The Patapon series is quite unique in its control system, instead of pressing a button and having response, you are sending commands.
A command is a sequence of 4 buttons, timed with the game's rhythm. Once playing, there would be a white flashing border as a visual guide, plus the music itself should help you.
you input your 4 beats command, and then wait 4 beats for them to complete it. For example:
- User input: PATA PATA PATA PON
- Patapons preform: PATA PATA PATA PON (lasts 4 beats).
- User input: PON PON PATA PON
- Patapons preform: PON PON PATA PON
And so on...
Drums[edit]
There are 4 drums, each is assigned with one of the 4 face buttons of the PSP.
- Pata
- Pon
- Don
- Chaka
Songs[edit]
Songs, or commands, are sequences of 4 specific drums:
| Sequence | Button Sequence | Description |
|---|---|---|
| PATA PATA PATA PON |  •••
|
Onward March - Entire army walks forward |
| PON PON PATA PON | •••
|
Attack - This song will cause the army to attack |
| CHAKA CHAKA PATA PON |  •••
|
Defend - This song will cause the army to defend, use beofre a monster attacks. |
| PON PON CHAKA CHAKA | •••
|
Charge - After preforming this song, nothing will happen, but the next song will be powered up, use in conjunction with the Attack of the Defend songs. |
| PON PATA PON PATA | •••
|
Retreat - The army will run away for a single measure. Sometimes an enemy's attack is so powerful that even charged defense won't cut it. Careful that nothing's blocking your retreat path from behind (it could happen!) |
| PATA PON DON CHAKA | •• •
|
Party - Remove all harmful status from your army. Gives a lot of Summon energy. |
| DON DON CHAKA CHAKA | •••
|
Jump - Will cause your army to jump and remain in the air for a whole measure. Usually preformed in dungeons but also as attack evasion. |
| DON DONDON DONDON | ••
|
Summon - See Summon |
| PATA PON PATA PON | •••
|
Pause - NEW! You may now pause the game (unlike in the previous games). To obtain this song, complete the March and Attack practice course. After returning to the game, it would be as if you've just completed the Defense song. |
Fever[edit]
As you play, you will notice a worm appearing on the top left of the screen. This is the Fever worm, and it indicates... That's right, your Fever.
Once you achieve a perfect timing on all 4 beats, while having a combo of over 3 times, you'll gain Fever. While in Fever, attack and defense are both boosted. Also uberhero mode can only be preformed during fever.