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TGS 08: LocoRoco 2 grabs us with cuteness and depth

by Andrew Yoon { Oct 10th 2008 at 9:00AM }

"Sorry it took so long," LocoRoco designer Tsutomu Kouno told me. In spite of the original's high-profile and well-received launch on the PSP, it's been over two years since we saw these lovable blubbers hit Sony's handheld. The silence around the long-rumored sequel is a bit baffling, as getting our hands on with the upcoming PSP title revealed a disarming amount of new content for the sequel.

It's undeniable that the original LocoRoco charmed hardcore gamers, thanks to its lovable style and rather unique design. However, it couldn't keep the attention of these gamers, as it was perhaps a bit too simplistic. While children and casual gamers were enchanted, hardcore gamers needed substance beyond tilting left and right.

So perhaps LocoRoco 2 is Kouno's attempt at bridging the gap between hardcore and casual audiences. The upcoming PSP-exclusive sequel maintains all the saccharin sweetness of the original, but adds new gameplay features that add a tremendous amount of depth to the experience. The sheer amount of content found in this UMD/downloadable game is staggering.

Gallery: LocoRoco 2

Continued →

GC 2008: The first trailer for LocoRoco 2

by Justin McElroy { Aug 20th 2008 at 9:30AM }

Do us a favor, just for safety's sake: If you've recently been eating sugary foods (Blueberry Muffintop cereal springs to mind) do not watch this Leipzig Games Convention trailer for LocoRoco 2, which is so adorably, pinchably sweet that combining it with other glucose-rich product is a one way ticket to diabetes.

We don't learn much from the trailer, just that it looks like LocoRoco 2 will be sporting a lot more gameplay variety ... oh, and that we'll never ever get that song out of our heads.

LocoRoco 2 trailer is predictably adorable

by Alan Tsang { Aug 20th 2008 at 8:00AM }

Download to PSP

This new LocoRoco 2 "special movie" found on the official Japanese website shows us just how cute things on the PSP can be. The art direction looks about the same in this highly-anticipated sequel, along with some kawaii music that can get a little annoying if you listen to it more than once. The cute little blobs demonstrates some of their new skills here, such as swimming and biting. Stay for the end, which makes us wish there was a LocoRoco TV show.

[Via NeoGAF]

PSP E3 2008 screenshot roundup

by James Ransom-Wiley { Jul 16th 2008 at 6:30AM }

Liberation? Retribution? There's definitely something up with the jump to handheld third person ... Dive deeper into the mystery in the gallery below, and then check out Super Stardust (um, not in HD), and a pair of colorful sequels posted after the break.

Gallery: Resistance: Retribution

Gallery: Super Stardust Portable
Continued →

LocoRoco 2 official site opens, includes screens

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 11th 2008 at 11:30AM }

The official Japanese LocoRoco 2 site has opened, and it includes the very first screenshots of the recently announced sequel. Unsurprisingly, the new LocoRoco looks exactly like the original. For those that were captivated by the charming style of the first game, that's far from a bad thing. Those that play close attention will see some of the LocoRoco's abilities (like swimming, pictured above). Stay tuned, because a game as big as this one will obviously garner a lot of attention.

LocoRoco sequel already 75% done

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 10th 2008 at 5:00AM }

While LocoRoco 2 was only officially announced yesterday, it's been in development for quite some time. According to Famitsu (via 1UP), the title is already 75% complete. The sequel will feature the return of the original's Moja Troop, but this time they have some tricks up their sleeves. They'll be after the adorable LocoRocos with the power of music. Uh-oh! "The Moja Troop are back with some new bosses, but this time they've also learned some songs," director Tsutomu Kouno says. "They've been practicing as hard as they can, and they've learned how to use music to sap the energy out of everyone. Now nobody feels like doing anything, so the LocoRoco have to go around the world and pep everyone back up again."

According to Kouno, the game will retain the same simplistic charm of the original. "We've tried our best not to change the core gameplay too much," he says. "We're being careful to keep it from getting too complex, and in addition to that, we're putting in lots of new features for people who played the first game to enjoy." But, expect new moves, such as the ability to go underwater and the ability to bite things.

Will we get to play it at E3? We hope so. Sony plans on showing new PSP games at E3, undoubtedly. This would be an ideal candidate.

Famitsu: Patapon 2 marches on Japan PSPs this Winter

by Ross Miller { Jul 9th 2008 at 9:00AM }

The latest issue of Famitsu (via PSPHype) reveals a sequel to Patapon is in the works and coming to Japanese PSPs this Winter (no US or Europe release mentioned). The game is being developed by Pyramid Studios, who made the previous game and LocoRoco. The magazine also has a two-page spread of LocoRoco 2, although gives no release date for any region. No matter how many times you shout pata-pata-pata-pon, the game won't get here any faster.

[Via PSP Fanboy; Image via Penny Arcade]

Sony UK: LocoRoco 2 rolling onto PSP 'this year'

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jun 16th 2008 at 6:14PM }

In an interview with MCV, Sony Europe UK's product manager, Claire Backhouse, said the company is planning to release LocoRoco 2 for PSP "this year." A LocoRoco follow-up has been rolling under the radar since late last July when series' director Tsutomu Kouno confirmed plans for a true sequel. We're currently trying to clarify with Sony if "this year" means this calendar year or Sony's fiscal year (ending March 2009).

