You’ll need to finish the game first but once done, the mode uses that clear data, essentially letting you test the limits of your troops against waves of bosses. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that each stage will see the bosses becoming stronger and more numerous. Of course, if you’re not confident in their abilities, it’s still possible to enhance and upgrade your Patapon.

Bandai Namco hasn’t clarified whether this is the only post-launch update for Patapon 1 + 2 Replay so we’ll need to wait for more details. In the meantime, check out our review for the PS5 version, which we gave a seven out of ten. The compilation is also available on Nintendo Switch and PC.

However, something goes wrong and they’re thrown even further back. With the future in jeopardy and Shinjuku as its epicenter, the race is on to investigate anomalies and stop the calamity. Of course, this involves capturing and raising Digimon, interacting with residents of the Digimon World and even traversing to the latter.

Digimon Story: Time Stranger introduces some neat new mechanics in this endeavor, from Digimon instantly defeating lower-level enemies on the field to Cross Arts and Agent Skills. For more details, check out our review (though be warned that the story isn’t much to write home about). A free demo is also available with progress transferring to the game.

Those who own the Season Pass or Digital Deluxe Edition can look forward to three DLC packs in the future, which include new “episodes.” Each also contains five new Digimon.

It goes Pata-pata-pata-pon, and has been distinctly missing since 2007. Sure, a spiritual successor, Ratatan, is on the way but based on its delay, it clearly needs more to really match the original. To truly capture the pata and the pon in its truest sense.

Fortunately, at least for fans, Bandai Namco Entertainment has brought forth the first two games in the franchise into one remastered package with Patapon 1 + 2 Replay. The results are, well, as Patapon as can be, and while it’s an acquired taste among rhythm game aficionados and casuals alike, there are some areas that could have used significant improvement. The fact that they’ve remained the same for this long is as baffling as it is annoying, but we’ll get to that.

"As for the Patapons themselves, they start out as spearmen but you can eventually unlock shield-wielding frontliners, archers, and much more, with Patapon 2 diversifying the line-up further with flying and magic-wielding units."

Patapon tells the tale of the titular tribe, who reunite with the Mighty Patapon (aka, you) to find Earthend and witness “IT” after a sudden fall from their peak. What is “IT”? Why is “IT”? No one knows but with the tribe in tatters, it’s up to you to feed, arm and lead them through various expeditions, including battles against the Zigoton, a rival tribe. You do this by playing drums in certain combinations to dole out commands, whether it’s to advance forward, attack, defend or even call down rain.

That last bit requires Fever mode, which activates when you’ve successfully played the tunes without fail (and sooner if you nail them perfectly). It gives a boost to your Patapon’s stats, making them more potent at attack and defense. As for the Patapons themselves, they start out as spearmen but you can eventually unlock shield-wielding frontliners, archers, and much more, with Patapon 2 diversifying the line-up further with flying and magic-wielding units. At the center of all this is the Hatapon, who is the de facto leader in the army and also the most vulnerable. If he dies, it’s mission failed, we’ll get ’em next time.

Rarepons can appear as you upgrade Patapons with materials collected from missions – Pykola, for instance, has increased movement speed and provides extensive benefits for Dekapons, which are heavy attackers. Patapon 2 improves on this whole system with an evolution map which lets you actually choose which Rarepons to develop and specialize in. It’s a big step up in terms of progression and gives much finer control over a unit’s development, especially when the Heropon enters the mix and adds their own flavor to unlocked classes.

Each Patapon can have different equipment, though there’s an optimize button to quickly bestow them with the best stuff. Strangely enough, there’s no “Optimize All” function – you have to customize each unit separately, which can become a chore. Still, there are a plethora of unlocks and equipment, and it can be fun to watch your initial cadres turn into this deathball that can quickly roll over any hapless fool (or animal).

At heart, Patapon 1 and 2 are strategy-lites, where group composition, knowledge of enemy types in a mission and correct use of commands ensures victory. The latter is where things get dicey, since some bosses like the Dodonga and Majidonga, can move around and since your units’ attack range can be somewhat limited, it’s very easy to miss a damage cycle.

