Patapon $20 In stores NOW!

[NamPaehc]

I can't tell if it is rhythm or strategy or a mix of a different genres. They showed it from afar during E3, but here is a better video (http://www.gamespot.com/video/942065/6174440/patapon-official-movie-1).

http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/4184/patapfx5.jpg

[FriskyTanuki]

Seems more like a 2D pikmin.

[Hibiwa]

I was intrigued even from afar. The zoomed out long shot of the games annoyed.

The music in the background for Patapon is very reminiscent of LocoRoco, but with a harder edge. The artwork looks great with seemingly wacky gameplay.

Too bad I didn't have any luck googling for more info and trailers yesterday.

Thanks for the screenshot. Looks fun to me. I'll be buying it.

[NamPaehc]

Hands on preview. (http://tgs.gamespot.com/story.html?sid=6179339&pid=942065&tag=top_stories%3btitle%3b5)

Arguably one of the most unique games to crop up at this year's Tokyo Game Show, Patapon is a brand new rhythm action game from Sony for the PSP.

While many games fall into a neatly definable category, occasionally a game appears that is unlike anything you've ever seen before. Games such as Loco Roco, Rez and Echo Chrome all fall into this category, and this year's Tokyo Game Show hosted another such title in the form of Patapon. Sony's new PlayStation Portable title is a rhythm action game at its simplest, but it could also be described as an interactive cartoon, a tribe-based action game or an interactive screensaver as well. It was proving very popular with the small crowd of media during the first day of the show, but we managed to wrestle a PSP out of someone's hands in order to check out what all the fuss was about.

The storyline itself was difficult to comprehend given that we were playing the Japanese version of the game, but it seems to revolve around helping a tribe of small circular warriors through a number of problems. Being a tribe, they're quite open to the idea of a higher being guiding their lives, which seems to be where you come in, as it's your job to tell the tribe what to do and when to do it. And with this tribe only being capable of basic communication, you do this via a series of basic chants tapped out on the PSP's face buttons.

Once we got into the game it was fairly easy to figure out what to do. Your tribe will wait around until you tell them what to do, and a steady drum beat bangs out in the background so that you have a rhythm to base your chanting on. Simple four-button commands need to be issued in time to the drum beat, such as square, square, square, circle to move your tribe forward and circle, circle, square, circle to make them attack any enemies or obstacles in your way. Once you've tapped out the command, your tribe repeats the tune and performs the action in an endearingly obedient fashion.

It might sound spectacularly simple, and perhaps even a little bit twee, but the joy of figuring out these commands was enough to bring a massive smile to both ourselves and the Japanese demonstrator. Much of its appeal lies in the visual design of the game, which is technically simple but artistically imaginative. It reminded us of Loco Roco in terms of the clear inspiration it's taken from classic Eastern European animation. Either way, half of the fun is watching these little creatures on screen and seeing what they get up to.

There's clearly a lot more to find out about Patapon, but our interest has been piqued by this first look at the game. We expect that the command system will become more complex as you progress through the game, and we hope that you can do a lot more with your tribe that just getting them to move forward and fight, but we're as eager as anyone to find all this out. Expect to hear more about Patapon in the coming months.

[RelentlessRolento]

more like a music based combat tribe game.

[FurryCurry]

more like a music based combat tribe game.

Rhtymic RTS lite?

That video makes the game look cool as hell. I love the tree at the end. "Dance with me god dammit!" This game is gonna be fun/ny!

[NamPaehc]

more like a music based combat tribe game.

Just so you know, that is what was posted back when we 1st heard anything on the game months ago. The thread just got bounced back to the top and I'm not bothering to clean up the title as of yet.

Gamespot has a few new screens and the trailer up now. (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/patapon/index.html)

[Sinistar]

heh I like during the video when they were shooting arrows and wthe wind blew them back the other way.

[NamPaehc]

Joystiq preview from TGS. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=7)


Patapon, a PSP title which we've seen very little of so far, is proving a great hit at the Tokyo Game Show. With a line that was sometimes longer than Metal Gear Online we were curious to see what all the fuss was about. Finally we braved the Dreaded Public and got our hands on the goods.

Stepping into the Patapon enclosure a Sony booth attendee talked us through the gist of the game. We couldn't understand some of the Japanese, though we did enjoy it whenever she sang instructions to us. "Pon pon pata pon ... pata pata pata pon." Lovely.

Your tribe of one-eyed worshippers are required to go from one end of the level to the other (with two levels in the demo on the show floor). The only method of getting them there is to command them to act by performing different beats with the circle and square buttons, which correspond to the sounds "pata" and "pon", respectively. By stringing combinations of these two sounds together your minions will perform different actions.

For the demo two combinations are available. "Pon pon pata pon" will make your tribesmen attack anything that is in front of you whilst "pata pata pata pon" moves them further through the level. The buttons must be pressed in rhythm and, when linked together without error, add to your combo meter.

The demo suggests that the game gets much deeper, with more commands to enter, interactions with the environment and characters to join your tribe. Our team of three spear throwers was expanded with the addition of a sword-wielding cyclops which proved much stronger in battle. Additions such as these can potentially add so much to the tactical nature of the game.

We still have many questions about Patapon with regards to its expandability and feature list. Currently there's a danger of the game becoming a bit repetitive. Despite that, we're intrigued to see more and look forward to doing so in the near future.

[NamPaehc]

The game cover as been released: (http://www.psphyper.com/psp/box-arts-patapon-namaikida/)

http://www.psphyper.com/images/pix_071119_box.jpg


Will be out in Japan by end of the year.

[FurryCurry]

Damn. Did not know that the game was so close to being finished. I want a pronto US release damn it. My PSP is collecting dust post Castlevania.

[RelentlessRolento]

The game on the left kicks so much ass. download the demo when you can.

[SynGamer]

The game on the left kicks so much ass. download the demo when you can.

Where did you get the demo and is it in English?

[NamPaehc]

The videos I have seen have had english, so I wonder if this is going to be import friendly.

[RelentlessRolento]

Where did you get the demo and is it in English?


:lol: long day.. I meant to say right , not left >_<

[NamPaehc]

:lol: long day.. I meant to say right , not left >_<

Here is link to page with demo linked. (http://www.pspfanboy.com/2007/11/15/yuusha-no-kuse-ni-namaiki-da-downloadable-demo/)

[SynGamer]

:lol: long day.. I meant to say right , not left >_<
Damn. Well that changes everything :-P

[NamPaehc]

They had a sneak preview at a store in Japan, check here for pictures/video. (http://plusd.itmedia.co.jp/games/articles/0712/05/news070.html)

Comes out soon, this month over there!

[NamPaehc]

Women in Japan love Patapon! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xewh1eTku8) AKA new TV ad.

[FriskyTanuki]

I hope that there's going to be a demo for us when the game comes out over here.

[FurryCurry]

I hope that there's going to be a demo for us when the game comes out over here.

Who said it was coming here Frisky?

OH, SONY JUST DID!

http://www.pspfanboy.com/2007/12/11/patapon-coming-to-america-in-february-2008/

[FriskyTanuki]

Who said it was coming here Frisky?

OH, SONY JUST DID!

http://www.pspfanboy.com/2007/12/11/patapon-coming-to-america-in-february-2008/
Wow. That's faster than I thought it would take to get here. I'd have expected it to be released during Summer 08. I'll take two months instead. :D

[NamPaehc]

Wow. That's faster than I thought it would take to get here. I'd have expected it to be released during Summer 08. I'll take two months instead. :D

Since we saw the previous demos with english, I'm guessing that they might have already been doing the translations.

