14 DAY TRIAL // Sony Computer Entertainment America has this great PSP title hitting the North American market in February, next year. It's called Patapon and it's a PSP exclusive (naturally, since SCEA is handling the announcements) and it features 2D platform/action-adventure elements. Players must march the Patapons against enemies in an attempt to find the far end of the world, all this following musical beats.
Basically, the gameplay blends rhythm and action, where various drumbeats are used to command the Patapons to march, retreat, attack, and defend, all in the ultimate quest for survival and victory, according to SCEA. Five unique music-based mini-games will enable you to earn additional Patapon upgrades, collect rare weapons and items, and earn more points to upgrade and amass an army.
"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 game's storyline, as presented within an early fact sheet of the game: For years the Patapon tribe has lived in the desolate frontier, driven from 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 their God's war drum. They wait for the day that the "Almighty" will return, to lead them against their enemies and bring them back to their homeland. Finally, their wait has come to an end as the drums of war are heard once again.
Patapon offers more than 30 missions with more than 20 different environments, where players are tasked with outfitting the Patapon army by collecting as many resources as they can. Ah yes, but the key to making good use of your resources is of course coming up with a good strategy to grow the tribe into a devastating fighting force. Button-timed drumbeats will be used in real-time to control the Patapons. 100 weapon and shield upgrades are to be had, so everyone can customize their forces.
That's about it for now, so until SCEA confirms more stuff on the game (like there's even room for more stuff) and a specific launch day, all you need to know is that Patapon launches in February, 2008 for your PSP, as a rhythm-based 2D action platformer.