Gaming

Patapon 2 Remastered review: Held back by a beat

Staying true to the original, except for a few things

Published

March 16, 2020

Gab Orlina

When I first got a PlayStation Portable, Patapon 2 was not in my list of games to purchase upon receiving it. I gravitated towards games that mostly included combat or exploration — the two things Patapon, as a whole, wasn’t. Even when the first game got remastered for the PlayStation 4, I still didn’t bother trying it out.

So I’ve decided to finally give Patapon 2 Remastered a shot, with knowledge of the first game from some of my friends. I wanted a change of pace from all the shooter and racing games that I needed to just settle down for a bit. Maybe a game about rhythm and matching button mashing to drum beats can be a good change of pace.

Faithful to the original?

Patapon 2 Remastered brings back the core gameplay of the 2009 original, which is pretty simple. It’s a game of matching the beat of the Patapons’ drums using every button on the right of the controller. In order to progress through the game, you will learn button combinations to move, attack, and defend against enemies. Also, to add more power to attacks, you have to sustain the combos without going off-sync.

If this is your first time ever playing any Patapon game, it’s a game mechanic that requires some patience. Timing the button presses to the beat alone is actually stress-inducing enough, but it’s not a steep learning curve. After some practice, you will get used to it; even if you mess up, there’s no penalty.

For those who have played the original game before, it’s nothing groundbreaking. The overall experience of the original is preserved in many ways, from the beat-matching to the combat style. If anything, gameplay feels a lot stricter in terms of syncing your button presses. But there is one flaw that the remaster has, which I’ll get to later.

Beautified original

I felt like the only real change this remaster has is in its visuals. I get it, the technology at the time of its release fails in comparison to today so that had to be expected. But, this wasn’t just slapping in crisper lines and darkening the fill on the Patapon army.

Overall, Patapon 2 Remastered gained the HD facelift that improved depth in background and character outlines. Colors in the background are more vibrant, and they hardly ever looked washed compared to the original. Animations were also snappier by comparison, proving that timing is of great importance for a game like this.

Differences and flaws from the original

Although, like any remaster done in the last few years, some things had to change. For one, the multiplayer option for certain features was removed. Patapon 2 for the PS4 is now just a single player adventure game, which isn’t much of a dealbreaker anyway. In its place, though, the game gives you all friendship-based equipment to use. Older players may have mixed feelings over this, but it really depends on how much you value nostalgia.

And another thing that’s changed, or at least is now a problem, is some level of input lag. The original game on the PSP didn’t have that much input lag — last time I checked. The game somehow thrived on smaller screens, so button mashing seemed like a total breeze at the time.

When you transition that to much larger screens, plus more enhanced visuals and controls, the problem starts to settle in. Several times, I literally kept saying, “I swear I pushed the button on the beat” whenever I input the right combinations. I know I should keep trying harder to match the drum beat, but even if I do match the beat it just won’t work. It’s wasting precious combos for stronger attacks.

Should you give it a try?

Listen, Patapon 2 Remastered is one good game when you need to pass some time. It’s all rhythm-based, and with enough patience and mastery you’ll finish the game in no time. If you’re one of the more nostalgic fans out there, it remains true to most of the original game.

I still fairly enjoyed the game even with the amount of input lag I experienced. I even found myself jamming to the beat just to keep the combo streak going. Also, I didn’t mind that it was now just a single player game, which I think most people would enjoy.

Overall, it’s one of those classic games that’s worth giving a try. It’s not as action-packed, and not as visually breathtaking, but it is fun to play on your own.

Related Topics:Patapon 2 Patapon 2 Remastered

Gaming

Gundam Rogue Orbit coming to consoles, PC in 2027

Bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic action

Published

June 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia has announced that Gundam Rogue Orbit is coming to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam in 2027.

The announcement trailer has also been released, showcasing high-mobility action. The title delivers a bold new take on Gundam through fast, cinematic combat in an all-new universe.

Gundam Rogue Orbit lets players suit up for humanity and become the pilot they were born to be.

RE-X is the protagonist and pilot of Gundam Helix. He boards the Gundam and fights to confront threats.

As players step into the cockpit, they will join a rag-tag crew of unsung soldiers, ready to face a powerful unknown threat.

Meanwhile, Sophia serves as the title’s heroine. She is a mysterious girl who monitors RE-X’s situation.

Gaming

K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut lets you become a K-pop group’s manager

K-pop Idol management sim launches July 16th

Published

June 17, 2026

GadgetMatch

PQube and Wisageni Studio have announced that K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut will release on July 16.

The K-pop Idol management sim is launching both physically and digitally on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, as well as digitally on Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam).

In addition, a newly updated demo is available right now on Xbox Series X|S and Steam.

The title invites players to recruit and manage their dream K-pop group on their journey to debut — a behind-the-scenes process those well into K-pop culture and fandom are pretty knowledgeable about.

The game lets players get a taste of life as a K-pop Idol manager, navigating the unpredictable challenges of the industry. There’s scouting talent, managing schedules, choosing outfits, planning social media, and organizing the perfect album.

Players can choose from eight unique trainees, from Minji to Ai. The lineup and skillset of your group is in your hands.

As the manager, it is your job to balance stamina, finances, and workload. Moreover, the bonds you build shape every outcome. Decisions influence how each character perceives you, unlocking new encounters, storylines, and endings.

K-pop Idol Stories: Road to Debut also features exclusive music and special vocal tracks for your group’s debut, produced just for the game. In between, there are mini-games which also contribute to your success as a manager.

As players wait for the game’s release next month, the new demo offers French, German, and Spanish localization, new interactions between trainees, and improved graphics.

Gaming

Kingdom Hearts IV gets new trailer, confirms Switch 2 release

Collection [I~III] launches October 8

Published

June 11, 2026

GadgetMatch

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Kingdom Hearts IV, offering another look at Sora’s next adventure and confirming the game is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Alongside the update, the company announced that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] will launch on October 8, 2026 for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC. Pre-orders are now open, while a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind is available starting today.

Kingdom Hearts IV returns

The new trailer offers another look at Quadratum, the mysterious city first revealed when Kingdom Hearts IV was announced.

According to Square Enix, Sora will encounter new characters, visit new worlds, and awaken new powers as the next chapter of the long-running action RPG series unfolds.

The publisher did not announce a release date for the game, saying more details will be revealed in the future.

Kingdom Hearts IV will launch for Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Collection bundles the series’ major releases

Square Enix also confirmed that Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] brings together Kingdom Hearts -HD 1.5+2.5 ReMIX-, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue, and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind in a single package.

The collection includes Kingdom Hearts Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts II Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep Final Mix, Kingdom Hearts Dream Drop Distance HD, Kingdom Hearts 0.2 Birth by Sleep, Kingdom Hearts III, and the Re Mind DLC, alongside several movie and cutscene compilations.

The release marks the arrival of native versions of these titles on Nintendo Switch 2. Previously, the games were available on Nintendo’s platform through cloud versions.

Free demo available now

Players can download a free Nintendo Switch 2 demo for Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind starting today.

The demo includes the opening portion of the game through Olympus, with save data carrying over to the full release. It also features a separate section set in Toy Box, the Toy Story-inspired world, although progress from that segment will not transfer.

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Digital pre-orders on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also include 48-hour early access for Kingdom Hearts Collection [I~III] and Kingdom Hearts III + Re Mind.