PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY
" Addictive rhythm-strategy action-adventure with seamless music-tactics but tight timing windows "
PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY Review
PATAPON 1+2 REPLAY is a faithful remaster of the beloved PSP rhythm-strategy games, now available on Steam and optimized for modern hardware like the Steam Deck. Players appreciate the sharper visuals, 60 FPS performance, and preserved core gameplay that delivers the unique tribal rhythm experience commanding tiny eyeball armies. The port generally runs smoothly, with many praising the nostalgia and addictive gameplay.
However, some users report significant input lag and timing issues, especially in Patapon 1, making perfect beats difficult. The difficulty settings alter enemy stats but not rhythm timing, which frustrates some players. The absence of co-op and multiplayer features, particularly from Patapon 2, is a common disappointment, alongside minor bugs and a lack of modern QoL features like autosave and customizable button prompts. Despite these flaws, fans still recommend the game for its charm and gameplay depth.
Highlights
Players highly praise the game's addictive rhythm-based gameplay and strategic depth, especially in Patapon 2 with its refined mechanics and class variety.
The graphical upgrade to high resolution and smooth 60 FPS is widely appreciated, enhancing the nostalgic experience.
The soundtrack and tribal chants remain iconic and immersive, contributing strongly to the game's unique atmosphere.
Many enjoy playing on the Steam Deck, citing flawless performance and portability.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include input lag and timing issues in Patapon 1, making perfect beats frustratingly difficult, which some attribute to the port's 60 FPS running speed.
The lack of multiplayer and co-op modes in Patapon 2 disappoints longtime fans who valued this feature in the original.
Players also note missing QoL improvements like autosave, customizable button prompts, and clearer input calibration options.
The pricing is considered steep by some, given it's essentially a direct PSP port with minimal enhancements.
Minor bugs and visual glitches were also reported but are not widespread.
Pros
- • Addictive rhythm-strategy gameplay combining music and tactics seamlessly.
- • Graphical upgrade to high resolution with smooth 60 FPS performance.
- • Iconic tribal chants and soundtrack remain immersive and nostalgic.
- • Perfectly preserves original gameplay mechanics and charm.
- • Runs flawlessly on Steam Deck, ideal for portable play.
- • Patapon 2 offers refined mechanics and balanced difficulty settings.
- • Accessible to both nostalgic fans and new players.
Cons
- • Input lag and very tight timing windows frustrate Patapon 1 players.
- • No multiplayer or co-op support in Patapon 2, a major loss.
- • Difficulty settings only affect enemy stats, not rhythm timing.
- • Lack of modern quality-of-life features like autosave and button remapping.
- • Audio remains compressed, no remastered soundtrack or effects.
- • Calibration options are limited and unintuitive for input lag fixes.
- • Some minor visual glitches and UI issues remain unresolved.
Rating Criteria
PATAPON is an action adventure where players use the rhythm of 4 Mystical Drums to command cute and mysterious eyeball-like creatures known as Patapons. As the player, you are the God of the Patapons and lead them on a grand adventure to Earthend!