Patapon 2

Gamers' Temple

Patapon 2 is a bit different; the first was an excuse to break out the long dormant handheld, the second comes with marching orders - go buy this game. And if you don't have a PSP, make sure you pick one up while you're out… you'll need it to play Patapon 2.

Cheat Code Central

Patapon 2 certainly doesn't reinvent the winning formula, but it improves it substantially by beefing up the campaign, throwing in a few perks, and refining some of the weaker elements in the first title.

IGN

Patapon 2 is more engaging and makes you use all of your classes, it's easier to customize because of the control the Evolution Tree gives you over your army, it's more transparent thanks to its tip screens and item-exchanging mini-games, it's more well-rounded because of the multiplayer options and it's just an all-around awesome game.

TotalPlayStation

An improved sequel in every sense of the word, Patapon 2 is an absolute must-have for every PSP owner, and a perfect way to launch Sony's downloadable-only games distribution service.

GameFocus

It’s not hard to see that Patapon 2 is an incredible game that both fans of the first and PSP owners in general should own. I will admit that the multiplayer aspect of the game is the weakest part, but that’s only because it of its limited appeal. Other than that, the game manages to keep everything that was good about the first and build upon it.

Worth Playing

While there are a couple of small blemishes, Patapon 2 manages to shine in a glorious way. The original game was a triumph, showcasing the fact that we haven't run out of good ideas yet, and the sequel continues to drive the franchise in the right direction.

GamingExcellence

A few minor quibbles and frustrations aside, Patapon 2 is every bit the worthy successor to its superlative forefather.

1UP

Patapon 2 melts the time away and before you know it your PSP will need some juice.

Gaming Age

The best addition, outside of the Hero class to Patapon 2, comes from the somewhat unexpected multiplayer mode. Unfortunately, it's only a local wireless mode, but I wasn't really planning on seeing it in the game anyways, and the way it's implemented works quite well

GamePro

There's no doubt that Patapon 2 is as graphically stylish and addictive as the first game. It retains the core gameplay that you love while adding a ton of new features and concepts.

GameZone

Patapon 2 is a fine sequel, offering compelling new features while keeping the charm that made the first game so great. Fans of the original would do well to check this one out.

Vandal Online

If Patapon was surprising because of the freshness and charm of the characters, Patapon 2 completely lacks that, which can lead to think that this is simply the same game, with some minor touches to deliver and strengthen the console portfolio. Nothing further from the truth, this title can be compared with any blockbuster on the PSP.

Level7.nu

This is one quirky combination of a rhythm and strategy based game that is sure to test your patience. In order for you to truly appreciate the finer parts of the experience it helps if you normally appreciate really fine grained micromanagement of a typical Japanese flavor. You also need to be able to enjoy and handle the rhythm based gameplay. This might be too much of a niche experience for some, but for those who can appreciate the formula this is one fantastic title.

Playstation Official Magazine Australia

A worthy sequel to a true PSP classic. [May 2009, p.68]

Kombo

Hands down, this is a much better game than the original Patapon by leaps and bounds.

Gamer 2.0

Patapon 2 did a good job of making the simple gameplay from the original more user-friendly while fleshing out the role that loot plays in the game to make this one of the best loot games in recent memory on console or handheld.

Games Master UK

An oasis in the barren PSP desert. [Apr 2009, p.79]

Multiplayer.it

Patapon 2 maintains the mechanics and atmosphere of the first chapter, but it's further then its natural evolution. In comparison to the original title it has in fact brought on our PSP a series of options, additional formality, variety and complexity that decidedly bring it to a superior level in comparison to the simplest rhythm game with strategic elements that we knew.

Play UK

Patapon 2 is still pretty good fun and definitely not like many other video games out there. If you can match the beats and you don’t get too frustrated when you miss one then you’re in for a great tactical rhythm-based game.

Extreme Gamer

For $20, Patapon 2 is a sure winner if you are a fan of the original or want to an interesting, innovative rhythm game that is unlike anything else on the market.

IGN AU

Gamers who invest time in trancing out to the rhythmic beats and understanding the intricacies of Hero Classes and Rarepons will find a lot to love about Patapon 2.

GamingXP

With an advanced rpg- and mulitplayer-sector, this game Patapon 2 aims at the same target group as the original game. The innovations in the game are very intelligent and if you enjoyed the first game, Patapon 2 won´t disappoint you.

InsideGamer.nl

Patapon is as cute and addictive as the first installment of the series, but it doesn't offer big improvements. There aren't many new features, and the things that are new make the game to easy. Still, it is one of the few new PSP-games and brings enough funtime to buy it.

