Sony announced the North American release of LocoRoco 2, available exclusively for the PSP. Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio, LocoRoco 2 is the follow up to the original LocoRoco released in 2006 for PSP, an iconic 2D platform/action game that was applauded for its universal art style, “feel good factor” and innovative “tilt and roll gameplay.” LocoRoco 2 allows players to use the PSP system’s shoulder buttons to “tilt” the game’s colorful and quirky world and help guide the LocoRoco through vibrant story-driven levels filled with new gameplay elements. These elements include swimming under water, swinging on vines and leaping inside shells to smash through obstacles.

LocoRoco 2 introduces a set of new mini-games as well as multi-player functionality to the franchise with wireless ad hoc play so up to four nearby players can enjoy playing together. Additionally, players will encounter unlockable quests and new interactive musical mini-games that emphasize the catchy soundtrack and unlock bonuses like stamp sheets that can be used as wallpaper for PSP.

Inspired by Game Director Tsutomu Kouno’s fascination with oil and water in classic toys, the LocoRoco franchise’s simplified 2D graphic style is paired with complex physics so these blobs of joy fluidly morph and respond to the environment in engaging ways.

Featuring uniquely simple controls primarily using the PSP system’s “L” and “R” shoulder buttons, LocoRoco tasks players with controlling the game world by “tilting” the landscape and “bumping” the LocoRoco in order to help them navigate through each level, collecting others to grow the LocoRoco and keep them out of harm’s way. In LocoRoco 2, each of the seven LocoRoco types has their own voices and personalities, as well as their own enchanting theme songs that capture the happy creatures’ colorful world. Bonus features include mini-games, Stamp Collecting Mode, and the MuiMui House, a customizable playhouse with dozens collectibles throughout the game.

Having triumphed over the invasion of the Moja army corps, the LocoRoco have been living happily on their joyous planet. Unwilling to concede defeat, the boss (Bommucho) of the Moja army ran back to his home world and started preparations for a new attack, helped by his cunning mother. They came up with a new plan, and a new weapon: a terrible song that can suck the life-force out of living things. Armed with this brutal song, the Moja boarded their meteorite and set off on a mission to conquer the LocoRoco planet. Can the LocoRoco protect their planet from this new terrible weapon?