Patapon

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Developer: Pyramid / Japan Studios
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Release platform: PlayStation Portable
Genre: Rhythm game, Real-time tactics, God game
Release Date: February 2007
Mode: Single Player
Media: UMD

Overview:
Patapon is a genre-straddling rhythm video game exclusively for the PlayStation Portable (PSP) handheld game console combining gameplay features of music and rhythm games, real-time tactics and God games. Presented in a cartoonish, silhouetted two-dimensional environment designed by Rolito, the player plays as an immaterial deity who commands an army of caricature tribal miniature creatures by beating traditional talking drums. The game was developed by Pyramid and produced by Japan Studios, the same studio that developed and produced Loco Roco.

The player controls a tribe consisting of infantry, ranged troops and cavalry. Initially, the player's warband (army) consists of only a few basic spearmen but as the game progresses more units, greater warriors and more powerful weapons can be obtained. The army is commanded by beating rhythm combos on four different talking drums each mapped to one of the PSP's four control buttons. Different combos tells the player's group of Patapons to do various things such as advance, attack, and defend. Keeping the rhythm going and not missing a beat builds a frenzy in your army which increases attack speed, power and general prowess.

The game and story is unfolded through a number of missions of increasing difficulty. As the player progresses, new opponents are introduced and more drum rhythms are unlocked. Between missions, new troops can be spawned by spending currency called ka-ching and combining various resource items. Throughout the game a player can also edit troop formations and acquire new weapons to equip their Patapon.

The Patapon were a flourishing people until they were defeated by the evil Zigaton tribe. The player takes the role of their god and uses sacred war drums to direct the Patapon tribe to take back their land. As the story progresses, the Patapon also embark on a journey to Earthend to look upon "IT," a sacred object whose appearance and purpose is unknown to the tribe.