
Duration
Play Time: This game will take between 15 and a half hours and 24 and a half hours to complete.
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
Content Rating
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.
Costs
Patapon usually costs £11.99.
This was released in a few forms:
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Patapon
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.
It's important to set up your accounts and devices appropriately. More information is on our Financial Resources page.
Game 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)
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