Patapon 1+2 Replay doesn’t appear to have lost a step

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Many individuals have a cherished video game console or system that they were raised with. Some might mention Nintendo consoles, others could point to PlayStation 2, Xbox 360, or even Sega Dreamcast. But an often overlooked choice is the PSP (PlayStation Portable), a handheld device that hosted some remarkable exclusives. One of these was the Patapon series, initially developed by Sony’s Japan Studio. Regrettably, Japan Studio no longer exists, but thanks to Bandai Namco, the legacy of the first two Patapon games remains. Shacknews recently had the chance to preview the upcoming collection, Patapon 1+2 Replay, at PAX East.

To begin, let me clarify something upfront: although I know some people cherish memories of the PSP, I didn’t own one until near the end of its lifespan. This means I hadn’t played the Patapon games before. However, getting familiar with them was quite straightforward. The series revolves around peculiar, eye-like creatures known as Patapons. These Patapons come in various forms, but they all share a common objective – advancing towards their homeland while defeating any obstacles or enemies that block their path.

Patapon is a fundamental rhythm-based game with a seemingly straightforward design. Each button (Pata, Pon, Don, and Chaka) plays a distinct sound. Combining these buttons in specific sequences, timed to the beat, triggers various actions. For instance, repeatedly pressing ‘Pata’ will make everyone advance, while ‘Pon’ repeated twice followed by ‘Pata’ twice will initiate an attack. Over time, players will discover additional combinations that enable shield usage or other functions. It is also crucial to note that there is a short cooling-off period. Essentially, gameplay revolves around hitting buttons in rhythm with the beat and waiting for the right moment to act again.

Winning at Patapon can be difficult due to its rhythm-based gameplay that tends to disrupt your focus with catchy music. To keep my attention, I found myself mentally suppressing the music and solely focusing on the rhythmic “Pata Pata Pata Pon.” It’s a task simpler than it seems, but becomes challenging as tougher enemies emerge. Despite the game’s visually stunning colorful backdrops and Patapon characters with dark outlines, I had to concentrate solely on the rhythm sequence to succeed.

the ability for up to four players to engage in local co-op, each commanding their unique Patapon armies. However, we’ll need to wait and see how these groups of characters interact with one another and if they might clash or interfere with each other during gameplay.

The upcoming features will not be limited to specific platforms. Players from all platforms can look forward to experiencing a variety of enhancements, including new difficulty levels, consistent command displays, and more. Additionally, Bandai Namco promises an impressive collection of around 400 different types of weapons and equipment that can be unlocked throughout both games.

The Patapons have traveled far on their homeward bound trip, but a fresh chapter in their tale awaits the upcoming generation. The remake of Patapon 1+2, titled ‘Patapon 1+2 Replay’, is all set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on July 11th (Friday).

This sneak peek originates from an initial PC edition of the game, which was played during a closed-door meeting at PAX East 2025. Keep in mind that the ultimate release might undergo changes.

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2025-05-12 21:50