Patapon coming to North American PSPs early 2008

9:54 AM on 12.11.2007   |   Dale North

17 comments

A few days ago we pointed out that Gamefly might know something that we don't, as they had an undated listing for the unannounced PSP game Patapon. Today a press release confirms it: Patapon is coming to North America.

SCEA announces that the 2D PSP action/platformer/music title Patapon will 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 Entertainment
America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the February 2008 North American release
of 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 that
transforms players into a mystical leader in charge of guiding a tribe of
small, quirky warriors called Patapons.  Through an innovative use of musical
beats, players will march the Patapons against opposing armies and gigantic
monsters in an attempt to find the far end of the world.  In Patapon, players
will encounter a new style of gameplay that 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.  The game
presents a variety of warrior types, along with a wide selection of weapons
and shield upgrades, allowing each player to customize their Patapon army and
strategize for each mission.  Using character designs by popular French
graphic artist Rolito, who served as chief artist for the game, Patapon
introduces a distinctive art style incorporating abstract shapes, vibrant
environments, and larger-than-life boss enemies.
   "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."
   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 the war
drum.  They wait for the day the "Almighty" will return and lead them against
their enemies, as Patapon legend states the glory of the ancestors will be
resurrected when they reach the far end of the world.  The wait finally comes
to an end as the drums of war are heard once again.
   Set among a variety of colorful 2D backgrounds, Patapon unfolds through
more than 30 missions with more than 20 different environments, where players
are tasked with outfitting the Patapon army, collecting resources, and using
strategy to grow the tribe into a devastating fighting force.  Incorporating
various button-timed drumbeats in real-time to control the Patapons, players
will strategically traverse through each environment, battling enemies each
step of the way.  The game presents a variety of warrior types such as
archers, infantry, cavalry, and more that players can unlock, along with a
wide selection of more than 100 weapon and shield upgrades, allowing players
to customize their forces throughout the funky adventure.  Additionally,
Patapon features five unique music-based mini-games to earn additional Patapon
upgrades.  Players will revel in the addictive nature of the game, collecting
rare weapons and items, and earning more points to upgrade and amass an army
of Patapons.