PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY review – A rhythmic revival that hits all the right notes

Over 15 years after their initial release, PATAPON 1 and PATAPON 2 are back in the PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY bundle, and they’re better than ever. Both games were already solid, but the small improvements and touch-ups included here give them new life in a repackaged format that puts them back in the spotlight again.

Mastering combat through the power of rhythm

Both PATAPON games follow you, the leader of Papaton, as you command an army that only responds to sound. You must master an array of commands to seize victory, so each battle is a blend of strategic timing and melodic sounds. 

Staying on beat is crucial for success, but so is knowing when to push forward, attack, or otherwise make a move. The gameplay seems simple at first, but it’s incredibly satisfying and becomes much more complex over time, giving you plenty of warm-up for what’s to come in later battles. 

No more losing the beat

There are two major improvements that stuck out to me while playing. The most important one is the Help button that allows you to display all the commands you need to lead your army at any given time. As someone who really sucked at this game early on, this was truly a game-changer that helped me master the patterns over time. I eventually didn’t need to have the commands displayed anymore, but early on, it made a massive difference. 

The other big upgrade is a difficulty system that allows you to swap between Easy, Normal, and Hard. These two features working together made my experience much more enjoyable than it would have been otherwise, especially because the PATAPON games have a steep learning curve for someone who’s new to the series.  

Simple designs that speak volumes

The quirky characters and setting make the PATAPON games shine. They’re simple enough not to distract from the action, but charming enough to create an eccentric world that feels entirely special. There’s so much personality in every character you come across, whether it’s one of your loyal one-eyed soldiers or the always itchy Ubo Bon tree. 

PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY is a stellar remastered bundle that exceeded my expectations. While it’s not the type of game I’d typically gravitate toward, I now fully appreciate its unique appeal. It’s one of those games everyone should try just to experience its truly one-of-a-kind gameplay. I’m sure it’ll stick with me long after finishing, and I’ll probably be humming “pata, pata, pata, pon” forever.