Patapon has players guiding a tribal army of eyeball-shaped creatures across the screen solely by rhythmic button tapping. By alternating six drumbeats with the four-button controls, players can command their wee warriors to attack, march, defend, retreat, use magic, and power up. The goal is to defeat the devious Zigoton army, who ousted the Patapon tribe from their homes.
Each unit can be equipped with customizable weapons and armor to offer different advantages in combat. Over 30 missions involve objectives such as hunting, escorts, and boss battles. More than 100 items and weapons can be unlocked throughout the course of play, with bonuses awarded for mastering five music-oriented mini-games. Patapon's distinctive visual style was created by French artist Rolito, whose abstract work can be found in toys, animation, and websites.