Here is a new video. (http://www.gametrailers.com/player/28823.html) You can really see the French influence if the artist.

[NamPaehc]

New PS blog with info on the game (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2007/12/11/things-that-go-pon-in-the-night/), along with new screens.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2153/2104047014_036d5b896c_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/2104047014/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2129/2103267337_e8d5f6705d_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/2103267337/)http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2103267403_1f695f5b6b_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/2103267403/)

[NamPaehc]

Joystiq preview. (http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/16/joystiq-hands-on-patapon-psp/)


Beneath its charming exterior is a complex, deep game. Patapon is not as simple as its childish graphics may lead on. The dying tribe of the Patapon need their God to command them, and after a mysterious absence, you are ready to return to their lives and lead them.

We've been spending some time with a localized near-final version of this PSP exclusive, and we have to say we're impressed. We wouldn't expect any less from the team that brought us LocoRoco. It's hard to pinpoint a genre to this innovative title, as it fuses elements from the music and strategy genre. At its core, it's a rhythm title, as you're required to input commands using various drums at your disposal. At first, you only have two: the Pata and the Pon drums. By inputting notes on the beat, players will be able to command their growing Patapon army. For example, by pressing Pata-Pata-Pata-Pon, the creatures will advance forwards. Then, attacks can be executed by inputting Pon-Pon-Pata-Pon.

There are a number of drum entires possible, and we've yet to learn them all. Eventually, you'll be able to tell the Patapon to hold, or retreat. We're certain that more advanced moves will be unearthed when we unlock the other drums. (Each drum is assigned to a face button, for four drums in all.) Crucial to successful gameplay is keeping with the beat. As you input commands in sequence, the combo meter increases. When a 10 combo is reached, the Patapon enter Fever mode, which greatly increases their killing power. The spears they throw, for example, can traverse from one side of the screen to the other (as seen in the image above). Timing is crucial, as telling the Patapon to advance at the inopportune moment can lead to a number of unfortunate deaths.

Seeing the Patapon join forces to take down such towering foes reminds us of the Gamecube classic, Pikmin. The two games share more than a few similarities. As mentioned earlier, Patapon is as much a strategy game as it is a music game. Before each mission, you have the ability to customize your outing, by choosing appropriate creatures, and equipping them with equipment. There are multiple kinds of Patapon you can create, and within each type, there are variations based on the ingredients used to concoct them. For example, one Patapon might use a small piece of meat to summon. However, throw in a fresher, larger piece of meat when creating the creature, and you'll get a souped up fighter, colored differently from the rest. Before each level, you're free to arrange your Patapon formation and change the weapons each type is carrying. You may want archers in the back, or you may want to protect a catapult-wielding soldier by placing spear-wielding Patapon around it. Each level will require some forethought in order to maximize your spoils at the end.

It's a bit jarring to see how much depth the character customization tools provide. Who knew that such a colorful, animated game would have us play in a similar style to a SOCOM game? Granted, there's also an "Optimize" feature, which allows the computer to decide what it thinks may be best for your current team. Hopefully, the game is balanced enough to be accessible to both casual and hardcore gamers alike.

The game appears to be quite lengthy, at least if we can trust the world map shown to us. In addition to standard kill-and-conquer levels, there are a few other diversions to take upon. Our favorite is a PaRappa-styled music mini-game, where you must listen to a song of a great deity, and you must play it back exactly. The art and animation of these segments are truly inspired, and the unforgiving gameplay makes it a fun challenge we love to try again and again.

Patapon isn't coming out to the US until early next year, but already we see it has the legs to be a winner. The localization of the title is superb so far, effectively capturing the game's unique spirit and mood. We're pretty sure that Patapon will get the same amount of love, if not more, as its LocoRoco predecessor.

[NamPaehc]

Holiday image that came with preview of the game..

http://www.mtv.com/shared/promoimages/games/multiplayer/news_122007/patapon500x500.jpg


Game should be out in Japan now, not sure if it is import friendly yet. And another preview. (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2007/12/14/behold-patapon-hands-on-with-near-final-version-of-sonys-wild-psp-rhythm-war-game/) Thought I already posted it before.


Even though Nintendo is the company with the reputation for innovation, many of the most original big-publisher games I played in 2007 appeared on Sony systems. None may have been quite as odd and engaging as “Patapon,” the PSP game I tried out earlier this week.

Sony reps were in Manhattan to show the winter line-up for PSP, PS2 and PS3. They told me “Echochrome” would be there. But before I could make a bee-line to play it, they suggested I try some other stuff. OK. How about…”Patapon”?

The game had caught my eye at E3 and I had appreciated Brian Crecente’s Tokyo Game Show write-up. On Tuesday I could finally play it, via a PSP Slim and link cable on a big-screen TV. Better yet, I could finally get a chance to understand it.

And it is good.

PataponIt was explained to me that the game is made by Sony’s “Loco Roco” team. No surprise there. I can sort of liken it to “Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat” in that you do something musical to make some really vivid side-scrolling action happen. That’s a poor description, sorry. This one’s tricky.

It’s a rhythm game, but not one that requires the player to follow musical cues, the way “Rock Band” or “Elite Beat Agents” do. Instead a thin light rectangle pulses at the perimeter of the screen and a beat plays through the speakers. But the characters you control — a small army of little critters with swords and spears and the like — don’t do anything. They stand still, until the player stars pressing buttons.

The PSP’s square button is assigned to a chant of the word “pata!” The circle button is “pon!” Create the chant “Pata! Pata! Pata! Pon!” and the little guys march forward. The chant: “Pon! Pon! Pata! Pon!” and the guys attack, shooting their bows and arrows, sending their horsemen in. The triangle button is “Chaka!” so that “Chaka! Chaka! Pata! Pon!” can make them defend. The X button is “Don” which somehow triggers miracles (I was told these are handy in, say, a desert level where the miracle of rain is needed).

The key thing is to play these chants in sync with the game’s beat. Getting the chants on beat the right amount of times (I think the count is nine), and then “Fever” mode will be activated, which makes the little guys more energetic.

I was told that there will be hunting levels, collecting levels, bosses, and mini-games. I played one straightforward level. It took maybe three minutes, just marching my guys to the right and then attacking a troupe of enemies. Clearly the incentive is to do this swiftly, efficiently for a better score.

Players can assemble their army in a staging screen, swapping different types of units and leveling them up with the items they collect. I was introduced to arrow-wielding Yumipons and blade-swinging Tatepons. The guys with spears are called Yaripons. (I did a quick Google search and found all the characters I saw and some extras on this blog.)

PataponThe only knock I ever heard about “Loco Roco” was that its controls could be unresponsive, sometimes unforgiving. People loved the art and the charm, just not the interface. “Patapon” has the look and the charm. The controls I used were solid. I’m curious to see if the game offers enough gameplay variety — enough rhythms for the player to apply, enough strategies for them to execute. If it does, then this game should come together nicely.

Over the years, good rhythm-based games have been consistently impressive to listen to and to control, but not often to look at. If “Patapon” comes together, it could be joining “Rez,” Jungle Beat” and “Everyday Shooter” in some rare company: fun to hear, to play and to see.

The game ships in the U.S. in February 2008.

[RelentlessRolento]

I envy those who got it.

[NamPaehc]

Well I looked up some things, and seems the game DOES have english. Though it is only limited to a few menu items and onscreen displays. The chat bubbles which explain the story and what the characters are doing aren't in english.

With the game coming to the US in only 2 months, I think I will wait instead of importing which could take a while on its own. Might get more out of it if I actually understand what is going on.

