Patapon 2 Fact Sheet @ Gaming Target

Written by John Scalzo on February 10, 2009

News: Patapon 2 is coming this Spring... or possibly this Summer.

Sony has announced that a sequel to the wild PSP rhythm game Patapon is in development and will be released either this Spring or this Summer.

Here's the scoop on Patapon 2, straight from Sony:

Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
Developer: Sony Computer Entertainment Japan Studio
Platform: PSP
Genre: Rhythm/Action
Players: 1 Ц 4 Players
Launch Date: Spring/Summer 2009
ESRB Rating: УRPФ for Rating Pending

Overview
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment's Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio/Pyramid, Patapon 2 sees the return of the beloved and innovative, rhythm-based 2D action game exclusively for the PSP system. In Patapon 2, a follow-up to the original that received critical acclaim, players are tasked with leading the colorful Patapons, a brave and noble tribe now in an unfamiliar land, through a series of epic battles against the opposing army and gigantic monsters. In a distinct gameplay twist, action and rhythm are intertwined as players utilize drumbeats to march, attack, and defend, ultimately leading the Patapon tribe to victory. Delivering more content and better gameplay in the single-player experience and introducing multi-player gameplay to the franchise through Game Sharing, Patapon 2 brings back the scampering eyeballs armed and more ready than ever for battle.

With 200%+ more content than the original, Patapon 2 features close to a hundred missions in a variety of new vivid 2D environments. Players will outfit their Patapon army, collect resources, and grow their tribe into a devastating fighting force. PataponЩ2 also presents new Patapon characters, including bird riders, robots and magicians. In this new adventure users will find even more rare Patapons and special weapons and equipment to equip and create an innumerable variety of squad combinations. Patapon 2 also introduces a fully customizable new warrior: Hero Patapon. Three additional drum beat commands have been added to enhance the robust tactical options and, of course, new songs are included for the missions, mini games and multiplayer play.

In Patapon 2, players use a variety of warrior types, along with a wide selection of weapon and shield upgrades, to strategically customize and position their army as they progress through this even funkier adventure. Players will easily get caught up in the addictive action by collecting rare weapons and items as the adventure unfolds, and by earning more points to upgrade to new Patapons. With vibrant character designs by popular French graphic artist, Rolito, Patapon introduces a unique, 2D art style incorporating abstract shapes and colorful environments.

Storyline
Having reached the sea cliffs on their tiny island in Patapon 1, the Patapons endless search for Earthend forces them to venture the high seas, where they battle both tempests and sea monsters of every kind. After a blood curdling battle with a giant sea beast, the Patapons' ship crashes on the shores of a strange land and even stranger inhabitants. Who are these masked creatures that call themselves the Karmens and why are they trying to stop the Patapons from reaching Earthend? The mystery and adventures continue as the Patapons fight to reach their destiny in Patapon 2!

Features

Rhythm and Action Collide Ц Master all 8 drum rhythms including the new jump command, power up command and party command! Combine the various chains of drumbeats to address each unique level, leading the Patapons to victory over the masked Karmens.

Patapon Evolution Ц Improve your troops fighting and defense skills by leveling up or evolving into other Patapon forms.

Create your own Patapon Hero - Introducing the new Patapon Hero, a prized fighter that you can customize to fit any sort of fighting style desired. Unlock new abilities by mixing weapons and Patapon Hero masks.

Additional Patapons - Discover the new ranks of Patapons: Toripon the flying bird riders; Robopon mech warriors and Mahopon the magicians. Unlock these new warriors to fight alongside all the original warriors in Patapon 1.

Multi-player Mode Ц Patapon 2 introduces multiplayer gameplay through Game Sharing

Three Additional Commands and Miracles Ц More drumbeat commands allow for different tactics and gameplay action in this version of Patapon.

Strategic Gaming Ц Patapon delivers a strong element of strategy by requiring players to properly customize and build up the Patapon army, arm each soldier with particular weapons and armor, and position them correctly for battle. In Patapon 2, not only has the number of weapons and equipment doubled, but Patapons can evolve, and Hero Patapon customization features will play an important part in deciding each battle!

Mission Variety Ц Take part in more than 80 specific missions including hunting, escort, and boss battles, and explore numerous vivid environments along the way. Players will discover up to 22 bosses and access hundreds of new items and weapons throughout the adventure.

Unique Art Style Ц French graphic artist Rolito, noted for his abstract art style seen in collectible toys, animation, and websites, lends his skills to create a variety of unique characters and environments, bringing the Patapon world to life.

Mini-Games Ц Seven music-based mini-games allow players to earn bonuses and upgrades to further customize the Patapon warriors.

Music Ц Captivating and dramatic original music builds dynamically as players march and encounter enemy battles throughout each level.