Patapon

Patapon is a 2007 handheld rhythm strategy game developed by Pyramid and Japan Studio for the PlayStation Portable. Players act as an all-powerful deity worshipped by a tribe of tiny, one-eyed warriors, guiding them on a quest across a hostile land toward the fabled edge of the world.

The game fused rhythm and strategy in a novel way: players tapped drum-beat button sequences in time with the music to issue commands, such as advancing, attacking, defending or retreating, and keeping a steady combo triggered a "Fever" state that empowered the troops and altered the music. Its striking flat, silhouette-based art style, catchy chants and escalating difficulty against giant monsters made it instantly memorable and rhythmically demanding.

Patapon stood out as one of the PSP's most creative, charming and original titles, spawning two sequels that expanded its systems. Its original entry has been remastered for later platforms, letting new players march to its distinctive rhythmic beat.