[modium]

I played a little bit of the import tonight. The language barrier is pretty high, since almost everything is in Japanese. It took me a couple runs through the first level before I figured out how to save, instead of just quitting. :lol: Plus, it'll be out here in a couple of months, so I'd definitely say just wait for it. I absolutely loved LocoRoco, and this is pretty similar in terms of creativity and imagination. I only played pretty much what the previews talk about, a little walking, a little fighting, but I can already tell it's something special.

[NamPaehc]

Rumor(?) Patapon "Budget Title". (http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/01/02/will-patapon-launch-at-a-budget-price/)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pspfanboy.com/media/2008/01/pata20.jpg

Only time will tell, but I think that this would be a GREAT price. Actually I think the PSP's game prices are getting better. Wonder if this is'll start a new trend?

[cochesecochese]

I'll buy two if it drops at $20.

[Masterkyo]

Seems funs game! I'll pickup w/ my GS/EB credit ;)

[Draekon]

If it's really $20 at release, I'll buy it up asap.

[flybrione]

Rumor(?) Patapon "Budget Title". (http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/01/02/will-patapon-launch-at-a-budget-price/)

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.pspfanboy.com/media/2008/01/pata20.jpg

Only time will tell, but I think that this would be a GREAT price. Actually I think the PSP's game prices are getting better. Wonder if this is'll start a new trend?

Ordered at that price today on EB site! thanks for the info.

[RelentlessRolento]

wow... I hope people buy it. I think that sony may be doing it by looking at how Loco Roco sold when it price dropped.

[briandadude]

Just ordered at EBGames.com for $19.99 with free overnight shipping code: "HAPPY08"

Pre-order at Amazon still shows $39.99.

[Nibi]

Just ordered at EBGames.com for $19.99 with free overnight shipping code: "HAPPY08"

Pre-order at Amazon still shows $39.99.

Game was totally under the radar for me, but having read a bit about it I have preordered as well.

[LancerEvoX]

This game is really fun and addicting, and I really recommend you guys get it, I know I will since I don't understand any of the Japanese text in the game. I kinda wish it had multiplayer but that might get hectic (though multiplayer music games like elite beat agents are a blast to play, just tell the other players to bring their own headphones).

[Sinistar]

Are there any LocoRoco "cameos" in the game?

[NamPaehc]

New "Boss Battle" video. (http://gamevideos.com/video/id/17019)

[NamPaehc]

Not sure if it is linke above already, but here is link to Offical US site for this game. (http://www.us.playstation.com/patapon/)

[RelentlessRolento]

looking forward to this still.. what's the release date again?

[NamPaehc]

looking forward to this still.. what's the release date again?

26th of Feb! Not much longer now.

[Hibiwa]

Any good deals for preordering Patapon? Best Amabozo can do is $39.99. GS has it cheaper for 30, but I'd prefer not to sale through them.

[NateNinja]

Any good deals for preordering Patapon? Best Amabozo can do is $39.99. GS has it cheaper for 30, but I'd prefer not to sale through them.

If by GS you mean gamestop... well they have it for only $20!

[Hibiwa]

Wow! A price drop before it's even released. Thanks for the heads-up.

Hmm... the power of savings is drawing strong. I must reflect.

[Rei no Otaku]

This game looks unbelieveably awesome. Preordered it today.

[metaly]

PSBlog just confirmed the $20 price. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/01/21/patapon-pata-price-1999/) Awesome.

[NamPaehc]

That is really great news.

[RelentlessRolento]

fuck yeah!

[Vanigan]

And to think I was going to buy this in Japan for $40.

[NamPaehc]

And to think I was going to buy this in Japan for $40.

The quick turn around (I think two months after the release in Japan) really helped. If it was to much long, I might have bitten and imported it too.

Speaking of Japan, (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSRnh0CtNes&eurl=http://www.pspfanboy.com/)here is a commerical featuring the game from there. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSRnh0CtNes&eurl)

[Halo05]

Wow, after watching some videos, this became an instant buy.

[Rocko]

This looks really fun for $20.

[metaly]

Patapon pre-order demo with exclusive weapon announced. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/01/25/patapost-friday-demo-pon-pata-details/)

By preordering at Gamestop, you get the demo which includes the "Spear of Protection" weapon. Plus your save from the demo carries over to the full game, so you can pick up where the demo ended. That's pretty cool.

I wonder how long it'll take before the demo leaks online so I can avoid the whole going-to-Gamestop thing.

[Rocko]

Whoa, awesome. Gotta preorder this. Then I can also decide if I like it or not... but it looks awesome.

Do Gamestops have this now? Sounds like it.

[RelentlessRolento]

pre-order is a must now for me.

[Rei no Otaku]

Whoa, awesome. Gotta preorder this. Then I can also decide if I like it or not... but it looks awesome.

Do Gamestops have this now? Sounds like it.
My store doesn't have them yet T.T

[Halo05]

All I've done is watch a couple youtube videos and now I can't get the music out of my head. This is very nearly my most anticipated game of the moment.

[Rocko]

I'm tempted to go to the Gamestop down the road for some used games with that 25% off coupon, so I'll ask them. At the very least I'll give them a call tomorrow to see if they even know the demo exists.

[josh_animebum]

I'm going to be calling up my Gamestop every day in a week asking for that demo. I'm the only person in my town to reserve the game (so they told me when I picked up No More Heroes on Wednesday) so if they only get one demo it sure as hell better be mine, especially since Gamestop only gets these small games when they have preorders.

[Rocko]

I'm going to be calling up my Gamestop every day in a week asking for that demo. I'm the only person in my town to reserve the game (so they told me when I picked up No More Heroes on Wednesday) so if they only get one demo it sure as hell better be mine, especially since Gamestop only gets these small games when they have preorders.

Since one would assume the demo is being given out to promote the game, I doubt the number of demos they receive will be equal to the number of preorders they have already received. Why give a demo to people who are already going to buy the game?

[phear3d]

called 2 GS's today and no demo yet. although the dude said he'd give me a call if the demo becomes available after pre-ordering. i had this happened before where they didnt really call. cant wait for that demo.

[Hibiwa]

Has GS ever sent out demos for their online pre-orders? It sounds great to get this secret weapon thing, but the exclusive hype is going to ensure that the demos won't actually get into the hands of all the people who are preordering at the store.

There's no guarantee that you'll receive a demo anyway, but it would suck to let them hold money and then shortchange you with an "oops, we didn't have that many copies".

[Rocko]

Stopped at Gamestop today and they had aboslutely no idea what I was talking about. I figure I'll wait until Rei gets some demos at his store, then give them a call. They have to get them sometime.

[Rusty Ghia]

Damn, I was going to buy this at the local independent game shop, but that demo with the exclusive weapon is pulling me into Gamestop.

[Rei no Otaku]

Stopped at Gamestop today and they had aboslutely no idea what I was talking about. I figure I'll wait until Rei gets some demos at his store, then give them a call. They have to get them sometime.
I'll let you guys know when we get them in.

If you ask, they're not going to know anything about it. We don't get emails or anything about this stuff. So unless they've been watching the game in their personal time, they're not going to have any clue about a demo.

[Rocko]

Alright, thanks.

[LancerEvoX]

between this and US Wipeout Pulse... I love my PSP ;___;

[SL4IN]

is the MSRP for this game really $19.99? I was looking a pre-order book at my local gamestop and it said the price was $29.99.

[Rei no Otaku]

is the MSRP for this game really $19.99? I was looking a pre-order book at my local gamestop and it said the price was $29.99.
Then they're lying. I have it preordered and paid in full. It's only $20.

