And in the end, that's why LocoRoco is a useful comparison. Because whereas LocoRoco's effortless charm and stylistic verve compensated for an occasionally lightweight game design, in Patapon, a similar visual panache and lively effervescence compensates for an occasionally over-complex game design. So, to reiterate: while Patapon has got the same quirky sense of style and visual charm as its predecessor, it doesn't offer the same easy breezy gameplay. Instead, it offers an imposing amount of depth and a considerable amount of micromanagement. Which isn't necessarily a criticism - it's just that forewarned is forearmed, and if you're nuts about LocoRoco there's no guarantee that you'll go bonkers for Patapon, because it's complicated, and it can be frustrating. But then it can also be rewarding and yes, it's absolutely charming and that counts for a lot.
And in the end, that's why LocoRoco is a useful comparison. Because whereas LocoRoco's effortless charm and stylistic verve compensated for an occasionally lightweight game design, in Patapon, a similar visual panache and lively effervescence compensates for an occasionally over-complex game design. So, to reiterate: while Patapon has got the same quirky sense of style and visual charm as its predecessor, it doesn't offer the same easy breezy gameplay. Instead, it offers an imposing amount of depth and a considerable amount of micromanagement. Which isn't necessarily a criticism - it's just that forewarned is forearmed, and if you're nuts about LocoRoco there's no guarantee that you'll go bonkers for Patapon, because it's complicated, and it can be frustrating. But then it can also be rewarding and yes, it's absolutely charming and that counts for a lot.
So... Loco Roco was too easy and simplistic, but charming, and Patapon has all the charm and it's more challenging and complex?
I don't see any negatives here. Damn it, this game need an anti-delay like NMH. I can't wait 'til the end of February.
I was looking through some upcoming games lists and Gamestop has Patapon listed as a mere $20. Has this been mentioned anywhere else? That would be fucking awesome if true.
And in the end, that's why LocoRoco is a useful comparison. Because whereas LocoRoco's effortless charm and stylistic verve compensated for an occasionally lightweight game design, in Patapon, a similar visual panache and lively effervescence compensates for an occasionally over-complex game design. So, to reiterate: while Patapon has got the same quirky sense of style and visual charm as its predecessor, it doesn't offer the same easy breezy gameplay. Instead, it offers an imposing amount of depth and a considerable amount of micromanagement. Which isn't necessarily a criticism - it's just that forewarned is forearmed, and if you're nuts about LocoRoco there's no guarantee that you'll go bonkers for Patapon, because it's complicated, and it can be frustrating. But then it can also be rewarding and yes, it's absolutely charming and that counts for a lot.
So... Loco Roco was too easy and simplistic, but charming, and Patapon has all the charm and it's more challenging and complex?
I don't see any negatives here.
Probably because it's not negative. The article never says Loco Roco was too easy.
On a somewhat related note, what were people's general reactions to Loco Roco? I never actually picked it up and am looking to bolster my fairly lean PSP collection. I played a demo briefly but it was only one level and not for long enough to really formulate opinions.
On a somewhat related note, what were people's general reactions to Loco Roco? I never actually picked it up and am looking to bolster my fairly lean PSP collection. I played a demo briefly but it was only one level and not for long enough to really formulate opinions.
I adore it. The music is great. The gameplay is extra simple so I pop in in on a whim, like Geometry Wars and Pac-Man CE.
I think if I tried to get perfect scores on every level I would hate it tho.
It's very easy to play for a few minutes at a time. The play can get boring if you try to put a solid hour in or something, but it's a lot of fun if you've got some time to spare.
I’m fortunate enough to see a lot of PlayStation games at various stages of development. From back-of-the-napkin to playable code, one of the things my team and I are tasked with is to provide feedback to the development teams making the games. We look at the core gameplay (is it fun??!), the competitive landscape (will it sell), and target audience (tweens vs adults, male vs female, hardcore vs casual, etc) to evaluate if we should ultimately publish a title for our market. It is a challenging process, but very rewarding when that title comes to life and the forums light up.
We are always looking for something “unique” and “innovative,” since that makes our jobs as marketers that much easier, and ideally, fans happier when they are playing something new. However, “innovation” is a double-edged sword; the gaming landscape is littered with cult-favorites that buck the trends and try a completely different approach, but have trouble finding a broad audience. A perfect example is our quirky, tilt-a-world PSP game, LocoRoco.
So the reason for my post. Hopefully you have heard that we will be releasing a great new PSP title called Patapon here to the US in February. It’s a completely original PSP game on several levels, offering a fusion of action and rhythm gaming with an eye-catching 2D art style. It’s becoming a hit in Japan - and by looking at the early previews from the press, I know you all will dig it too.
As you can see, Patapon is really different and highly creative, a new kind of PSP experience we don’t want anyone to miss. So to make it more accessible to everyone, we are happy to officially announce that we are releasing it at $19.99, lower than other new PSP games. It’s a game that shouldn’t get lost with some other big titles launching on the platform. It deserves your attention because it’s very cool.
Normally, this price had been reserved for our Greatest Hits line, a collection of well established titles. But we felt that the unique nature of Patapon fit nicely into this pricepoint, and would work to attract the masses (casual, younger) who may otherwise miss it. So we’ll see if it works!
So please show your support for innovation and quirkiness by giving Patapon a try when we release it on February 26th - you’ll see what a great game it is and I’ll bet you won’t be able to get their song out of your head!
Thanks for reading!
It's on now. The only games I've bought brand new lately are ones that release at lower prices (like Zack & Wiki for $40), so this is a definite Day 1 pickup.
