Developers Pyramid and Japan Studio resurrect the demi-god worship and rhythm video game series in the form of Patapon 3 in an attempt to bring something fresh to the franchise. The third and latest title retains this simple gameplay scheme which revolves around getting the timing right in order to decimate foes while standing the test of time, both defensively and offensively. Published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Patapon 3 infuses the series with new elements such as a character in the form of the player’s ‘avatar’ which serves to reinvigorate the bunch. And as we saw in our review what a lively bunch they make!
The storyline carries over from the second game in the series and as it so happens, a mysterious box housing evil spirits has somehow turned all the Patapons to stone. But a silver Hoshipon, some kind of magical star with a wise old beard (who was trapped inside the box along with the evil spirits) revives Hero fusing his essence with the Almighty to create Uberhero, and sets him on a quest to defeat these dark forces. The premise is simple, similar to the other games of the series; fight battles, build up experience to level up, and collect a wide range of attacking and defensive weapons along the way. All this while getting your toes a’ tapping to the tune of the Patapon drum. And there are tons of different classes so that players can mix and match to their liking. After all, where’s the fun if you don’t have much of a say when assembling your army?
Even though you start off with just a handful of eye-ball guys, in time your empire grows larger (in terms of choice) and stronger as more classes and superior abilities are unlocked. Each time your faithful followers level up, the power they wield gets stronger, and with it come new opportunities. Gaining experience also paves the way for better offensive and defensive traits. New frontiers lay open and as you step up to challenge after challenge, the mystical forces seem to get behind your cause with increasing benevolence. You can choose to easily, in a single swipe, optimise your squad. Or you could painstakingly fine tune each measure to ensure that victory on an ever changing battlefield belongs only to you while your foes taste the agony of defeat and the cold unmerciful fate of your sword.
Gameplay is simplistic and at the same time can be multi-faceted. But there are limits to its depth. On the one hand many different situations can be overcome using the tried and true commands, albeit in a variety of combinations. But conversely, the incessant beating of the Patapon drum can feel more than a tad monotonous at times. This is especially true when the odds get stacked up against you and you find yourself fighting an almost insurmountable battle. But carrying on doggedly in the bitter cold and other harsh conditions will only make your army stronger; a perseverance which can fell even the largest of titans.
The game’s training grounds have uncomplicated, elegant exercises which build up a player’s confidence levels and help get the player acquainted with the basic manoeuvres necessary for real battles. At Meden, players will also have to keep a keen eye out for bargains on items and as they become available. And there is a lot to do in terms of buying, selling, and upgrading equipment. A nifty pause game song makes its way into the title, while its multiplayer capabilities allow for up to eight players to jump into a single game.
Merging different elements which are core to the franchise with bright graphics and upbeat tones, the game environments represent a wide variety of battlegrounds. Straight out of the cauldron, they are lucid and give an impression of semi-infiniteness. The multi-tiered backdrops permeate the well-crafted levels giving a very smooth and flowing feel to the game. But they do abruptly change to reflect overtones of danger, and alternatively safety.
It’s amazing how many hours of satisfaction players can derive from more or less the same gameplay elements. But that’s all down to how marvellously the developers have laid things out across the game. In a way Patapon 3 (and the Patapon series in general) shapes up like the arcade games of way back when, with its simple enough to understand gameplay and addictive nature. But mastering the art means giving in to its mind-altering capabilities.
The Final Word: What the makers of another intriguing game in the rhythm series manage to squeeze out is a glorious and cheerful experience on the PSP. With its multi-tiered environments and pleasing, almost “user-inspired” sound, Patapon 3 is able to hold gamers’ interest and keep them coming back for more time after time. Even with all that conquering there doesn’t seem to be a dull moment in the PSP title. Patapon 3 has been moulded into an endearing game that will stick with you long after the “chaka-chaka-pata-pon” in your head subsides. It steals four thumbs-up from us.
Graphics: 9.0/10.
Gameplay: 8.0/10.
Sound: 7.5/10.
Story: 8.0/10.
Fun Quotient: 8.5/10.
Overall (not an average): 8.5/10.