FLIPGEEKS Game Review: Patapon 1 + 2 Replay
0Hey everyone! Thanks for stopping by the FlipGeeks page. Today, we’re diving back into a beloved classic, Patapon.
Originally released on the PSP in 2007, Patapon instantly became iconic thanks to its infectious chant. Come on, say it with me:
PATA-PATA-PON!
Now in 2025, Bandai Namco has re-released Patapon 1 and 2 as a remastered bundle, and we couldn’t wait to see how it holds up. Let’s get into it!
Both Patapon games follow a simple yet compelling premise:
You are the Kami, a god-like presence to the Patapons — a tribe of tiny, one-eyed warriors. They worship you and believe you’ll lead them to their lost promised land, Earthend.
As you progress, you’ll encounter new tribes, gain allies, and grow your rhythmic army. It’s part myth, part madness, and all charming.
Patapon is a unique blend of rhythm and strategy.
You command your army using 4-beat drum patterns tied to button inputs walk, attack, defend, or unleash powerful magic (like summoning rain or wind). But you can’t just button mash — timing is everything.
Strategically, you’ll build squads before missions combining units like spear throwers, shield bearers, and archers. Patapon 2 expands on this by adding unit evolution trees, offering more depth and customization.
For this review, we played the remasters on the Steam Deck. At first, I thought I was just off-beat, a “skill issue” but it turned out to be input lag.
After a bit of research, I fixed it by:
• Capping FPS at 60
• Enabling “Allow Tearing”
•
This stabilized input timing instantly, and I was finally able to enjoy the rhythm as intended. If you're playing on PC or handheld, keep this fix in mind!
Patapon 1 and 2 haven’t aged a bit, and that’s a good thing.
The bold, minimalist art style looks just as sharp today, now enhanced for modern displays.
These remasters don’t try to reinvent the wheel and they don’t need to. The quirky charm, the iconic silhouettes, the massive boss monsters, it all still slaps.
The familiar chants, the colorful landscapes, and the satisfying combat animations are just as memorable now as they were on the PSP.
Playing Patapon 1 & 2 in 2025 feels like reconnecting with an old friend. It’s nostalgic, yes but also proof that great gameplay stands the test of time.
You don’t need a convoluted plot or complex mechanics to have fun. Sometimes, marching from point A to point B to the beat of a drum is all you need.
Final Score: 4/5