SCEA To Localize PSP Rhythm Action Game Patapon

Sony Computer Entertainment America has announced that its Japan Studio is developing 2D platform action-adventure title Patapon for PSP, to be released in North America in February 2008. Patapon casts players as a tribal leader who must use musical beats to lead armies of small, quirky warriors called Patapons against opposing armies and monsters in a quest to find the end of the world. The stylized title blends rhythm and action as various drumbeats are used to command the Patapons to march, retreat, attack, and defend. Patapon also presents multiple warrior types, along with a variety of weapons and shield upgrades, allowing each player to customize their Patapon army and strategize for each mission. The Patapon army grows over 30 missions, in which players are tasked with outfitting the army, collecting resources, and using strategy to grow the tribe into a fighting force. Incorporating various button-timed drumbeats in real-time to control the Patapons, players will strategically navigate the environments and combat enemies. Additionally, Patapon features five music-based mini-games to earn additional Patapon upgrades. French graphic artist Rolito, as chief artist for Patapon, designed the characters, incorporating abstract shapes and more than 20 colorful 2D environments along with huge-sized boss enemies. Said SCEA software marketing director Jeff Reese, "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. 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."