Last year, SCEA launched a gem out of left field for their handheld system. Patapon was a strategy/rhythm game hybrid that took fun gameplay and a charming universe of characters. The game was a huge hit from a critical standpoint, and now SCEA is readying to release the sequel, Patapon 2, to PSP gamers everywhere.

However, this time around there’s a catch: Sony has decided to release Patapon 2 as a download only title, in a possible effort to test the waters for future titles (and maybe a UMD-less PSP, but that’s another story…). However, as much of a caveat as this may be for some gamers, skipping out on this title would be a huge mistake. Our early impressions of the game are tremendously solid, and this could very well be one of the best games available for the PSP, download or otherwise.

Patapon 2’s gameplay will feel immediately familiar to fans of the original game. You lead a group of Patapon warriors across a 2D plane, guiding them by rhythmically hitting your battle drum to the beat. Depending on what buttons you press, you’re warriors will perform different functions, as in advancing or attacking and defending. However, they’ll only respond if your stay in the beat; if you lack the rhythm necessary, you’ll possibly doom your little warriors to a dire fate. On the other hand, if you keep in the rhythm, your soldiers will be stronger and will get into “Fever” mode, allowing them to attack more powerfully and even perform special moves to the beat.

Patapon 2 doesn’t deviate much from its predecessor, but offers some great new additions to the gameplay formula. Hero units (called “Heropons”) have been added to the mix. Heropons can not only be revived should they perish during battle, but they also have special abilities that they can perform when you go into Fever mode. Heropon can take the properties of other soldiers in the game, allowing them to become a powerful asset to help you gain the upper hand.

Aside from Heropons, you have other new units to help you as you play, including Toripons, bird-like units capable of high ranged attacks, Robopons that attack with spinning fists, and others. In order to access these additional classes of warriors, you need to move up the evolutionary tree, another new feature that allows you to gain new warrior types by playing through the game and leveling up your Patapons.

Patapon 2 retains the fantastic look of its predecessor, with charmingly designed characters and a simple yet effective look. The silhouetted art design is simple yet very cool looking, and some of the bigger enemies are pretty impressive without being too technologically advanced.

The sound is pretty much the same as the first Patapon title, meaning the same squeaky voices and quirky soundtrack are on offer here. That’s not a bad thing, as it adds to the game’s overall charm.

All things considered, this entry more than captures the feel of its predecessor while adding in some great new features, and easily ranks as one of the best games on the PSP. Don’t miss out on this downloadable gem.

Gameplay: 9.0
Simple yet totally engaging, Patapon 2 is a very addictive and exciting title. The new features and units will definitely appeal to fans of the original and give them more reason to check out this sequel.

Graphics: 8.5
The character models and environments have a great design to them, and are quite charming to look at.

Sound: 8.0
The sound and music effects haven’t really been changed much from the original title, but still sound good overall.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 8.5
While not a huge departure from the original Patapon in terms of gameplay, the added features do help to make the game that much more engaging.

Overall: 9.0
Patapon 2 is a fine sequel, offering compelling new features while keeping the charm that made the first game so great. Fans of the original would do well to check this one out.