Wikipedia posted:

The player controls a tribe consisting of infantry, ranged troops and cavalry. Initially, the player's forces consist of only a few spearmen named Yaripon but as the game progresses, more units, greater warriors and more powerful weapons can be obtained. The army is commanded by beating rhythm combos on four different talking drums. Different combos tell the player's group of Patapons to do various things such as advance, attack, retreat, and defend. Keeping the rhythm going and not missing a beat puts the army in Fever mode, which increases its combat abilities.