Patapon 1+2 Replay

“A massive, unique, and addictive collection with some grind and backtracking, but still worth returning to.”

“Rhythm action is a hard thing to get right at the best of times but, Patapon 1+2 Replay is a joyous package. It's great to see the return of such a niche and interesting set of games, and to see them reach new platforms too. With challenging gameplay and a fun sense of style, players would be remiss to miss this unique experience. Get these!”

“Patapon 1+2 Replay is much more than a simple revival: it’s a celebration of the creativity that only rhythm games can deliver. Between tribal marches, precise commands, and strategic battles, the game proves that intensity isn’t measured solely by explosions or relentless enemies. Even with minor technical issues — audio latency on certain TVs and the lack of automatic saving — the experience remains hypnotic and captivating. The charming visuals, memorable soundtrack, and innovative gameplay make this title a perfect gateway for those looking to explore new styles and rediscover a classic. For newcomers, it’s a chance to fall in love; for PSP veterans, it’s a reunion with an old melody that still pulses with energy. In the end, Patapon reminds us that video games can also be poetry in motion, rhythm, and music turned into gameplay.”

“Two of the most original and addictive games you can get your hands on, and at a reduced price. OK as a remaster, too simple as a compilation.”

“Patapon 1+2 Replay is a collection that lovingly revives two of the most creative games in the PSP catalog and brings them back with a fresh look, quality-of-life improvements, and the same captivating and fun gameplay. The combination of rhythm and strategy continues to work incredibly well, and even with the absence of Patapon 3, it's an experience worth rediscovering.”

“This is the PSP’s premiere music game that everyone loves? Parappa was sent to cross the rainbow bridge for this? How can I be this bored playing a game about music? These questions may haunt me forever. Or at least until I go back to the local arcade for a few rounds of Pop‘n Music.”

“While I would have liked to see a bit more done to update these games for modern platforms beyond just a bump to resolution, Patapon 1+2 are still landmark titles that deserve a look from anyone who has an appreciation for PlayStation's back catalogue. This is the definitive way to experience two core PSP games.”

“I really love these games, so much so that I've completely ignored the otherwise fatal latency issue by playing them exclusively in Handheld mode. After all, isn't the Switch 2 just a very large PSP? I do wish they'd built in auto-saves, but…I guess I can live with it. Your own mileage may vary on that point. Go forth and get your pata pon.”

“With the release of PATAPON 1+2 Replay comes vibrant and wonderful flashbacks to a colourful, vibrant, arcade-y and, most importantly, fun, era of games that don't really exist anymore. It was a joy for me to visit these games for the first time, and I'm finally well invested in the majesty and magic of the RTS and rhythm fusion harmony that the franchise is known for. With how grandiose and exciting the battles get with their devotion to music and busy, frantic chaos that explode across the screen, I'd be hard-pressed to find any fan, new or old, who doesn't find joy here, smiling like a huge dork as your units chant and stomp across the world. Though there's still the oddball of funk, including some poor tutorialisation in the first game and real brick wall moments that require grind, I'm glad PATAPON is back in a largely unaffected package. Players should jump right into this here nostalgia-infused release. The water's fine, and you'll be remembering the Patapons' spirit songs for years to come.”

“If you're looking for a full remake, you'll have to wait longer, as it's only a high-definition update. They're good games, but they don't have many improvements.”

“An easy recommendation for fans of the series, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay still carries much of the same charm - and annoyances - of the original releases.”

“If you're going to play it on Nintendo Switch, make sure you do so in handheld mode and without Bluetooth headphones: that way you'll enjoy two unique rhythm and action gems just as their creators intended. It's a shame that input lag calibration on the TV is so archaic, so trial and error, because it can easily drive you crazy...”

“But it’s hard to knock the games too hard for retaining original experience intact in this respect, as the remasters improve pretty much everything else. This collection leaves you with what is now the definitive way to experience Patapon and Patapon 2.”

“The inclusion of both the original and its superior sequel make Patapon 1+2 a great value release at the very least, but Bandai Namco could have done so much more to make these games as palatable as possible for modern audiences.”

“While Patapon 1+2 Replay is a pretty straightforward rerelease of its PSP counterparts, it remains an incredibly unique and deeply engaging set of games.”

“Patapon 1+2 Replay brings back the classic rhythm action games that shows their high quality stands the test of time.”