"The art direction is also great, whether it’s the design of the Patapons and monsters, the backgrounds, effects or animations. However, it would have been nice to see more bells, whistles and quality of life features added by Bandai Namco."

It’s especially frustrating against Majidonga, since it devours your units without any way to avoid it (at least, in the early going), caps and all. Caps represent fallen units and retrieving them allows for resurrecting them back at Patapolis, your base. If the cap isn’t retrieved or, as noted, devoured, then you’ll need to spend materials to restock your units. Don’t have those materials? Better go grind the same missions and hope that you get the damage cycles down pat, lest even wild prey escapes and the mission is failed.

Grinding has always been an issue with the Patapon series, especially with how repetitive the gameplay loop can get. Yes, you gain access to miracles and whatnot, and there are environmental hazards in later stages which require mastering them to progress. But for the most part, you’re alternating between the same handful of commands while keeping a close eye on the movement of enemy units to ensure no wasted effort.

The soundtrack is the other core pillar and, credit where it’s due, it doesn’t just hold up by today’s standards. It’s a genuine joy to listen to. Successfully chaining together commands and unlocking more of a song, Patapon enigmatically chanting as the tempo rises, feels great. Watching your units dance while marching or raising their weapons in the middle of combat to the beat is also a nice touch. The incessant Patapon-ing can feel annoying when repeating missions, but otherwise, it’s engrossing enough when venturing to new stages and listening to new tunes. Unfortunately, the “Fever!” notification still drowns out the beat and can cause you to mess up the timing, especially if you’re not paying attention to the flashing borders on the screen.

The art direction is also great, whether it’s the design of the Patapons and monsters, the backgrounds, effects or animations. However, it would have been nice to see more bells, whistles and quality of life features added by Bandai Namco. You can adjust the beat timing and game difficulty, and toggle the buttons required for commands to remain on screen. Coming off of the calibration seen in games like Rhythm Doctor and Rift of the Necrodancer, it’s kind of disappointing to see Patapon Replay 1 + 2 simply letting you select a number from one to five.

"Of course, even for long-time fans of the franchise, it feels like Patapon 1 + 2 Replay could have aspired to more. If you’re truly keen on revisiting the classics, if only to witness the more unorthodox side of PlayStation, it may be worth checking out."

If you can embrace both titles, warts and all, they have quite a bit to offer with dozens of hours of content each. Taken as a simple re-release, Patapon 1 + 2 Replay does its job competently enough. When I was entranced by the beat, swapping between attacking and defending like it was a subtle dance between two sides, the experience really hit its stride. When I fail a fight against a monster simply because I didn’t upgrade my units enough or equip them with whatever was available, all those perfect rhythms and never-ending Fever felt completely superfluous. Failing in those circumstances just added insult to injury.

Of course, even for long-time fans of the franchise, it feels like Patapon 1 + 2 Replay could have aspired to more. If you’re truly keen on revisiting the classics, if only to witness the more unorthodox side of PlayStation, it may be worth checking out. But those who want to recapture the magic from the old days of the PlayStation Portable may find it somewhat lacking, whether it’s in terms of the gameplay and various annoyances or the amount of effort put into both remasters.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 5.

Developed by Engine Software, The remaster offers several visual improvements, including volumetric lighting, water effects, ray-traced reflections, and additional particles. It also supports 4K and 60 FPS, with console versions able to choose Quality and Performance Modes for better resolution or performance. There are also “helpers” to assist players. Unlike Little Nightmares 2: Enhanced Edition, current owners of the original seemingly won’t receive a free upgrade.

Little Nightmares 3 also launches on October 10th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. Check out the latest trailer here, which unveils the creepy Carnevale level and its myriad of disgusting threats.

Set in a dystopic version of Earth, nations are replaced by Panopticons as most of the populace suffers from prison sentences. The protagonist is sentenced to one million years for the “crime of living” and must undertake missions to battle Abductors and hostile Panopticons to reduce it.