EDIT: Oh it said that in their book? Probably haven't updated it yet then.

[josh_animebum]

is the MSRP for this game really $19.99? I was looking a pre-order book at my local gamestop and it said the price was $29.99.

Yes the price is really $19.99, a post on the Playstation blog confirms this. The link is somewhere earlier in the thread. (the lower price was suspected a few weeks earlier when Gamestop.com changed the price to 19.99). I'm not sure how often those preorder books come out, but it seems like the one your store has is out-of-date.

[Rei no Otaku]

The store's themselves just print them out. We're supposed to update them every month or so, but lots of the time they just forget.

[briandadude]

I don't suppose those of us who ordered it online (Gamestop.com) will receive the demo?

[Rusty Ghia]

Don't worry, I'm sure that you'll be able to download the save with the weapon off of the internet.

[phattsoe]

i want the demo just for kicks (collector's item of sorts, in a way). hopefully when i do some rounds for the 25% off used psp sale they may have an idea at my local gs's.

[Foo228]

$20 retail price is all kinds of awesome

looks like I'll be buying my first game at launch of the year

[Sinistar]

Any update on when demo will be in stores? I want to preorder this as well but when I called my local GS on Friday they didn't have any clue on the demo disks..

[FurryCurry]

Don't worry, I'm sure that you'll be able to download the save with the weapon off of the internet.\

But we also still want to try out the game.

[LancerEvoX]

I finally pre-ordered this and FFVII Crisis Core. I was the second person to pre-order Patapon, with the first being the Gamestop employee.

[Rocko]

I need to head to Gamestop to preorder Brawl this week, so I might preorder then. I need the fucking demo, though.

[josh_animebum]

I stopped in to my Gamestop on Thursday and the guy who I preordered the game from a couple weeks ago guessed immediately what I was stopping in for.

Usually I don't expect Gamestops to actually call me about these things, but the two guys there (one being the only other person to preorder the game at that store) convinced me that they would call as soon as it comes in. IF it doesn't, there will be hell to pay. ;)

[phattsoe]

yeah, i tried again yesterday at a local gs to preorder, but the employee was clueless... i want the demo so i can get my patap-on!

[Rei no Otaku]

No demos yet. Don't worry, I'll post in this thread the day we get them in.

The only free stuff that came in recently are the DMC4 artbooks and Culdcept mini-strategy guides.

[ElJeffA]

anyone check to see if the demo was in today??

[xbox_mole]

Called my local GS and they said they wouldn't get it in until right before release.

[Rocko]

Hrm. If I preorder it now, do you think they'll give me the demo when it comes in?

I need to preorder Brawl anyway, so I'll ask when I go.

[xbox_mole]

Hrm. If I preorder it now, do you think they'll give me the demo when it comes in?

I need to preorder Brawl anyway, so I'll ask when I go.

They SHOULD put enough away for the pre-orders they have already, but WILL they do that? That's another story.

[metaly]

They SHOULD put enough away for the pre-orders they have already

Hahaha.

[SL4IN]

demo = extremely fun. can't wait for the full game later this month.

[Rusty Ghia]

demo = extremely fun. can't wait for the full game later this month.

The demo is out?

[RelentlessRolento]

I swung by my EB today and paid for the thing in full but they didn't get the demo yet.

[NamPaehc]

A lot of the times, the one closest to me doesn't get preorder items until the same day the game shows up.

[Rei no Otaku]

My store didn't get them yet either.

[josh_animebum]

According to posts over at Gamefaqs these are definitely starting to show up in multiple stores. Hopefully that means they will come in to my Gamestop tomorrow so I can play the demo instead of grading a huge stack of exams tomorrow night.;)

[Foo228]

and your februrary gotm for egm...patapon!

[FriskyTanuki]

If you've got a PS3 and a Japanese PSN account, there's a Patapon demo waiting for you on the Japanese PS Store.

[Sinistar]

If you've got a PS3 and a Japanese PSN account, there's a Patapon demo waiting for you on the Japanese PS Store.
I don't suppose the Japanese demo has an English language option? :D

[FriskyTanuki]

I don't suppose the Japanese demo has an English language option? :D
No, at least not that I can tell right now, but the little bit I've played (the first level), the important stuff isn't hard to figure out. It'll tell you the combos you need to know and as you see what they do, you'll get what you're supposed to do.

[phattsoe]

yeah, still haven't had any luck with the demos... i'm quite jealous of the lucky ones who've scored them. i can't wait to play this game!

[SynGamer]

Those with a CFW who don't want to wait for their gamestop to get the demo, it's up on the torrent sites. This is good for me because my gamestop gets demos and such AFTER the game comes out usually...

[Sinistar]

OK my local Gamestop (tempe/chandler) just got them in today. I stopped by on the way home from work and he had a handful of demos, so I pre-ordered and was on my merry way. :)

[RelentlessRolento]

Mine still don't have em :(

I stopped by yesterday and today >_<

[metaly]

Finally got my firmware updated and the demo working and woo, it's fun. I've only played a couple levels/missions so it's hard to tell how the gameplay holds up, but so far it's really just fun to play.

Pata pata pata pon...

[Rusty Ghia]

What firmware does the game require?

[ElJeffA]

got it playing it enjoying it!!

[adamones]

When does the game come out again? The full version?

[FriskyTanuki]

When does the game come out again? The full version?
2/26

[metaly]

What firmware does the game require?

I think you're OK as long as you have any reasonably recent version. I had 3.40 OE-A and the demo would stall on the loading screen, but I blame the CFW. If it was an issue with the firmware being too old, it probably would have told me when I tried to launch it.

[Rocko]

Just called my local GS, still no demos. :/

[Halo05]

I'm about to try again today. Gotta get in on that 19.99 used Motorstorm deal anyhow.

[josh_animebum]

Sigh...my local Gamestop has 12 copies (for 4 preorders) in transit (so they told me yesterday). Unfortunately they didn't make it in today's shipment so hopefully tomorrow (even if that does mean that I have to brave the mall on a Saturday)

[Halo05]

Yay, just got mine. I'll have to give it a whirl later. The guy at GS said it was pretty great and was stunned at the $19.99 price.

[SynGamer]

USE HEASPHONES...that, or make sure it's absolutely silent in your home. The timing is very strict in this game it seems. Still a blast, though. I was playing this while waiting for class and i had my headphones on and my friend said i was 'bopping' a lot.

[xbox_mole]

Stopped by my local Gamestop today during lunch and they didn't have them in yet. The store manager took my pre-order and said they should be in on Monday or Tuesday of next week and to come back and show my receipt and he'd have one for me.

[Cao Cao]

USE HEASPHONES...that, or make sure it's absolutely silent in your home. The timing is very strict in this game it seems. Still a blast, though. I was playing this while waiting for class and i had my headphones on and my friend said i was 'bopping' a lot.
Yeowch, strict timing? Sounds like Rhythm Tengoku.

[ElJeffA]

timing is important but it has a small amount of cushion. the hardest "timing" part is the very first string of commands after you get the fever. The beat of the song is bombarded with different sounds making it difficult to keep time with. When you play the demo i would suggest to collect everything that you want before you finish it.. collect coins/items because as soon as you finish you save and have to restart...BTW. you cant use the item in this game you can only use it in the full version.

[Sinistar]

Anyone know how many levels are in the demo? I cleared the 2nd stage, then went to obelisk again to go to next stage and it wouldn't let me select it.. Maybe i'm missing a criteria for the next stage?