And I'll have to see if I can find Loco Roco for cheap somewhere. My PSP has been feeling neglected for the past few months, so I might try to snag that too.
It's very easy to play for a few minutes at a time. The play can get boring if you try to put a solid hour in or something, but it's a lot of fun if you've got some time to spare.
It's very easy to play for a few minutes at a time. The play can get boring if you try to put a solid hour in or something, but it's a lot of fun if you've got some time to spare.
And the music and art are totally rad.
After spending some time with the game, I very much agree. Definite buy for me.
ze swift class on
0
SirUltimosDon't talk, Rusty. Just paint.Registered Userregular
edited January 2008
Well, since it's only $20 I have no reason not to pick it up. Consider this game bought.
I'm going to buy it, but like FFT, I'm probably never going to open and play it. I haven't touched my PSP in over a year, except the 2 hours I tried to update it.
I'm going to buy it, but like FFT, I'm probably never going to open and play it. I haven't touched my PSP in over a year, except the 2 hours I tried to update it.
But Castlevania is only $20 at amazon.... what is wrong with you. (It also makes a very nice VNC and ssh client.)
I’ll tell you what happens in Demon’s Souls when you die. You come back as a ghost with your health capped at half. And when you keep on dying, the alignment of the world turns black and the enemies get harder. That’s right, when you fail in this game, it gets harder. Why? Because fuck you is why.
Talk of any of that post is frowned upon here. Either way, 10% of my games are still in plastic, and 50% haven't been played for move than 20 hours. I don't have time to play even older games.
Yeah I guess I forgot how controversial that topic was here, certainly didn't think that just mentioning it was banworthy. Anyway I guess we just see things differently, I've censored the offending material.
I’ll tell you what happens in Demon’s Souls when you die. You come back as a ghost with your health capped at half. And when you keep on dying, the alignment of the world turns black and the enemies get harder. That’s right, when you fail in this game, it gets harder. Why? Because fuck you is why.
The 1UP preview had me a bit worried because of how grind-y they said it was to increase your army. I'm sure its not that annoying though. If nothing else I'll be buying it just to gawk at the beautiful visuals, anyway.
It was probably mentioned earlier in the thread, but the style reminded me a lot of this. I hope we'll see it on PSP some day.
i.e. the dragon that breathes fire, right after you get the triangle drum?
Do I need to max out my team to 6 guys a squad in order to beat him? I'm at 3-4-3 right now.
I beat him with 3 -2 -2. I defended a lot and I guess that helped although I don't see what defending really does other then protect your spearmen from critters. But the boss sort of eats your guys in one hit anyway so I was at 3 - 1 at the end.
Otherwise this game is super ultra mega shit hot awesome.
Pata-BUMP! Tomorrow, that elusive GameStop demo is actually being made available on the Playstation PC Store for everyone to download free! What a great Valentine's Day gift.
So to summarize:
• Patapon PSP demo to launch over both the PlayStation Store for PC (http://store.playstation.com) and PS3 on February 14th, 2008
• Patapon PSP demo will have the same save-to-final feature as the UMD version.
• Memory Stick Duo needed to transfer the demo to your PSP. Your PSP does not have telepathic powers nor does it learn through osmosis (yet).
• Patapon PSP demo will complete your life and fill you full of hearts and French stuff (you know, like Rolito).
• You know what to do on February 26th
ShadowfireVermont, in the middle of nowhereRegistered Userregular
edited February 2008
In a related note, "save to final" is a fucking awesome feature, that I haven't seen since probably the Lunar demos. Every company should use them, god damnit.
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So... Loco Roco was too easy and simplistic, but charming, and Patapon has all the charm and it's more challenging and complex?
I don't see any negatives here. Damn it, this game need an anti-delay like NMH. I can't wait 'til the end of February.
I was looking through some upcoming games lists and Gamestop has Patapon listed as a mere $20. Has this been mentioned anywhere else? That would be fucking awesome if true.
Probably because it's not negative. The article never says Loco Roco was too easy.
Jesus.
Now I don't have to cry as much about spending a bajillion dollars between this, Chains of Olympus and Brawl.
I adore it. The music is great. The gameplay is extra simple so I pop in in on a whim, like Geometry Wars and Pac-Man CE.
I think if I tried to get perfect scores on every level I would hate it tho.
And the music and art are totally rad.
It's on now. The only games I've bought brand new lately are ones that release at lower prices (like Zack & Wiki for $40), so this is a definite Day 1 pickup.
And I'll have to see if I can find Loco Roco for cheap somewhere. My PSP has been feeling neglected for the past few months, so I might try to snag that too.
Everything you said is completely true.
As usual
New PSP games retail for $75 in AU (hence, I never buy retail :P) so seeing a new game on a shelf for probably $35AUD is going to be nuts.
After spending some time with the game, I very much agree. Definite buy for me.
I am not eating your cake anymore.
But Castlevania is only $20 at amazon.... what is wrong with you. (It also makes a very nice VNC and ssh client.)
EDITED for objectionable content
Let me tell you about Demon's Souls....
Let me tell you about Demon's Souls....
It was probably mentioned earlier in the thread, but the style reminded me a lot of this. I hope we'll see it on PSP some day.
Do I need to max out my team to 6 guys a squad in order to beat him? I'm at 3-4-3 right now.
I beat him with 3 -2 -2. I defended a lot and I guess that helped although I don't see what defending really does other then protect your spearmen from critters. But the boss sort of eats your guys in one hit anyway so I was at 3 - 1 at the end.
Otherwise this game is super ultra mega shit hot awesome.
That's going to take awhile.
Man, do I love this art style. I decided to make a PSP wallpaper in two flavors:
https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561197970666737/