A few days ago we pointed out thatGamefly might know something that we don’t, as they had an undated listing for the unannounced PSP gamePatapon. Today a press release confirms it:Pataponis coming to North America.
SCEA announces that the 2D PSP action/platformer/music titlePataponwill be released in North America on Feburary 2008.
“Patapon is a unique experience for gamers of all ages because it combines two key forms of entertainment: rhythm and music, and stellar platforming action,” said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. “Music is a huge part of the PSP’s multifunctional feature set, and we are excited to deliver a new genre of music and action gaming that further adds depth to the PSP software lineup.”
The release explains that the art and character design were created by French graphic artist Rolito, giving the game an art style incorporating abstract shapes, vibrant environments, and larger-than-life boss enemies. Also,angry trees.
Hit the jump for the full release.
Sony Computer EntertainmentAmerica Inc. (SCEA) announced today the February 2008 North American releaseof Patapon(TM), available exclusively for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable).Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment WorldWide Studios Japan Studio,Patapon is a highly stylized, 2D platform/action adventure game thattransforms players into a mystical leader in charge of guiding a tribe ofsmall, quirky warriors called Patapons. Through an innovative use of musicalbeats, players will march the Patapons against opposing armies and giganticmonsters in an attempt to find the far end of the world. In Patapon, playerswill encounter a new style of gameplay that blends rhythm and action, wherevarious drumbeats are used to command the Patapons to march, retreat, attack,and defend, all in the ultimate quest for survival and victory. The gamepresents a variety of warrior types, along with a wide selection of weaponsand shield upgrades, allowing each player to customize their Patapon army andstrategize for each mission. Using character designs by popular Frenchgraphic artist Rolito, who served as chief artist for the game, Pataponintroduces a distinctive art style incorporating abstract shapes, vibrantenvironments, and larger-than-life boss enemies.“Patapon is a unique experience for gamers of all ages because it combinestwo key forms of entertainment: rhythm and music, and stellar platformingaction,” said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. “Music is ahuge part of the PSP’s multifunctional feature set, and we are excited todeliver a new genre of music and action gaming that further adds depth to thePSP software lineup.”For years the Patapon tribe has lived in the desolate frontier, drivenfrom their home by the evil Zigoton army. Behind the Patapons’ cute exterior,lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of the wardrum. They wait for the day the “Almighty” will return and lead them againsttheir enemies, as Patapon legend states the glory of the ancestors will beresurrected when they reach the far end of the world. The wait finally comesto an end as the drums of war are heard once again.Set among a variety of colorful 2D backgrounds, Patapon unfolds throughmore than 30 missions with more than 20 different environments, where playersare tasked with outfitting the Patapon army, collecting resources, and usingstrategy to grow the tribe into a devastating fighting force. Incorporatingvarious button-timed drumbeats in real-time to control the Patapons, playerswill strategically traverse through each environment, battling enemies eachstep of the way. The game presents a variety of warrior types such asarchers, infantry, cavalry, and more that players can unlock, along with awide selection of more than 100 weapon and shield upgrades, allowing playersto customize their forces throughout the funky adventure. Additionally,Patapon features five unique music-based mini-games to earn additional Pataponupgrades. Players will revel in the addictive nature of the game, collectingrare weapons and items, and earning more points to upgrade and amass an armyof Patapons.
