Although it’s been more than 15 years since Patapon and Patapon 2 first charmed PlayStation Portable owners, PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY now brings both rhythm-infused classics together in a remastered package for PlayStation 5 – though we’re not sure we like the shift to all caps for the title. Developed by SAS and published by Bandai Namco, this rerelease stays true to the originals while layering in some much-needed quality-of-life updates, appealing to both nostalgic fans and newcomers alike. At its heart, Patapon remains a quirky blend of rhythm game and strategic battler where players, cast as the deity of the Patapon tribe, lead their one-eyed followers through stylishly abstract lands by beating out commands on four mystical drums.
Mechanically, the game’s core loop remains as unique as ever. Players combine rhythmic button presses to issue commands like advancing, attacking, or defending. The addition of adjustable difficulty levels and input calibration helps reduce some of the timing frustrations of the originals, which were sometimes a barrier to progress. With more flexibility now baked in, it’s easier to enjoy the rewarding feeling of nailing a battle cadence and watching your tiny troops flourish in response.
However, despite the fresh paint, some mechanical quirks from the PSP era persist. Controls can still feel sluggish when the beat is missed, and the game doesn’t always communicate its expectations clearly, especially during more complex missions or boss fights. The audio cues remain crucial, and while the upgraded visuals make characters and backgrounds pop with sharper resolution, the simplistic art style does show its age during longer play sessions. Still, the minimalism retains its charm, and the soundtrack – an intoxicating mix of tribal beats and vocal cues – continues to be one of the franchise’s defining features.
Narratively, the game is light on exposition but rich in personality. The Patapons’ journey to reach Earthend feels more like a mythical fable than a structured story, yet the expressive animations and infectious chants lend emotional weight to their pilgrimage. It’s not deep storytelling, but it has heart – and that goes a long way in a rhythm game.
The upgrade system, crafting elements, and class-based customization all return and still offer a surprisingly deep layer of strategic thinking. Experimenting with unit formations and unlocking new classes like the ranged Yumipon or the tanky Tatepon adds a welcome dose of tactical variety. It’s satisfying to tailor your little army across the two lengthy campaigns, though a better in-game explanation of mechanics would have helped smooth the learning curve for newer players who never played the originals.
Ultimately, PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY feels like a respectful modernization of two beloved classics. It doesn’t reinvent the wheel, and it still carries a few of the original titles’ flaws, but it embraces its legacy with confidence – though it’s a shame that Patapon 3 is nowhere to be found. Fans of the originals will appreciate the streamlined experience and the preservation of its audio-visual identity, while newcomers are finally offered a more accessible way into one of PlayStation’s most offbeat and creative series.
Score: 7.7/10
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