While Freedom Wars Remastered offers the same gameplay and aesthetic, it supports resolutions up to 4K and 60 FPS, a new difficulty level, quality of life features for progression, and improvements to combat. For example, movement speed is faster, and you can cancel attacks with Thorns. You can also remap the controls.

Multiplayer also offers new options, while all previous cosmetic DLC are available for customization. The character voices have also been refreshed. Check out the systems trailer for more details.

More noteworthy upgrades include increased movement speed and animation canceling when activating Thorns. Players can also look forward to renewed controls, including full remapping. There are also some quality-of-life features, like modules functioning as separate items, letting you attach and detach them from weapons as necessary.

Module Synthesis has also been added to upgrade modules, with the success rate increasing if you take help from rescued citizens. Those seeking a challenge can engage in Deadly Sinner mode, which increases the years of sentence from penalties, while all previously released cosmetic DLC is included for customization.

Freedom Wars Remastered launches on January 10th for PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It also features various graphical improvements, including 4K resolution and 60 frames per second support.

The premise involves a far-flung future where humanity is confined to Panopticons, fighting over resources. As a Sinner, you have a one million-year sentence to serve and must participate in combat operations against the Abductors to fight for freedom. While it retains the same combat and story, Freedom Wars Remastered features a 4K resolution, 60 FPS support, and improved textures on PlayStation and PC.

Alongside difficulty settings and a revamped crafting system, it also features “refined” controls. The eight-player co-op remains intact, though it remains to be seen if the League of Panopticons online feature carries over. Stay tuned for more details on Freedom Wars Remastered, and check out some extensive gameplay below courtesy of Famitsu.

Lasting until 6:50 PM PDT, the presentation is panel-style and features the “top anime game makers from Japan.” Franchises like Dragon Ball, Gundam and Sword Art Online will receive news and updates, while attendees can play Dragon Ball: Sparking! ZERO, Sword Art Online: Fractured Daydream, and Gundam Breaker 4 at the publisher’s booths. At the very least, Dragon Ball fans can expect new gameplay from Sparking! ZERO, which launches on October 11th.

It remains to be seen if Ace Combat 8, rumored to be Bandai Namco’s next “large-scale project”, is revealed. Developed alongside ORCA and ILCA, the sequel runs on Unreal Engine 5. Since it’s technically not from an anime game maker, there likely won’t be an announcement, but here’s hoping. Stay tuned for updates in the meantime.

Based on Akira Toriyama’s 2000 manga, SAND LAND occurs in a post-apocalyptic world with near-endless plains of sand and an acute water shortage. With the Royal Army hoarding much of the water supply, it’s up to the Fiend Prince Beelzebub, Sheriff Rao and Thief to find the Legendary Spring. However, things aren’t as they seem, and the trio must overcome many trials and prejudices to succeed.

Though Beelze can fight hand-to-hand, with his allies providing support, players can also customize and pilot different vehicles against enemies. Each offers other benefits, like the Jump-Bot’s ability to reach higher elevations or the motorcycle’s quick speed. If you’re keen on its gameplay, check out the free demo.

Adapted from Akira Toriyama’s 2000 manga, SAND LAND sees the Fiend Prince Beelzebub and his advisor, Thief, allying with Sheriff Rao. Their mission is to locate the Legendary Spring, but that’s only one part of the story. Throughout their journey, they’ll discover other allies like Ann, a mechanic skilled in repairing and assembling bots.

Those bots are especially essential when traversing the treacherous Sand Land, whether relying on a motorcycle to cross quicksand or a Jump-Bot to surmount obstacles. They also make it easier to go toe-to-toe with the Royal Army, wild creatures and other threats, though Beelze is more than capable of throwing hands.

For more details, check out our review for SAND LAND here. We awarded it a 7 out of 10 for its visuals, narrative, cast and fun vehicular combat, even though the side quest design, dialogue and other aspects were lacking.