AlthoughPlayStationhas been the home to a number of high-profile exclusives during its decades-long history, not every IP has withstood the test of time. There are countless reasons whysome PlayStation franchises are more relevant than others, including industry changes, development circumstances, and the creative goals of individual studios, but with such a rich back catalog to draw from, it’s worth wondering just how many slumbering PlayStation franchises will remain out of the spotlight for good.
Pataponis a duology released for the PSP in 2007 and 2008. They are often described as rhythm games with a focus on strategy rather than precision or high-stakes combos that characterize the likes ofGuitar HeroandThumper. The franchise’s unique gameplay elements and instantly recognizable art style netted it a positive reception from critics and audiences alike, and it was generally viewed as something of a darling series for the PSP, and one of Japan Studios' more charming, interesting projects. Sadly,Pataponhasn’t seen a new release on anyPlayStationconsoles in the modern age, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a future. The mobile sector might be the best path forward.
Why Patapon Would Be a Great Fit for Mobile Devices
Patapon Has the Style and Substance of a Mobile Game Hit
On-the-go gaming has changed quite a bit over the years, with high-powered handhelds making a comeback thanks to the Nintendo Switch and, more recently,Valve’s more versatile Steam Deck. This corner of the gaming market is growing, but it’s undeniable that the advent of more powerful and ubiquitous smartphones has had a negative impact on more limited, dedicated mobile gaming platforms like the PSP and Nintendo DS.
Experiences that could once only be enjoyed on these proprietary devices were quickly made available on iOS and Android devices, and with so many consumers having these in their pockets, aseveral-hundred-dollar gaming system like the PSPgradually became a tougher sell. This impact is particularly evident when it comes to series likePatapon, which lacks both the visual fidelity and mechanical complexity to be a system seller. It’s odd, then, thatPataponnever migrated to contemporary mobile devices.
Pataponis still available on PS4, but its punchy visuals and straightforward controls make it an obvious fit for the mobile gaming market. The games revolve around simple combos, executed in time with music, leveraged to perform in-game actions like attacking and guarding. It’s easy to see how this sort of game could have long legs on smartphones, whose touch-screen displays can be limiting and cumbersome when it comes to the more in-depth controls of most AAA games;Patapon’s gameplay can be boiled down to performing simple taps, and there’s no reason why this can’t be translated to a touch-screen interface.
Patapon Could Help Sony Compete in the Mobile Market
Whether it’s a port or a full-fledged third entry in the series,Pataponon smartphones seems like an easy layup for Sony, especially ifthe company wishes to expand into the mobile games market. It may not hold up against Xbox’s recent acquisition of King, the company behind games likeCandy Crush, but it would be a great way to establish brand relevance in mobile gaming, leveraging the strength of a once-beloved franchise for easy recognition.
With AAA console gaming continuing to lean into blockbuster, cinematic production value thanks to the hardware arms race, there may not be much room for the more modestPataponin PlayStation’s exclusives lineup. But if the series were to be brought to mobile devices, it could enjoy a second life, as it arguably gels better with those platforms' capabilities and conventions.
PlayStation 5
Sony’s PlayStation 5 is part of the ninth console generation and debuted with a launch lineup that included Demon’s Souls and Astro’s Playroom. The console comes with a Blu-ray disc, although a digital-only edition is also available for a cheaper price.