[Cao Cao]

I just finished playing through the demo. It's a fun game, and the timing is only a little strict. Though as mentioned before the fever sounds are pretty distracting, and these sections are where I messed up the rhythm the most. Also, perseverance is key to play through this demo, since it's pretty long for a demo (About an hour or two, depending on whether you replay the hunting area for materials) and you can't save at all until you beat the last mission in the demo. I hope it doesn't save the state of my army since That dino boss, the demo's final boss, really tore through my troops, and I only beat him with two archers left out of a 8-patapon army.

The game that this reminds me of most in concept is... Puzzle Quest. That is, like Puzzle Quest, it takes two distinctly different genres (Real-time Strategy and Rhythm), and successfully melds them together into an addictive and fun game that has the best of both the genres. Building up your army, balancing unit types, and equipping the soldiers looks like something that can get addictive, and the music and graphics are very notable, giving the game a very unique style to it.

[josh_animebum]

I swear my local Gamestop must have their packages on the slowest possible shipment method since they have been "in transit" for several days now.

Oh well. Maybe they will finally get them on Monday.

[RelentlessRolento]

still no demo!

[Rocko]

So is this demo an exclusive level, or is it the normal beginning of the retail game but with a special weapon to use in the retail game?

[metaly]

It's about 3-4 levels from the beginning of the game. Mild demo spoiler: At the end of the last level, you get the special weapon and then have a chance to save your game to continue in the full retail version.

[Rei no Otaku]

Just picked up my demo. We got them in yesterday.

[Rocko]

It's about 3-4 levels from the beginning of the game. Mild demo spoiler: At the end of the last level, you get the special weapon and then have a chance to save your game to continue in the full retail version.

...3-4 levels before or after the beginning of the retail game? If after, then that would mean you're actually losing 3-4 levels of gameplay when you continue in the retail version (which is hardly a spoiler ;)).

[metaly]

I'm assuming it's "after" the beginning, as in you'd play the same levels when you start up the retail version. I wouldn't consider it losing 3-4 levels. You're just playing them a little early.

[Rocko]

So it's the first 3-4 levels of the game?

[FriskyTanuki]

So it's the first 3-4 levels of the game?
Yes.

[RelentlessRolento]

still no damn fucking demo! I want this game demo so I can prepare and get that weapon!

[Rocko]

Got the demo today. Preordered in full. Gonna pop it in soon.

[RelentlessRolento]

hmmm should check tomorrow if mine is in if you got yours...

[Bretts31344]

The demo is awesome. I wish I replayed the levels more, since it makes you start over once you save at the end of the demo. I can't wait until this come out. IT IS ONLY $19.99 TOO!

[phattsoe]

yeah, got the demo today... pretty damn awesome!

[FurryCurry]

Went got the demo today as well. I thought you get penalized harshly for missing the beat. I don't like that you can't freaking pause.

What's with this new ish in games and not pausing? Mofo I gotta pee sometimes.

[cochesecochese]

Does the demo come in a paper sleeve?

[Rocko]

Does the demo come in a paper sleeve?
Yes.

[cochesecochese]

Yes.

Dang. Looks like I'll have to track down another empty UMD case. Thanks for the heads up.

[Rocko]

Tried it out tonight. The timing is pretty brutal.

I had to turn it off since I realized I don't have time for it tonight, and since you can only save when you're all done, I want to have a good group heading into the retail game. I'll get back to it later.

[Rei no Otaku]

I didn't think the timing was that hard at all. I only missed it a couple times during the whole time.

[SynGamer]

A pair of headphones makes things a lot easier. Really, as someone mentioned earlier, it's right after the 'fever' when the music starts picking up that it's hard to time, but it's manageable. Gonna be a fun little game once it comes out.

[RelentlessRolento]

I'll swing by tomorrow before school to pick my copy up.

[Sinistar]

Went got the demo today as well. I thought you get penalized harshly for missing the beat. I don't like that you can't freaking pause.

What's with this new ish in games and not pausing? Mofo I gotta pee sometimes.


Yeah I hate that too that you can't pause.. speaking of which.. Viewtiful Joe games have the best pause feature... hehe I forget what the announcer always says but some pretty good things.


Hmm what happens if you go into sleep mode when you want to pause? will that work?

[kenkaze]

I played through some parts of the Japanese version and I noticed that the boss fights in this game get a bit tedious...

[FurryCurry]

I didn't think the timing was that hard at all. I only missed it a couple times during the whole time.

Timing isn't an issue really at all as you said. I liken it to playing Simon in reverse. They are following you and not the other way around. It gets tricky once you need start making tactical decisions during battle. You really have to pay attention to what your Pons (heh, pawns) are doing. When they are ready to attack you'd better get on that attack pattern before your enemy gets to you first.

I'm digging this game, just not the lack of pause. It's such a glaring flaw that I couldn't recommend this to everyone. It's a big fat 'wtf?'

btw, the dialog in this game is freaking hilarious. "Peace out" lol what littel tribal person says that. Pons and Gons do.


And the Sleep feature on the PSP is manual so you can do it for anything.

[NamPaehc]

Don't have the demo, but I'm 99% sure you can pause the full game. I have a friend with the import, I can check later if needed.

[fifthcore]

Don't have the demo, but I'm 99% sure you can pause the full game. I have a friend with the import, I can check later if needed.

I heard on 1UP Yours, you can't pause in the retail version (they said they had the retail version already). Just put the PSP into sleep mode.

Picked up the Demo today, and beat it. Can't wait for the full game.

[kenkaze]

Don't have the demo, but I'm 99% sure you can pause the full game. I have a friend with the import, I can check later if needed.
I have played the japanese version of the full game and pausing is still impossible in it.

[Rocko]

Well it's easy to keep the rhythm, but it's hard to get the timing right that you get the perfect sounds, if you know what I mean.

[kenkaze]

I've also noticed that once you have different commands it is still easy to differentiate between them. (so far I've unlocked about 4 commands)

[Rocko]

Just finished the game. Really fun. Only lost 1 axe guy (Takapon?) in the final battle.

I was building up my army until I realized it was a waste- I'll work on stuff like colored Pons in the full game.

[Snake2715]

maybe I will look into this one. I love the quirky stuff.

[RelentlessRolento]

just got it! still getting use to it, but over time I think i'll be better.

[jling84]

Wow just finished the demo and I love it!!!!

I can't wait until the full retail release is out! Already have it all paid off at GS.

Does anyone know what the "exclusive" weapon is? I got a bunch of weapons, but it doesn't really say which one is "exclusive".

[NamPaehc]

Wow just finished the demo and I love it!!!!

I can't wait until the full retail release is out! Already have it all paid off at GS.

Does anyone know what the "exclusive" weapon is? I got a bunch of weapons, but it doesn't really say which one is "exclusive".

"The Spear of Protection (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/01/25/patapost-friday-demo-pon-pata-details/)"

[jling84]

"The Spear of Protection (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/01/25/patapost-friday-demo-pon-pata-details/)"

Thanks for the link!

[fidgeteer]

For two weeks, I'd been checking the Gamestops in my area with no luck. Salespeople couldn't comprehend the name of the game -- I had to spell it each time they looked it up.

Yesterday, I had to take my girlfriend uptown for a doctor's appointment. I walked into the first Gamestop I saw and there it was -- the demo. The salesperson knew what I was talking about with no prompting and produced it. When I mentioned that preordering was going to take me 60 blocks out of my way, the fellow took pity and threw in a God of War demo as well -- all for $5.00.

[metaly]

For people who are still demo-less: The demo will be on the PS3/PC PlayStation stores tomorrow. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/02/13/weekly-patapost-valentines-day-demo-download/)

It sounds like it's the same demo you'd get with your preorder.