LEVEL (Czech Republic)

Lovely graphics, efficient RPG base and splendid “music gives orders” system makes the new Patapon adventures concerto that you want to hear from the beginning to the very end.

Eurogamer Portugal

Patapon 2 is not stated as a new work, it's more like an expansion. It contains some interesting new features, but everything else remains unchanged. Sometimes it is frustrating; sometimes it is fun to play. The game calls exaggerated knowledge of strategy, but above all, remains a great game to play on the portable system.

Playstation Official Magazine UK

Very similar to Patapon, but it just about gets away with it. Partly, that's because there's loads more stuff (units, weapons and consequently strategic depth), partly because the core mechanic is still top fun (albeit exactly half as fresh as before), and partly because it seems ludicrous to criticise a game about dancing, warlike eyeballs for lack of originality. [Feb 2009, p.96]

Meristation

The little creatures from Patapon are back and well in this sequel that's basically the same game with a few additions that turns the game into a better and more profound experience for those who love music and strategy. We'll enjoy once more a strange but satisfying world at war, in which our only duty is to protect and serve the little and charismatic Patapon warriors.

GameSpot

Patapon 2 adds plenty of new ideas to the already unique gameplay, making it a worthy successor to the original.

VideoGamer

If you can't get enough of the original, you'll love this. If you've never played the original, but like music-centred games, you'll love this too. If you wanted the developers to make strides with the gameplay and are expecting a true sequel, and not what feels like an expansion, you might be disappointed.

Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)

Besides the indecipherable Evolution Map, Patapon 2 is well made, with plenty of reasons to replay levels: to bask in the music, to unlock more secrets. to farm for more resources, for example. [June 2009, p.80]

Modojo

Patapon 2 is just as wildly addictive as the original, with its energetic gameplay and presentation.

Cynamite

Even with the lack of innovation, it's again fun to direct the little Patapons with music through the world.

Giant Bomb

Patapon 2 hits the same notes, and it hits them just as hard, though as a mildly iterative sequel, it might not have the same impact on returning players. If you haven't played Patapon before, though, this is arguably a more approachable game, and a more attractive package in general.

Da Gameboyz

It is a surprisingly deep game that does a good job of combining genres and providing a surprisingly deep gameplay experience.

Impulsegamer

In conclusion, Patapon 2 is an "ok" sequel that if you have not had enough of the original game, than this is the game for you.

Pelit (Finland)

Still looks great, but the fact is that there’s very little here to justify a sequel. [Apr 2009]

SpazioGames

Patapon 2 tries to push further the good experience that begun with it predecessor; sadly many of the innovative features that we learned to love are there no more, replaced by a mere reproduction of the same experience delivered from the original title. Fans should try it, but many others could just find it for what it is, more of the same.

Game Revolution

Thankfully, the designers didn't mess anything crucial up—it's still a cute, unique, funky, challenging and artistically-brilliant game that doesn't merely ride its precursor's coattails but broadens and deepens the experience, while keeping the all-important beat.

PSM3 Magazine UK

More things to do than the original but its similarity means it's lacking in novelty. [Mar 2009, p.68]

IGN UK

In creating a sequel bursting with new features, Studio Japan has lost some of the essence that made Patapon such a simple, fun game. Sure, the core gameplay remains fundamentally unchanged and therefore there’s a lot of enjoyment to be had, whether you’re fresh to the series or an experienced pro.

Pocket Gamer UK

Patapon 2 improves on some areas of the classy rhythm-based strategy game, but the new leveling up system is overly complex.

Gamer.nl

It's a shame that a sequel of a one of a kind game is as uninspiring as Patapon 2. The game is more of the same and sometimes to complex to actually play it with a smile.

Game Informer

This game serves its audience of hardcore fans well. However, at this point Patapon needs to take a cue from its titular characters and start the evolution ­process.

Everyeye.it

Patapon 2 is not the title we wanted. The team left the gameplay unchanged and repetitive on the level design; the enitre game looks like an add-on of the previous title instead of a new one. The positive points are the new upgrade system of our army, a good multiplayer mode, and an improved longevity, but the game it's always the same.

The Onion (A.V. Club)

It's a rhythm game unlike any other. But the sequel, like the original, is still more of a novelty than a bona fide game.

Destructoid

If you’re a fan of the series, then this should be an easy get. If you’re not, then it might be best to consider if the frustration with backtracking and boss battles is worth your time.

Playstation Universe

Bigger, bolder, more complex…but personally, I’d rather play the original. Fans may disagree.


Teletext GameCentral

A wasted and over-egged sequel to what was an innovative mix of rhythm action and real-time strategy.

Edge Magazine

An extremely unambitious sequel. [Jan 2009, p.92]