PlayStation is bringing its classic PSP rhythm games Patapon and Patapon 2 in the form of a remaster to Nintendo Switch, PS5, and PC. Announced during a recent Nintendo Direct, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay will release on July 11, published by Bandai Namco.
The remastered collection introduces several new features to modernize the experience. According to Bandai Namco, Replay will include three difficulty settings: Easy, Normal, and Hard, timing adjustment options, and a constant command display to assist players in keeping the rhythm. These are mainly for players who don’t want the game to be too challenging.
Originally released for the PSP in 2007, Patapon is a rhythm-based 2D platformer and action game. Players command an army of likable anthropomorphic eyeballs, known as “Patapons,” by using a sequence of drum beats to issue commands such as moving forward, attacking, defending, and retreating. The gameplay revolves around the rhythm of four “legendary drums,” with players mixing different classes and roles for their Patapons to create unique strategies. Items collected during missions can also be used to enhance the Patapons’ abilities.
The Patapon series received two sequels on PSP, and the first two games were remastered with 4K visuals for the PlayStation 4. The upcoming Patapon 1 + 2 Replay will be the first time the series will be available on non-PlayStation platforms, bringing the beloved rhythm-action gameplay to a wider audience. We’ve seen all major platforms loosen their strings a bit and bring their games to other platforms, like how Xbox is bringing Indiana Jones and The Great Circle to PlayStation, along with a plethora of other titles.
In related news, the developers behind Patapon’s spiritual successor, Ratatan, recently raised ¥219.3 million ($1.5 million) through Kickstarter, exceeding their original goal by ten times. This demonstrates the enduring popularity of the Patapon series and its influence on rhythm-based games. This might be one of the reasons why PlayStation decided to remaster the series since players clearly haven’t had enough. And let’s be honest, no one likes console locked games.
Patapon 1 + 2 Replay will launch on July 11 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC.