Update: Sony informs us it has not distributed any news regarding LocoRoco 2 so it can't "confirm," or in this case clarify, anything. "Stay tuned for more details."

[Via PSP Fanboy]

LocoRoco 2 due out sometime 'this year'

by Nick Doerr { Jun 15th 2008 at 4:00PM }

The only issue with our subject line is that we can't discern the context of "this year", as quoted by SCE UK's product manager Claire Backhouse, when it comes to the release of LocoRoco 2. In addition to talking about the busy summer ahead for the PSP, whether it be increased incorporation with the PS3 and Remote Play, or the new Go!Range set of utilities adding GPS and voice video calling among other things. She says that "The key software titles we have coming out this year for PSP include Echochrome, Buzz The Master Quiz, Secret Agent Clank and LocoRoco 2." Whether this means 2008 or the fiscal year which ends at the end of March 2009, we don't know. But expect an announcement soon for your favorite rolling blob.

Loco Roco teaches Japanese kids how to divide and multiply

by Majed Athab { Mar 13th 2008 at 5:00PM }

Those silly balloon creatures in Loco Roco are doing more than their usual passive in-game combining and dividing -- they're taking those skills and teaching kids how to do it for themselves. Wait, before you get confused, we don't mean kids are attaching themselves to one another to make one giant kid ... we mean that the Loco Roco are actively teaching kids all about multiplication, division, and basic arithmetic. Don't get any funny ideas.

While the actual Loco Roco game isn't used in the classroom, its characters are presented in visual aids. According to Famitsu, this unique way of teaching mathematics to children has been done recently at an elementary school in Chiba, Japan. The next class? Physics 101 with Dragon Ball Z.

It's great to see the Loco Roco helping out with what they do best, and we can't wait to see this become a fully institutionalized part of the teaching curriculum. Maybe, someday. It's also nice knowing that the PSP is becoming more and more edu-friendly.

Get your Patapon on for $20

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Jan 21st 2008 at 5:30PM }

Though we haven't had a look at the final packaging just yet, Sony has given us an excellent idea as to what Patapon's back-of-the-box bullet points might say:

Intriguing and utterly unique blend of strategy and rhythm gameplay!
From the creators of the critically acclaimed LocoRoco!
Bizarre, yet entirely endearing art style!
Costs a mere $19.99!
"Excellent" -- Joystiq, 21 Jan. 2008

Sony hopes that the lower price point will push Patapon to a broader audience, one perhaps unswayed by the unusual gameplay and our glowing, out-of-context recommendation. It's a wise move that also favors those of us already keen on rhythmically conquering the lands of Patapon.

Gallery: Patapon

New LocoRoco demo is not-so-new

by Andrew Yoon { Dec 13th 2007 at 2:30PM }

As expected, the Japanese PS Store was updated today with a "new" Christmas demo of LocoRoco. The problem? It's not new at all. It's the same demo as the one we featured last year, unfortunately. Most likely, a lot of new PSP owners haven't experienced the glory that is LocoRoco and this revival of the Christmas demo will serve as a gateway drug for more of these blubbery critters. Good move, Sony -- but we want some new LocoRoco fun ... soon.

LocoRoco team looking for new recruits

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 13th 2007 at 10:00AM }

The team behind the award-winning LocoRoco is working on a brand new PSP game ... and they're looking for help. Imagine! You could be working on the next game from this imaginative group ... provided you live in Japan. We're glad to see the team moving onto something new, something Kouno has been hinting at for quite some time now.

[Thanks, Joe! Via Team ICO Gamers]

LocoRoco Cocoreccho, Sega Rally Demo highlight PSN update

by Jason Dobson { Sep 20th 2007 at 3:20PM }

With all eyes turned to Tokyo this week, Sony has thrown North American PlayStation 3 gamers a bone in the form of the charming, but perhaps overly complicated "screensaver" game LocoRoco Cocoreccho, as well as a handful of new game demos including Sega Rally Revo, the first title in development from Sega Driving Studio.

Those wanting to pick up the successor to Sony Japan's delightful PSP original LocoRoco can do so for $6.99, a bit of a leap from the game's previously confirmed £1.99 price in the UK. In addition to the already mentioned rally racer, PSN users can also snag demos for EA's Tony Hawk competitor Skate, as well as THQ's Stuntman: Ignition and Sony's own forthcoming NBA 08.

And as if that isn't enough, it also looks like Sony has tossed up some wallpapers, videos, and trailers from such eagerly anticipated eye candy as GT5 Prologue, Devil May Cry 4, and Ratchet and Clank Future, making this a meaty update indeed.

TGS07: LocoRoco Cocoreccho trailer flutters to the internets

by Chris Powell { Sep 20th 2007 at 6:00AM }

While Andrew has already given us his hands-on impressions of LocoRoco Cocoreccho (try saying that fast three times!), everyone knows a pictures is worth a thousand words, and by my calculations, a video is worth four hundred billion eleventy thousand.

Unfortunately, Andrew was rather disappointed with the interactive screensaver, blaming inconsistent and overly complicated controls, which makes the game lose much of what we loved about the first - simplicity.

The game hits the PlayStation Store this week, so how about you try it out and let us know what you think.

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