Music is a powerful thing in life. It can make you dance, feel different emotions, and get you pumped up for battle. Then the main thing that makes music do what it does is the rhythm we hear. Some games even use rhythm as a main mechanic in the gameplay. PATAPON 1+2 Replay is a perfect example of games using music and rhythm in order to play the game. PATAPON 1+2 Replay is a rhythm based game with some rpg elements included. This game has both the first and second instalment in the series, so you get to experience the full story and move to the beat, literally.

This is a cool concept for a rhythm game. You play the role of the Patapon’s savior and god, controlling their actions using the sacred drum. Since you don’t have a physical avatar in the game it’s easier to slip into the role. I’m going to be honest, I can’t help but grow attached to all the different types of Patapons. They’re just little eyeball guys who dance and sing to the beat of your drum. This reminds me of the connection you form with the Pikmin in the Pikmin franchise. You even command them in a similar way, with a type of sound, and you even have different types of creatures to use. When I look at them and their cute faces, I can’t help but want to protect them with all my heart.

The game is very simple to play, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it helps the game especially with the gameplay loop. During the levels, all you have to do is press two buttons four times in sequence to either move or attack. If you keep up the rhythm, you will enter fever mode, which will increase your attack and defence during combat, so keep the rhythm going. After a while you get into the rhythm and can easily get through the levels. To play the game, you press the sequence of buttons, then wait for the Patapons to sing, then press the sequence again. I won’t lie, while the rhythm is basic, I still hum the pattern without noticing.

When playing the game you’ll have to do a lot of grinding to collect Ka-Ching and other materials that let you create stronger Patapon soldiers, and there is a lot, from spear throwers to archers and trust me, in the later levels, you will need a variety of Patapons to survive. While grinding is always a chore in any game, the missions in both games are bite-sized little morsels, so you aren’t locking yourself into long missions or anything worse.Since this game is a remake of a PSP game, it makes sense that the levels are short and simple, so it works in each game’s favour.

This game however has some major issues that hamper the enjoyment. This game doesn’t have a traditional soundtrack, so don’t expect to be listening to any music that will make you get up and dance. Another problem is that you can’t pause the game. This makes it so if you have to stop playing for any reason, you will be left vulnerable to attack or even lose your fever mode. Technically you can press the home button and that will work but it’s still an issue with the game that should have been fixed before release. Also it’s not really clear if you’re close enough to an enemy to attack. I had many situations where I thought I was close enough to attack the enemies or walls, just for my Patapons to just stand there and do nothing.

One thing that I won’t complain about is how the game looks. I’m reminded of a moving comic book featuring these little eyeball monsters. The Patapons are so cute to look at, and I can’t help but enjoy watching them follow my commands in battle by throwing spears or cutting up enemies or just simply walking down the path. The backdrops of the levels are absolutely stunning, with different shades of reds, yellows, blues, and other colors. This game oozes style in spades and its aesthetic is even better than the gameplay.

In conclusion, PATAPON 1+2 Replay is a great way to pass the time. With simple gameplay, cute creatures and a fun premise. Just don’t expect any crazy moments in the game or wild plot twists. Just enjoy the ride and have fun commanding tiny one eyed creatures.

Score: 7 out of 10

Reviewed on PlayStation 5