Cute and fierce: A Paradox? Maybe not...
Patapon is a 2-D game which meshes in rhythm and action together. To march forward, simply press "Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon", and there are more commands which enable you to escape from your enemies, defend, and attack.
The real challenge comes in when you try to retain the "Fever mood". In this mood, your Patapon's attacks receive a boost. You simply cannot beat opponents without maintaining the "Fever mood", especially when facing bosses.
This is truly different approach to a game, I have never encountered any previous games which require rhythms to move your characters into action. Furthermore, it is just not about jamming Attack, Defend, and Escape in continuous cycles, or March and Attack for that matter. Timing is of essence, and you need to escape at just the right moment, or else, well, to put it at the very best, you are doomed.
This game is plentiful, you can obtain numerous items via the mini-games or during battle, and generate your army from a tree. I find myself getting excited whenever I receive rare items, because these are imperative to build stronger Patapon's, and also because some can make kick-ass weapons.
The storyline to me is simple, but I do not think the storyline is of great importance; it is the gameplay which really sucks me in.
So, if you think cute, cartoonized characters on the PSP screen are harmless, think again! These Patapon's can pack a punch, and they have got a lot to offer in combat, depending on your dexterity with the control buttons.
Cool? Most definitely!