[Rusty Ghia]

For people who are still demo-less: The demo will be on the PS3/PC PlayStation stores tomorrow. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/02/13/weekly-patapost-valentines-day-demo-download/)

It sounds like it's the same demo you'd get with your preorder.

Awesome. Now I don't have to give my money to Gamestop.

[m3talst0rm]

downloaded the demo but it says i need firmware 3.80 to play it. I have 3.72 but I am planning on installing CFW as soon as I get an extra memory card and a battery to make into a pandora. Any ideas on how to update my slim without screwing my ability to put on cfw?

[cochesecochese]

downloaded the demo but it says i need firmware 3.80 to play it. I have 3.72 but I am planning on installing CFW as soon as I get an extra memory card and a battery to make into a pandora. Any ideas on how to update my slim without screwing my ability to put on cfw?

You can update it to whatever you want; Pandora's battery can crack anything. I was on 3.90 official and downgraded no problem.

[m3talst0rm]

You can update it to whatever you want; Pandora's battery can crack anything. I was on 3.90 official and downgraded no problem.

Awesome, thanks!

[Hoffer]

I’m loving the game. I got the Gamestop demo and have played it twice now. I can’t wait for the full version.

[terpkristin]

Can anybody help me out with the Patapon demo? I went to the Playstation store on my PC and downloaded the XPD file and put the XPD file into the GAME directory on my memory stick, but it doesn't seem to show up. I also downloaded the demo from the store via the PS3 but I don't know how to transfer it over to my PSP.

Any help (with either method, either from PC or from PS3) would be much obliged.

Thanks
/tk

[Lawyers Guns N Money]

The PLAYSTATION®Network Downloader application is needed to move downloaded content from a PC to a PSP® system.

https://store.playstation.com/store/instructions.vm

[dallow]

Sorry if it's been asked, but is the demo at GS the same as the one I just downloaded from the PSN store?

I tried the JP PSN demo a week ago, but it was super short.
The US PSN demo ended after you beat the dragon.

Same for GS demo?
Or do I need the GS demo to get the item.

[Nogib]

Sorry if it's been asked, but is the demo at GS the same as the one I just downloaded from the PSN store?

I tried the JP PSN demo a week ago, but it was super short.
The US PSN demo ended after you beat the dragon.

Same for GS demo?
Or do I need the GS demo to get the item.

To be fair, it is not a "GS demo" but more to the point, the physical UMD demo and the PSN demo are indeed the same thing.

[FurryCurry]

To be fair, it is not a "GS demo" but more to the point, the physical UMD demo and the PSN demo are indeed the same thing.


So you are telling me I wasted time going to the store for a special weapon that I could have just waited a couple of days and downloaded from my own home?

Seriously... don't say that. Only think that would make me going to Gamestop worth it was finding a working Madcatz Retrocon for the PS2.

[dallow]

To be fair, it is not a "GS demo" but more to the point, the physical UMD demo and the PSN demo are indeed the same thing.I know this. I just referred to it at the GS demo because it's the only place to get it.


Ok, so they're the same thing. Good.
I'm not supposed to get this item in the demo right? Because I missed it if so.

I did make a red axe guy with the hard iron and meat.

[terpkristin]

Oh wow, I couldn't find that. Thanks a ton for the help.

/tk

[Hoffer]

You get the special weapon at the end of the demo. After you beat the T-Rex boss, you get some spear or something and then the demo ends. It then asks you if you want to save the game and you do. Then I'm assuming that game save is used in the retail game to give you the weapon.

[xbox_mole]

Got my demo from GS today. :)

[RelentlessRolento]

wow... IGN gave the game a great review.

[SynGamer]

wow... IGN gave the game a great review.

Considering i can no longer use gameSpot for my reviews, 9.2 from IGN is great news. I can't wait to get this. So far the game has an 87 overall score (http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/psp/patapon?q=patapon) according to metacritic.

[Rusty Ghia]

Maybe because the demo doesn't explain squat, but I just can't seem to get the timing down. And what's with the flashing border? And why does my drumbeat sometimes sound loudly and other times not?

[kenkaze]

Maybe because the demo doesn't explain squat, but I just can't seem to get the timing down. And what's with the flashing border? And why does my drumbeat sometimes sound loudly and other times not?
The drumbeat is louder when you have better timing. the flashing border is there to help you stay with the beat.

[Rocko]

The flashing border sucks. You need to listen to the music. For me, trying to keep with the border was all wrong. Even if you have your timing down, it has to be exactly on the game's timing as well.

[kenkaze]

One complaint I have about the game is that you can only replay hunting missions so when you get to some of the harder bosses you'll end up basically gold farming on the first hunting level (just so you can afford to make more powerful -pons). also I have yet to see a way to create weapons or armor and since the tree or hunting levels don't give you them either it gets pretty tedious trying to equip your dudes when half of them end up having to use the default weapons.

[RelentlessRolento]

the border helps... i don't see how people cannot understand the game. just sit down and learn to keep a rhythm.

also as for only doing hunting missions: that's only the demo. the full release will let you do attacks to get more armor/weapons.

[Rei no Otaku]

the border helps... i don't see how people cannot understand the game. just sit down and learn to keep a rhythm.

Yeah, it's baffling me too. It's not exactly complicated...

[Rocko]

Holy shit.

http://kotaku.com/357348/the-patapon-bearbrick-vinyl-toy

Awesome. Must buy.

Edit: Has anyone ever heard of these toys? Are they in Asia only?

[FurryCurry]

Holy shit.

http://kotaku.com/357348/the-patapon-bearbrick-vinyl-toy

Awesome. Must buy.

Edit: Has anyone ever heard of these toys? Are they in Asia only?

Dude that was a let down. I was expecting an actual patapon.

[Rocko]

I found Rotofugi.com, based in Chicago, which carries be@rbricks and has reasonable shipping (A series 15 blind box be@rbrick was $3 and change to my location in southwest Florida). Hopefully they will stock the Patapon be@rbrick.

[javeryh]

This game makes no sense to me.

[SaraAB]

I played the demo and couldn't even finish it (played it for probably an hour too), its just too hard to start drumming EXACTLY after the patapon stop singing, and god forbid you don't do this you can't really get anywhere. Even if your 1 second too late from trying to see whats going on on the screen you break the combo. Trying to focus on whats going on on the screen and drumming exactly after the patapon stop singing is just too hard for me. I don't understand how this can get such good reviews, I don't think its a very good game at all.

[NamPaehc]

I played the demo and couldn't even finish it (played it for probably an hour too), its just too hard to start drumming EXACTLY after the patapon stop singing, and god forbid you don't do this you can't really get anywhere. Even if your 1 second too late from trying to see whats going on on the screen you break the combo. Trying to focus on whats going on on the screen and drumming exactly after the patapon stop singing is just too hard for me. I don't understand how this can get such good reviews, I don't think its a very good game at all.


Just because you aren't good at it, doesn't mean the game itself isn't good.

[Jest]

I thought it was a little tricky at first too, but that doesn't make it any less of a cool game. Its something new and pretty ingenious. I am definitely going to pick this one up.

[Yaxley]

I picked up the demo and liked it so much that I played it through twice. I seriously can't wait for this to come out.

I'm thinking this game almost demands playing with headphones though. I was so much more into it when I was playing with headphones versus the PSP speakers.

[RelentlessRolento]

I still don' see how this is hard... anyone who has said the game is hard ever play a single music based game? or even a beat?

I don't play music based games like DDR or Guitar Hero, but this game is still easy.

