Patapon 3 implies you to be familiar with the series
Developer: SCEI
Publisher: SCEA
Release Date: November 5, 2010
Platform(s): PSP
Genre: Action, Rhythm
Pata Pata Pata Pon! If you have this sound stuck in your head since what seems like forever, then you know what time it is. That's right; Patapon is getting ready to bring out its third installment and a demo is available right now on PSN store.
Patapon 3 continues the basic concept that made the franchise. For those unfamiliar with it: Patapon tells the tale of a war tribe that listens to the Drum God. Through a 4/4 drum rhythm you can give your tribe commands to advance, attack or do anything else basically. This rhythm game will lead you through fields of enemies in a cartoon, cel-shaded, 2D setting.
Patapon 3 Trailer
The demo starts with the hardest of rock music possible for such a cartoon displayed game. After the crunching beats have passed you, you’ll notice the graphics have been updated to look even crisper, with hints of more mature and darker shades. There’s rain and fog and the land looks drearier than before, but not before long will the rhythm bring back some of the colors. Even then, the environment will look just a tad grimmer than prior releases.
You can choose between 3 sorts of new masked Superheroes to lead your Patapon army, before heading out. There’s a Spear Hero for damage, a Bow Hero for support fire and a Shield Hero for defense. Once you’ve chosen your Masked Marauder, you’ll head out to do a very basic mission. After that, the single player part of the demo ends abruptly.
Superhero Selection Screen
So, for those without Multiplayer ability; you can stop reading right here. The demo will concentrate the most on the new Internet Multiplayer feature. There, you will be able to do a Quest alone, but preferably in co-op, on the internet or Ad Hoc if permitting. Before embarking on that mission, you’ll be able to set basic new equipment and skills for your Superhero and then you’ll be dropped in the fray.
It’s a bit hard to know what you’re supposed to do from the first second and playing alone is almost impossible. I’d advise downloading the first Patapon demo to get the basics down and getting 1 or 2 friends to join you in the multiplayer experience of the third demo.
Co-op Field Quest
Also, the game still has the same problem that it’s hard to follow a storyline while in the rhythm trance. As the game continues to pound away while people are talking, you’ll most likely need to pay attention to the beat and to the enemies, rather than reading text.
It’s a shame the short demo for Patapon 3 implies you to be familiar with the series, but the new Superhero addition looks like it might work. You’ll also be able to go head to head with friends in several modes and co-op will most certainly offer entertaining features for the game.
If you’re a fan of the previous versions, there’s no reason yet why you won’t like Patapon 3. If however you’re unfamiliar with the series, this demo will have little to offer you and you may want to check the demo for the first Patapon instead. Lastly, if you enjoy playing with your friends, you also might enjoy this. Though it would be best to let all your friends download this demo first and see if it fits everyone’s needs.
Demo Rating: 2 /5 Stars
Daav Valentaten, NoobFeed.
