Patapon 2 Review
Despite the ongoing “imminent death” of the PSP (just check the shelves at your local game store), there are still plenty of new and interesting games being released for the system. Patapon 2 isn’t really anything new, but it sure is interesting.
Evil Eyeballs
Patapon is one of those games that you either “get” or you don’t. Put me in the “get” column. This bizarre mix between a rhythm game, RPG, RTS, and side-scroller was just crazy enough to work. Patapon 2 does very little to mess with the formula. In fact, if there’s one criticism that could be leveled against the game it’s that it’s extremely similar to the first one. Music, combos, graphics, and even the progression of the challenges hits a little too close to home.
But instead of trying to come up with something even more original (and that would be a tall order indeed) the developers chose to iterate. New units are a natural extension and they are present in the form of bird-riding Toripon, brutish Robopon, and magic wielding Mahopon. The biggest change here is the new Hero Unit which can change into any class and possesses very powerful attacks and defensive skills.
Don Dondon Dondon!
Leveling and evolution of your little Patapons has been simultaneously streamlined and expanded. This time around, it’s a lot easier to understand how you can progress. And yet, there are a lot more options in how you go about it. The game still has a fair share of farming for rare items, but with all of the new leveling options available, it’s a more pleasurable and gratifying experience.
Also included is a multiplayer more for up to four players (AI can fill in for missing friends). This is a co-op experience where player try to bring eggs found in the single player game to a location in the level and then hatching by (what else) matching rhythms.
Get your Pon on
It perhaps doesn’t sound like there’s a lot new in Patapon 2 and I guess true. But Patapon 2 is an improvement in form and function over the original. New players should probably pick this one up as the new features make this quirky little title a lot easier to grasp. Returning players will still find lots of new items and secrets to explore.
Article Written By: Greg Bemis
Source:g4tv