[Rei no Otaku]

I still don' see how this is hard... anyone who has said the game is hard ever play a single music based game? or even a beat?

I don't play music based games like DDR or Guitar Hero, but this game is still easy.
Anyone who thinks this is hard ever listen to music at all!? It's a simple beat.

I only fell out of fever mode like twice the entire demo...

[FurryCurry]

As I said before, it's like playing the only Tiger Electronics game Simon. Only you're simon. You issue your 4 beat command, the Patapons follow. Everything in the game follows the beat. Your enemies prepare to attack, retreat, and advance like you do. Nothing is immediate.

You are always supposed to be one step ahead of the action. Win the T-Rex leans his head back to burn your troops, you need to tell them to defend OR attack even more to stun him during this animation. At first I didn't get it (and I still suck on the BoBonBon tree thing since you don't have to hold notes, just hit them) but I focused on just keeping the rhythm.

So if you are having trouble, just focus on your rhythm and nothing else. Once you get used to keeping that then start to pay attention to what's going on on screen more. Soon enough you'll be mixing in the new commands with ease and keeping Fevers going through the whole stage.

[Hoffer]

The key to playing the game is to tap your foot with the beat. Then when you can't hear the beat, you just press the buttons with the tempo of your tapping foot.

If you can keep any kind of beat, the game isn't that hard.

[RelentlessRolento]

The key to playing the game is to tap your foot with the beat. Then when you can't hear the beat, you just press the buttons with the tempo of your tapping foot.

If you can keep any kind of beat, the game isn't that hard.




even if you don't tap your feet the on screen border flash is basically the same exact thing. c'mon people at least sit down and understand how music works.

[Rocko]

Okay, I think we get it. You think the game is easy. Give it a rest.

[RelentlessRolento]

Okay, I think we get it. You think the game is easy. Give it a rest.

:lol: not that the game is easy, just that I'm surprised that people can't hold a beat.

[Rei no Otaku]

Okay, I think we get it. You think the game is easy. Give it a rest.
I don't know. It's like when I play Rock Band online, and you have people failing on easy and medium. You have to have some kind of physical impairment to do that. I feel much the same way about this. I think you need at least a slight level of retardation to somehow find this game hard.

[iamthekiller]

I don't know. It's like when I play Rock Band online, and you have people failing on easy and medium. You have to have some kind of physical impairment to do that. I feel much the same way about this. I think you need at least a slight level of retardation to somehow find this game hard.

:shock:

[dmunkee]

Just downloaded the demo and based off of what I've played so far, this is definitely something I'll be picking up.

[Rocko]

toytokyo.com also actively stocks kubricks/be@rbricks, so they might have the Patapon be@rbrick.

[Mr. Anderson]

Well, I got a PSP, mainly for this game. Now when the hell does it come out?!

[decon]

I tried the demo and it says to keep pressing the Circle button to the beat, but is there more to the demo?

Also, I didn't know about that utlity either so I had to d/l thru the PS3 and USB cable it to PSP.

[FriskyTanuki]

Well, I got a PSP, mainly for this game. Now when the hell does it come out?!
Next week.

[Cao Cao]

9.0/10 from GameSpot (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/patapon/review.html?sid=6186272)
4/5 from GameSpy (http://psp.gamespy.com/playstation-portable/patapon/853233p1.html)

[NamPaehc]

Hey guys, just wanted to mention to the people who pre-ordered at Gamestop, that you can get 10% off. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171110)

Deal ends on the 29th *unless they extend it again* just a few days after the game is released.

[javeryh]

Pata! Pata! Pata! Pon!

...yeah, I still don't get it but I'm having fun!

[dallow]

Buying it.

[Nobi-Wan]

Hey guys, just wanted to mention to the people who pre-ordered at Gamestop, that you can get 10% off. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171110)

Deal ends on the 29th *unless they extend it again* just a few days after the game is released.

So you can get $2 off? I wish God of War was coming out in time to use the coupon.

[xbox_mole]

Hey guys, just wanted to mention to the people who pre-ordered at Gamestop, that you can get 10% off. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=171110)

Deal ends on the 29th *unless they extend it again* just a few days after the game is released.

Thanks, didn't know about that coupon!

[terpkristin]

Pata! Pata! Pata! Pon!

...yeah, I still don't get it but I'm having fun!

Actually I don't get it at all either. I was having fun with it, but I honestly have to say I don't think I've made any "progress" in the demo. I do the button-pushing to the beat, sometimes I push too much (while they're singing I guess) but nothing happens. I usually have a sense of rhythm, maybe I'm doing something wrong?

/tk

[dallow]

Don't push while they're singing.

Let them sing, then push to the beat, let them sing, push to the beat.

[Rocko]

They sing to the beat as well.

So you hit four beats, they sing four beats, you hit your next set of four beats, they sing them. Etc.

[terpkristin]

They sing to the beat as well.

So you hit four beats, they sing four beats, you hit your next set of four beats, they sing them. Etc.

They don't always sing "every four" do they? I had a point where I was getting "combos" or "bonus" (I don't recall which it said). I'll have to give it another go, it sounds like I'm not completely off-base...

/tk

[NamPaehc]

So you can get $2 off? I wish God of War was coming out in time to use the coupon.

http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/1715/cheapvrj7.png

[onnotangu]

BTW the demo from gamestop is different from the download.. there are alot more items and better music and more items drop in the umd demo.

http://patapon.orgfree.com/index.htm
That should help a little on sorting out what items do what in game. I also recommend playing with a set of headphones. it helps to hear the timing better. I built up a full force of archers and elite spearmen and 2 elite axe men before I fought the final boss. Oh and don't take your axe men with you while hunting. they make it hard to hit the animals.

[phattsoe]

i really find the flashing border-box helpful with keeping the beat... and yeah, headphones would help isolate the sounds as well - i tried playing at a restaurant, and the background noise totally distracted me. can't really half-ass this game!

[NamPaehc]

Info on the Patapon Be@rbrick. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/02/22/patapost-friday-get-your-patapon-berbrick/)

Seems you can only win them (until someone else wins them- then sells them to you. ). :)

[RelentlessRolento]

I want this game now. I've been dying for a new PSP title.

[Rocko]

Info on the Patapon Be@rbrick. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/02/22/patapost-friday-get-your-patapon-berbrick/)

Seems you can only win them (until someone else wins them- then sells them to you. ). :)

...
...
...

:wall::wall::wall::wall::wall:

[Halo05]

They don't always sing "every four" do they? I had a point where I was getting "combos" or "bonus" (I don't recall which it said). I'll have to give it another go, it sounds like I'm not completely off-base...

/tk

The only time that their singing gets a little weird is when you hit "Fever" mode. There's a little fanfare and it drowns out their now altered singing. When I'm about to get to fever mode, I start counting out the beat in my head and can carry on more easily that way. Once you're in fever mode, their singing resumes a beat but it more... I dunno, extended. You'll still be hitting keys at the same rate but the individual sounds that the Patapons make sort of run over each other.

Awesome game though, I'm psyched for the full version.

[Sinistar]

Yeah fever mode really messes me up, too.

[Key]

Can't wait for this game to come out. I played and saved the demo and I absolutely loved it! The Patapons are so cute. I love when their attack chant gets more frenzied and determined.

I also keep time by looking at the flashing border. It does get a bit more harder to keep the rhythm when you first enter Fever mode, but the borders make it easier (especially the way they rapid-flash when it's about to be your turn to press buttons). Earphones help a lot as well. Yo ucan actually hear the drums. xD

[RelentlessRolento]

3 more days!

