(continued from previous page) ...total of six different types of Patapon, each with its own specific strength. The Tatepon are armed with small axes and are usually placed on your front line. You’ll then run into Yumipons and Yuripons. Both of these types use projectiles to attack. The Yumipons will utilize arrows they fire from bows while the Yuripons will rely more on their projectile spears.

The other three attainable Patapons are the Megapons, Dekapons, and Kibapons. These three Patapons are very strong and each have their own skill sets as well. We won’t go too into detail so you can enjoy the experience of discovering them on your own. One of the strategic properties of the game involves, troop deployment strategies. You’ll only be able to take out three different types of Patapon into battle with you. This means you will have to figure out which combination of troops works best with one another in order to create a more powerful army.

In order to create more Patapons of a certain type, you’ll have to have enough Ka-Ching (money) and enough items that are required in the creation process. Some Patapons cost money + tree branches + ore to create. Of course, don’t expect to make a thousand of one type, as each Patapon as a limit on how many you can have. You’ll also be responsible for equipping these newly spawned Patapons as well.

In order to gain control of stronger weapons for your Patapon, you’ll have to attack Zigotons in battle. Slain Zigotons usually drop weapons or armor for you to equip onto certain troops within your army. Though this does bring forth the question, “Why can’t I buy weapon upgrades?” It brings forth a sense of achievement when you finally have your Patapon all decked out and ready for the wars to come.

Outside of these basic principles of the Patapon universe, you’ll also be treated to a couple of mini-games as well. These mini-games are very addictive and are almost as much fun as the core gameplay itself. One mini-game involves making a tree, dance. You’ll blow your trumpet horn in unison with how the tree tells you to, and if you succeed, he’ll dance the night away while dropping supplies that help you create more Patapons.

The serious issue gamers may have with the title is the inability to pause during missions. Considering how important it is to follow the rhythm, it is highly annoying to have your concentration broken when someone is talking to you across the room. We understand that pausing would break the rhythm as well; however at least you wouldn’t be dying while the game is paused. On top of this issue, it’s surprising that there isn’t an in-mission save function either. You’ll be forced to play through without the thought of saving. Yes, you could utilize the handy sleep mode, but that will definitely screw you up when you turn it back on.

The look and feel of the game is incredibly well done. Patapon offers you a vibrant world that is full of beautiful vector designs and is very pleasant to your eyes. While the graphics may be simplistic, that does not hinder the game whatsoever, it almost increases the enjoyment you get from it. Along with this, the music for the title is also very addictive. It is filled with common and simple beats, yet the excitement your on-screen Patapons display with this music make it more than enjoyable. You’ll often find yourself humming the drum patterns to yourself.

Despite the couple of flaws the game has, nothing can truly take away from the complete enjoyment that the game will bring its user. Patapon is a refreshing feel in a world of games that seems to slowly be slanting towards the FPS/TPS genre. With a ton of PlayStation Portable games available, yet so few must-own titles, Patapon has easily sneaked its way into that category.