The Kibapon is a playable Patapon class in the Patapon series, having made its debut in the very first game. It is usually the first new Patapon class to be unlocked in a game. Its name comes from kiba (騎馬), which means "horse-rider" in Japanese.
Description[]
Kibapons are the cavalry unit of the Patapon army, riding horses and wielding halberds (as well as spears and, for a certain class, shields in Patapon 3). While normally ineffectual, their speed and knockback greatly increases in Fever Mode, allowing them to charge forward and send enemy troops into disarray. A full Kibapon squad consists of 3 Kibapons.
According to Patapon lore, there was once a Kibapon warrior who was able to charge with enough force to part the ocean. This legend forms the basis of the Kibapon Memory in Patapon 2,
Tactical Analysis[]
Unlike Yaripons and Toripons, who throw their spears, Kibapons use their weapons at melee range by having their steeds charge into battle. Initially, they only travel a short distance from Hatapon, but they can travel much further when they enter Fever Mode; this also increases their defense and allows them to continuously damage any enemy they touch (the latter pairs nicely with status effects like Stagger or Freeze). Their charging attacks allow them to move in and out of enemy attack range to some extent, also forcing incoming foes to back off and collecting distant resources and equipment. Their defensive action (via Chaka Chaka) has them perform a short charge with their lances; coupled with Fever Mode and Tatepon defenses, this allows them to be as effective on defense as they are on offense.
Even by Patapon standards, Kibapons are extremely weak without Fever Mode, essentially becoming frailer Tatepons that can't protect their allies. Aside from that, they can be seriously hindered by knockback and stagger effects, which can interrupt their charges or shorten their range.
Overall, Kibapons can be a bit difficult to utilize at first, but with the right equipment and sufficient skill to maintain Fever Mode, they're one of the best damage-dealing classes at the Almighty's disposal.
Best Rarepon Options[]
Kibapons are made for speed, boasting the highest mobility amongst Patapon units; as such, they should evolve into Rarepons with movement speed bonuses and avoid Rarepons that reduce movement speed. Attack speed is comparatively unimportant, as Kibapons deal damage through contact during their charges.
In the first game, Kibapons are great fits for Pyokola in the early game and reap great benefits from Barsala later on; on the other hand, the speed-lowering Mogyoon should be avoided. Mofeel can be handy for increasing their durability and knockback resistance, but the fire weakness needs to be accounted for; equipping a Crimson Horse can at least remove the risk of being Ignited.
In Patapon 2, it's best to start Kibapons as Pyopyo for the high movement speed (and a handy Freeze resistance); in contrast, Buhyokko's speed penalties can mess up their attack rhythm, even if the bulk and knockback resistance can come in handy. As the game progresses, Menyokki and Mashu synergize well with their Fever-boosted charges, allowing them to be effective boss-farmers (especially since they can grab drops at greater range than other units). Their best "final" evolution option is probably Sabara for its speed and critical power; Gyaba is fairly useful for its bulk and Ignite abilities, but Mogyu should be avoided due to its ponderous nature poorly synergizing with the Kibapon's mobility-focused attacks.
Acquisition[]
Patapon[]
Kibapons will be available after defeating Zaknel in the Deplorable Desert and retrieving Kibapon's Memory. They are created by using Stones and Ores.
Patapon 2[]
To unlock the Kibapon in the new Evolution Map, you have to evolve a Yaripon into a Pyopyo. This is the easiest class to get, as the option to evolve into a Pyopyo is already unlocked when evolution becomes available.
Kibapons are created with Bones and Wood. Later, you will need Hides and Stones to improve their levels.
Patapon 3[]
There are two Kibapon classes in Patapon 3, Kibadda and Pyokorider.
To unlock Kibadda, you need to level Yarida to Level 3.
To unlock Pyokorider, you need to level Kibadda to Level 8.
Abilities[]
Fever[]
In Fever mode, Kibapons become fast and strong, performing strong charges into the enemy lines for impressive knockback. They also gain immunity to most damage, and the ability to push back front-line units. They charge even if there are no enemies around, making them useful for picking up items and Ka-ching.
ChakaChaka[]
The Kibapons charge at enemies within a short range.
PonChaka~PonPon[]
If used outside of Fever, Kibapons will do the same charge as in Fever mode. If used while in Fever, however, Kibapons will stay at the maximum range of their charge after attacking. When the attack song is used again, they will immediately begin charging again from that point, dealing maximum damage before going back again.
Hero Modes[]
Patapon 2[]
The Destroyer: The KibaponHero will charge forward with a purple aura, dealing great damage to everything in its path.
Patapon 3[]
Kibadda[]
Mad Charge: Same as the Kibapon Hero Mode in Patapon 2; Kibadda will charge forward, scores many hits, moves back before charging forward again.
Pyokorider[]
Illusion: Pyokorider creates a doppelganger that will rush forward to attack and obtain items, keeping the real Uberhero safe at the rear.
Legend[]
"This mighty warrior once parted the seas in a frenzied charge."
Computer and Komu Kibapons[]
- Spiderton: One of the Zigoton Generals, fought alongside the Ziggerzank.
- Silba: "He appears on horseback, riding where none dare tread! His form must be that of a true warrior!"
- Ladodon: "Clad in crimson, he shouts, 'When you see them, strike! Strike! Don't look away, strike! Strike! I don't care who I'm facing, just strike!!!'" (Likes to go into Hero Mode Often)
- Magmag: "A long-serving hero with strong magic to freeze enemies. He's an aggressive attacker, contrary to what his cute name would suggest."
Trivia[]
- In the original Patapon, Kibapons are the only Patapon units aside from the standard trio (Yaripon, Tatepon, Yumipon) which can wear helms as a normal unit; Dekapons and Megapons can't wear helms no matter what.
- In the selection room before going out on a mission, Kibapons hold their horses with their left hand, and the halberd is floating in mid-air.
- Kibapons and Toripons are the only Patapon units that ride an animal.
- Unlike other units who look at the screen when idle or marching, Kibapons always look forward.
- In the second and third game, the Kibapon's charging animation is identical to other units, but in the first game, their horses jump in place when charging.
- In Patapon 3, Kibadda gained a shield to complement his lance, but Pyokorider remains shieldless like Kibapons in Patapon 1 and 2. However, the credits sequence shows Pyokoriders with shields, suggesting they were also going to be able to use shields in gameplay at some point.
- In Patapon 2, the Kibapon Hero will charge continuously during Hero Mode. In Patapon 3, Kibadda will charge between intervals.