Louder, scarier but not better

In its third installment, Japanese rhythm game Patapon 3 scores over its prequels with multiplayer support, graphics and new features, albiet a weaker storyline.

After running two successful generations of Patapon, Sony's Japan Studio recently released Patapon 3 for PlayStation Portable. The award-winning game traditionally follows the adventures of a warrior tribe, of the same moniker, bent on reclaiming its land from the enemy Zigatons. The Patapon army marches and attacks on the command of the players. Gamers are supposed to mimic the sound of a drumbeat in order to move and attack. The minion-resembling army marches along singing pata-pata-pata-poon.

Designed in a story format, Patapon 3 begins where the previous game ended. The army has just conquered Rainbow Bridge and crossed the river to a new land, where they find a mysterious box. Upon opening the box, they are greeted by Seven Evil Archfiends, who petrify everyone, except the flag carrier Hatapon. A new tribe Bonedeths is determined to crush the Patapons. Also, inside the box is Silver Hoshipon, who found the Almighty and offered to help restore some of the Patapons back to life.

The first Patapon Hoshipon restored is Hero, fusing him with the Almighty and thus transforming him into the Uberhero (a stronger version of Hero), augmenting his powers. Together, they find Hatapon and bring Patapons back to life to defeat the Achfiends. The player is introduced to new shops, barracks, the Herogate and the rest of the new features.

What sets Patapon 3 apart from its predecessors is the fact that characters are scarier and wars more gruesome than cute. The Hero and Uberhero are larger in size and stronger in attacks. They growl and march instead of squeaking in childlike voices like Patapon. And the game is multiplayer, which allows you to role-play easily. For lovers of part 1 and 2, this is a natural evolution must-have. But if you aren't well versed with Patapon player tactics, you might find this game a tad confusing.

Verdict
Better graphics, features and multiplayer support allows role-play. No pause feature is a major restriction still. Storyline evolution from Patapon 1 and 2. New players will find it confusing.

Rating: **