[sj41]

This demo is fantastic. I've played it for over an hour and I'm still not finished yet. I'm picking this up at GameRush as soon as they get it in.

I'm good at the game, too, so it's a lot of fun. $20 is a good price for it, because if it was $30 or $40, I wouldn't have even thought about buying it.

[NamPaehc]

This demo is fantastic. I've played it for over an hour and I'm still not finished yet. I'm picking this up at GameRush as soon as they get it in.

I'm good at the game, too, so it's a lot of fun. $20 is a good price for it, because if it was $30 or $40, I wouldn't have even thought about buying it.

The game is a LOT deeper then the demo. You'll be upgrading the patapons with crazy sets of armor and weird weapons, casting magic spells, battling large enemies (not all of them or animals/monsters), and covering the screen with your colorful army. Some of that is only lightly touched on in the demo, but it gets very intense in the later levels.

With all that it is worth a lot more then $20 to me. I'd like to see what people think of the price point after they get a hold of the final product. To me, if this kind of quality and depth is only worth $20 then I guess people have come to expect a lot out of their games.

[Vanigan]

I think the $20 price tag is mainly because SCEA is unsure of its appeal in the US, or its marketability. So they might be using it as a loss leader to get people buying the PSP.

[Halo05]

I finally finished the demo. Awesome, awesome game. I enjoyed it from the start but I kept expecting my enjoyment to wane. It never really did, if anything it kept getting more fun. This might be the first PSP game in like a year that I actually finish. (Er, other than SW Battlefront but that was really short)

[It'sMagneto]

This and God of War make me proud to own a PSP.

[KillJoi99]

Is it really that good?

[It'sMagneto]

Is it really that good? It's better than sex.

[Key]

It's better than sex.

:ziplip:

Gonna go pick this up with a coupon at GameStop tomorrow, but I've never had a good experience with them when it comes to games and their release dates. I almost always hear them tell me that the game's release date isn't actually a release date, but the date that the stores receive their shipments, with the next day being the release date.

Yeah, whatev.

[NamPaehc]

PSPfanboy has a review up if you missed it. (http://www.pspfanboy.com/2008/02/20/psp-fanboy-review-patapon/)

... In the end Patapon is a surprisingly long (15-18 hours), surprisingly deep game that is half the price of most PSP games. At times it can be frustrating, but a surprisingly potent story, mixed with some of the most unique and addictive gameplay to hit the handheld yet makes Patapon an easy recommendation to any PSP owner.

Also look here for a few chances to win the Be@rbrick too. (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173352)

[Rei no Otaku]

Yeah, whatev.
Umm, but that's the truth. Tomorrow is the ship date. It'll be in stores Wednesday.

[Key]

Umm, but that's the truth. Tomorrow is the ship date. It'll be in stores Wednesday.

I never knew that, and now I feel bad for thinking such mean things about the people who work at the GameStop near my house. http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v85/asanorain/emotes/kekekegay.gif

[sfriedlander]

Pata Pata Pata Pon. Pon Pon Pata Pon

[Mr. Anderson]

Paid off my pre-order today (and picked up FFXII). I can't wait till Thursday. :D

[RelentlessRolento]

isn't it Wed? not thurs?

[Rei no Otaku]

isn't it Wed? not thurs?
Yup! Can't wait. Though I have work >.<

[KillJoi99]

Yea, I played it for the first time last night. The game is a little wierd to get used to but when you do it is awesome. I think this is the type of game they needed to bring in casual gamers.

[NamPaehc]

Video Interview with game developer. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eTi2Lq-hV-g)

[NamPaehc]

PSBlog update. (http://blog.us.playstation.com/2008/02/26/p-day-is-upon-us/)


Gather up all spears and swords; mount the horses (http://youtube.com/watch?v=Wg5qLx_ACeU) and man the catapults (http://youtube.com/watch?v=LuC6jeKjTdg); shelter all the women and children: P-day is upon us!
Yes kids, Patapon is now available at all your fine retail shops, mega-stores and game stores nationwide (http://maps.google.com/). You are but a drive (walk, bike, skate) away from drumming up mighty rain clouds (http://youtube.com/watch?v=3cscZeUqxxM) and creating unstoppable kawaii-armies of doom (http://youtube.com/watch?v=8KDyooS7hnc) (to the Zigotons that is)!
Cold Pata-feet
If you’re on the fence or have commitment issues, here are a few items to help you decide and take the pata-plunge:
Check out the demo (http://blog.wired.com/games/2008/02/patapon-demo-av.html) available for download at the PlayStation Network Store (http://store.playstation.com/store/product.vm?id=UP9000-UCUS98721_00-PATAPONPSNDEMO08) or Patapon Web site (http://www.pataponpsp.com/).
Read the accolades here (http://psp.ign.com/articles/852/852601p1.html), here (http://www.gamespot.com/psp/action/patapon/review.html?om_act=convert&om_clk=tabs&tag=tabs;reviews), here (http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3166685), here (http://kotaku.com/360122/week-in-games-patapon-edition), and here (http://www.gamepro.com/sony/psp/games/reviews/162888.shtml) (Not to mention here (http://blogs.ign.com/Greggy-IGN/2008/02/15/80749/) - Pata-Props (http://psp.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r34272.htm) for the sweet Pics).
Stroll through our Patapon trophy casehttp://farm4.static.flickr.com/3101/2295115476_74c52bf672.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/2295115476/)
What the reviewers are saying:“Patapon is the greatest game this system has ever seen“- IGN.com
“unlike any game that has come before it” - GameSpot
“a bona fide hit for the PSP.”- GamePro
“just dynamite.”- Electronic Gaming Monthly
How else do you plan to spend 20 bucks? (http://www.stuffonmycat.com/index.php?itemid=4375)Pata-Updates
Fear not, ye weary Patapon fighters, we’ll be checking in here on Patapost Friday with game strategy and special tips. So if you have questions on gameplay or are feeling a bit stuck: drop us a note, we’ll see if we answer them then.


Till Friday … same Pata-time, same Pata-channel.

[RelentlessRolento]

c'mon i's gotsta haves yuh!

[xeno]

cant wait till tomorrow....

[Mr. Anderson]

Picking up my pre-order at lunch, and I can't wait!

[Rei no Otaku]

I could pick mine up at around 12, but I have work at 6 (Gamestop) and I don't want to go there if I have to go in tonight anyway. So I'll be waiting T.T

[seanr1221]

Oooo Oooo Oooo OOOo study history or buy Pataponnnnnnnn

:whee:

WHAT TO DO?!

[Halo05]

:whee::whee::whee::whee:

This is the best emote ever.

[bmachine]

Oooo Oooo Oooo OOOo study history or buy Pataponnnnnnnn

:whee:

WHAT TO DO?!

Buy Patapon, of course...History will always be there!

"Pon Pon Pata Pon" is this year's "Moja! Moja!"

[metaly]

Ugh, just realized I forgot both my Best Buy and Fry's gift cards at home. I guess I'll pick this up tomorrow.

[freakyzeeky]

I want this game... but I'm broke until at least this Friday. I'll probably pick it up then. :)

[Kendal]

Buy Patapon, of course...History will always be there!

"Pon Pon Pata Pon" is this year's "Moja! Moja!"

Moja! Moja! What is that from?

I am on the fence about the game. I played the demo and it was good. I have a $5 off reward at Best Buy, or I could wait and get it from GameFly next month for $10 off. I think I will just buy it from BB and sell it at cost if I don't like it.

[NamPaehc]

Moja! Moja! What is that from?

http://www.pinkgodzillagames.com/gaming/lr-moja-thumb.gif