Patapon 2

"Fever!"

Patapon 2 is a very fun game, following the storyline of the so very popular Patapon 1. This game is probably the most popular rhythm game for the PSP, and one of the best rhythm games of all the consoles. Unlike you might think, it's not lame, repetitive or childish. Even though the button use is limited, you can still have a lot of fun on it.

Storyline:
Well… There's not much to say. The Patapons built a ship, it crashed and now they're on a new continent. They build a home and continue their journey to the end of the earth. Along the way, they must fight their new enemy, the Karmen's, who, for some reason we don't know about, hate the Patapons. That's all there is too it. I won't be counting this section in the final review, since it doesn't represent the game very well.

Graphics:
The graphics, though very simplistic, are perfect for the game. The variety of colors will make any one of the different Patapon stages different for you. The characters are funny-looking eye-balls that you'll actually end up getting attached to. The stages themselves are pretty amazing, since there isn't much you can do in a 2-D game. Even though some of them resemble each other, there are a lot of different stages, each with their own graphics and color style. (10/10)

Sound:
Since Patapon 2 is a rhythm game, you'd expect the music to match up to the gameplay, to help you keep a steady beat, and that is exactly the case. There are more than a dozen different stage themes that will keep the game fresh for you, since none of them are the same. Even the Patapon's chants will be different. The bottom line is that the game has very interesting music and sounds. (10/10)

Button Configuration + Gameplay:
The best part of the game. This is what counts the most in any game, especially a rhythm game. And the verdict is… It's excellent! You will be using four buttons, each representing a different drum. You will acquire new songs (commands) along the game to make the Patapons do different things. For example, there is an attack command, a defense command, and marching command and many more. Each command requires you to press different buttons in a certain order, always maintaining a steady rhythm. For example, the attack command is O, O, [], O. Your Patapons will then chant the song, a period in which you must not press anything. After their chant, you must enter a new command. It can be either the same one, or a new one. If you can get enough perfect beats (which occur when you pressed the buttons in a perfect rhythm), you will enter fever mode, which is the Patapons best state. In fever mode, their abilities will be accentuated and they will do more damage. It's simple, bit it takes some time to master. To evolve your Patapons or upgrade them, you will have to gather certain materials that are required for each specific kind of Patapon. You will be upgrading your Patapons in a branch-by-branch manner, meaning each type you upgrade your Patapon, a new type of Patapon will appear. If you can't get the materials required to upgrade your Patapons, fear not! You will unlock certain minigames, later in the game that, when played correctly, will give you certain materials. Also, there is another important element in the game: the Hero Patapon. The hero is a unique Patapon that can equip a piece of equipment that others can't equip: a mask. These masks boost his abilities by a lot. Also, he has a unique, very powerful skill that can be activated in fever mode and differs depending if the Hero is a spearman, warrior, archer, etc. There are many more elements in the game that you will discover by playing it. That said, the only con on the gameplay is the fact that there is no pause button. (9/10)

I strongly suggest that you buy this game for your PSP, since it's very fun and it only costs 20.00$. Trust me; you'll never get bored, since you can keep upgrading your Patapons and killing bosses. There is even a multiplayer (AD hoc) mode.
Final score: 9/10 (from the fact that there is no pause button, but don't let that turn you down form this game).

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 06/01/09

Game Release: Patapon 2 (US, 05/05/09)