Patapon

Patapon is a 2007 rhythm video game developed by Pyramid and Japan Studio and published by Sony Computer Entertainment for the PlayStation Portable. The game's unique genre was described to be a combination of rhythm and strategy. Its concept and design were conceived when game designer Hiroyuki Kotani discovered the Patapon designs from French artist Rolito's personal website. The name Patapon was created by Rolito and was inspired by an old French song for children. Kotani chose the name because it sounded similar to marching and drumming. The game was released in Japan in December 2007 and in February 2008 in North America and Europe. In the game, the player acts as an invisible deity to a tribe of anthropomorphic eyeballs known as "Patapons" that can be commanded to move forward, attack, defend and retreat by using a sequence of drum beats. The story follows the Patapon tribe in their journey to reach Earthend and gaze upon "IT". They encounter giant beasts and an enemy tribe known as the Zigotons that serve as obstacles throughout their adventure. Patapon was well-received among critics, with multiple reviewers praising the art style of the Patapon tribe and the music. Some reviewers criticized the repetitive nature of it and the lack of a pause option. The game received multiple nominations including a BAFTA award and won Best PSP Game of 2008 by IGN. The game was followed up by two sequels for the PSP; Patapon 2 and Patapon 3. A remastered version for the PlayStation 4 was released in 2017, with another remaster, bundled with its sequel as Patapon 1+2 Replay, released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and Windows in 2025.