Patapon 3

The series has certainly seen a lot of changes in its gameplay and thankfully, this third iteration, although still coupled with a few minor issues, is significantly more accessible than the previous release and a joy to play.

Multi-level dungeons, versus mode races and battles, baby dragons, class skills that level-up behind the scenes, humor, color, addiction -- I could sit here for hours and tell you how good this game is.

This game doesn't bring freshness to the series, but it is still a great and entertaining game, and now has a great multiplayer.

Solid rhythm action warfare complete with insanely catchy beats. [June 2011, p.84]

Easily the best in the series, and a must-have for PSP owners. [June 2011, p.92]

Those who will get into this sparkling and friendly installment of the Patapon franchise will definitely enjoy a game filled with content, especially if played with friends.

The concept of Patapon still stands like a house. The gameplay is more of the same with important but little improvements to make it fun to play for the third time. The gameplay is very deep, the graphics are nice and the audio can be really annoying, but sounds good at the same time. The third Patapon game is just like the two previous ones - a fine game.

Patapon 3 belongs to an array of games which changed the world a little bit. It's insanely addictive, training your Patapons will consume your time completely, and there's nothing more to add than a recommendation.

Patapon 3 is much more than a rhythm game or a strategy game. It's a charming experience. A creativity, fashion with unique style game with a revolutionary and inventive feeling. A last breath on PSP with a wonderful and incredible multiplayer experience.

It's great, again, and the additions bring a wave of fresh air to the experience. [Issue#205, p.89]

The whole experience is just as addictive as its predecessors, and now that it's got infrastructure cooperative and competitive multiplayer, we no longer have to face this adventure alone. [June 2011, p.80]

Patapon 3 is the third game of the series that originated on the PSP. The game has been enhanced by online and simplified.

Once you hit the sweet spots, it's the most satisfying ting on PSP. [May 2011, p.102]

The originality of the first Patapon gave way to a greater sense of responsibility and the success needs constant upgrades.

It's a real shame that Pyramid have made such a hard game that demands so much grinding. The Patapon series' drum based strategy should be made accessible for a bigger audience. Patapon 2 is the best in the series for newcomers.

Patapon 3 builds upon the rhythm-based strategy formula of its predecessors and adds both meaningful leveling mechanics and a wealth of multiplayer options.

Without changing the basic principle mixing rythm game and strategy game, Patapon 3 introduces some new things and some tweaks that will appeal to both the newcomers and the others. With 4 characters rather than a mass of Patapons to control, and a revised progression system to go accordingly, the tactical aspect of the game ventures to new horizons, while remaining efficient. It's still a demanding game, sometimes unfairly difficult, but also more accessible (by displaying the rythm combos at the bottom of the screen) - a progress for some, a shortcoming for others. Overall, it's still as enticing as ever thanks to a spot-on design, and muscis on cannot get out of his head by simply turning the power off.

One of this year's best games for the PSP.

Patapon 3 is very much the same as what we saw in earlier chapters of the franchise. The rhythm is its most important feature along with the new multiplayer options that've been included on this episode, with not only a competitive edge but also with a cooperative essense that will conquer the die-hard fans of the series. Buy it if you love Patapon, but don't expect something as authentic as its previous chapters.

A pretty and very entertaining 2D RTS slash bemani game. There's nothing quite like it, unless you count earlier Patapons. A bit repetitive, though. [May 2011]

Patapon 3 is here, but it's lost something since the second game. There's a missing sense of personality, which was a huge part of the appeal of Patapon 1 and 2. The core game is still great, and there's plenty of good material, but the first two games are undeniably better.

Patapon maniacs will find a lot to keep them interested: this is a long game, especially at $20, and there's a lot to the online if you can deal with its rough edges.

Patapon 3 is an amazing audiovisual game working based on proven principles. In the ever improving competition in mobile gaming Patapon could feel bit obsolete. [Issue#204]

A solid addition to the series that potentially offers plenty of additional scope due to its enhanced multiplayer component. [Issue#109, p.115]

The most fully featured and deepest entry in the Patapon series so far, but definitely not the most fun or accessible.

Patapon 3, unfortunately, isn't the chapter that is finally able to evolve the brand. Recommended only to fans of Patapon or who are intrigued by the saga.

There's nothing wrong with Patapon 3: exciting gameplay, deep story, rhythm and real time strategy, combine each other in a fancy role play game. But, except for a good multiplayer mode, the differences between this third chapter and its ancestors stop here. Though this is not necessarily a bad thing, after 3 chapters without innovation, the same mechanics risk becoming boring.

If you're willing to spend a few hours to teach yourself how the game works, you might just enjoy how the game plays.

Patapon 3's whimsical surface seems inviting and opportunistic, but its heart remains confidently wrapped in its own minutia. With its charm spent on the previous two entries, the third is like the pizza with too many weird toppings. Patapon 3 is not quite a success, but in an age when difficulty and intricacy are often exchanged for accessibility I can certainly appreciate its mission (from afar, anyway).

You have to dig a little deeper, but that Patapon goodness is still overflowing in Patapon 3. It's just too bad its creators are starting to forget what made it so great and special in the first place.

Patapon 3 is, in many ways, a typical third instalment: bigger, prettier, more difficult, and much more complicated. But that often works against it rather than in its favour, diluting that brilliant and unique rhythm-action strategy gameplay.

I have a hard time recommending this to Patapon newcomers. Even experienced players will likely get steamed over the roadblocks. If you think you have what it takes to form a good multiplayer co-op team and you're dedicated enough to overcome the difficulties and coordinate online meet-ups, you have a good time. You'll have to decide for yourself whether this storm cloud's silver lining is worth it.

The jaded mechanics of Patapon 3 are masked behind a stunning piece of art and repetitive gameplay, but it does enough to keep the fans happy.

Though still unique, Patapon's crisp, minimalist art design and central mechanic is no longer a strong enough draw to excuse its repetitiveness and price tag. [May 2011, p.99]

At its best, Patapon 3 can be addicting and make you feel invincible. At its worst, it's frustrating and unnecessarily complicated. Whether this third instalment should be a part of your collection depends solely on your need for another shot of Patapon, because for newcomers, previous iterations are a more suitable choice.

Being bigger and badder can be seen as nice choice for Patapon 3 if you're aiming for an hardcore audience, but its difficulty and its darker universe could also frighten the newcomers. A good but tough game.

Patapon 3 doesn't quite make it all the way, despite the much sought-after multiplayer and the entrancing music. The large amounts of micromanagement and grinding draws focus from the core gameplay, and the end result is a finicky adventure where the outcome depends more on your equipment than your ability to drum up proper instructions.

The once inspired mix of rhythm action and real-time strategy becomes further diluted by obscure rules and needlessly high difficulty.

Ultimately, Patapon 3 is the product of big dreams half-achieved. Around every corner, it buckles beneath the weight of its own ambition, hoping that its catchy, four-measure jingles and visual charm can redeem its rage-inducing missteps.