Entertainment

Games: Patapon Remastered sees Sony banging the drum for a forgotten gem

Patapon – if you’re not well versed in the rhythm method, you’ll have a hard time
Patapon – if you’re not well versed in the rhythm method, you’ll have a hard time Patapon – if you’re not well versed in the rhythm method, you’ll have a hard time

Patapon Remastered (PS4)

By: Sony

PATA-pata-pata-pon! Like a starving parasite, Patapon earwigs its way into the smile centre of your brain and feasts on your disposable time. From the crazy diamonds who brought us LocoRoco, the rhythmic hit was first released on Sony’s PSP in 2008 and stands as one of the beleaguered portable’s best, earning enough love to spawn two sequels.

A decade later, this PS4 remaster allows fans to once again pound out tribal drumbeats to inspire their tiny ocular outfit into battle. A bizarre collision of rhythm game and strategy, you’ll play god with a bunch of puppet eyeballs, guiding your minions into battle against the invading Zigaton army by banging out ditties on magic drums.

Most stages involve frenzied rhythmic gymnastics to progress your squad across 2D maps, with four taiko drums mapped to the PS4’s face buttons. Initially there’s just “pata” and “pon”, but don’t upset the rhythm and you’ll be presented with “don” and “chaka”.

Phil Collins your way to rhythmic zen and your disciples will dig the beat, moving faster and hitting harder.

If you’re not well versed in the rhythm method, you’ll have a hard time (as well as a large family) as Patapon’s puppy-cute graphics belie a dark underbelly with unforgiving gameplay that demands perfection. Its 30 bizarre missions include hunting, escorting (no sniggering at the back) and boss battles, with specific beats issuing different orders, such as marching or attacking.

Hunting levels let you gather resources, battles have your assembled army taking on the Zigatons while boss stages see your squad going up against crabs, giant plants and the like.

Being a drumming deity, players can also use their powers to perform miracles, helping their army across desserts or taking out bosses with earthquakes.

Back at home base you can relish rhythm-based minigames while the Tree of Life is used to Frankenstein new warriors or bring fallen heroes back from death. You’ll also use collected loot to create new weapons and armour.

With craploads of charm and an abstract art style from Gallic artist Rolito, Patapon’s visuals are as crisp as they are simple, and though the in-game tech has been remastered to look at home on your HD, its fuzzy cutscenes remain untouched from the portable original.

Music lies at the centre of the gameplay and Patapon’s maddeningly addictive earworms will be tripping from your lips long after you’ve finished playing. While a bare bones port, Patapon’s core game is still a curious joy as you play god with a bunch of eyeballs.

One of the few killer apps for the PSP still holds up well as Sony bangs the drum for one of their forgotten gems.