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Locoroco2

Intro
I’m surprised LocoRoco 2 is sold at a reduced “budget” price because Loco offers more entertainment then most full-console releases. Loco has returned with more colour and charm then ever. If you own a PSP then you owe it to yourself to check out our review of LocoRoco 2.

Game
LocoRoco 2 takes the formula that worked so well in 2006 and adds a few new features expanding upon the rich groundwork created in the first jumping bean outing. This includes new abilities, new levels, and more interesting design elements along with all of LocoRoco's charm and personality. LocoRoco 2 is twice the pastel fun then the original using the same wacky formula. Unfortunately for North America we are getting LocoRoco 2 a little later than the rest of the world as LocoRoco 2 was already released in 2008 back in Japan, Australia and Europe. I would have been nice to dish LocoRoco 2 out to family and friends for Christmas, however its better late than never... and seeing how good LocoRoco 2 is, I could have waited even longer.

LocoRoco 2 returns to star the little yellow blob (Loco) who is fighting the ongoing war with the Moja infection.  After the Moja shamefully was defeated in the original LocoRoco, they have returned seeking revenge on the peaceful Loco planet. Once again the little Loco’s will have to divert the Moja’s plans to cover their world in darkness.  Accompanied by Bonmucho, the Moja’s leader, the Moja starts to spread their illness across the land with the help of the wicked Bui Bui. The Bui Bui are basically the evil version of the Mui Mui who are Loco’s little Blue friends. The little LocoRoco’s have an upward battle for this jelly bouncing blob, but its nothing the little fellah can’t handle with a little tilt action.

All the elements from the first game return, the LocoRoco can expand and split up as normal to take the shape of the world, helping the Loco traverse the difficult landscapes the Moja have infected. From the simplistic control scheme to the general concept of progressing though the levels, LocoRoco 2 was designed only to expand on the original which will please all the fans of the first game. The tilting concept works wonders and LocoRoco 2 doesn’t need any more complications in its gameplay. It's amazing to play through some of the levels because they are so simple, and yet intricate in design. Sony's Japanese team really has dug deep and made something special in LocoRoco 2.

For all those who haven’t had the pleasure of playing the original LocoRoco, or the PS3 DLC Cocreccho don’t worry about getting lost in LocoRoco 2. LocoRoco 2 is a simple as simple can get. It’s fun at the roots, simple and straightforward. Just because LocoRoco 2 roots are firmly planted in achieving a simpler gaming core it can be rather interesting and clever to navigate through the levels. It’s all about what you want to get out of the experience and if you want to collect everything without missing one collectable, then LocoRoco 2 becomes a bit more difficult and a fun challenge for platforming veterans.

LocoRoco 2 introduces a number of new levels along with a number of familiar locations. Each level is cleverly crafted into its own network of cross sections and platforming levels. From the inners of giant penguin to facing off against a giant sized Moja, LocoRoco 2 increases the imagination of the first game by letting loose on a whole new slew of ideas. Like before hidden areas are still a big part of the game and with the new gaming elements it is more fun to search out all the gems hidden within a level. The main new gaming element in LocoRoco 2 is the ability to swim underwater. Reminiscent of Super Mario, Loco now takes the 2D side-scrolling under the water to swim through levels. Thankfully, Sony Japan doesn’t over use Loco’s new found talent with too many swimming parts in a game.

Another new addition to LocoRoco 2 is the ability for Loco to jump into different typed shells to ride around in. This breaks up the gameplay and adds a new twist to the game. It is highly entertaining to play this little blob and it only becomes more fun with the new additions in the Loco 2. Blowing along with the winds of change is a new quick rhythm game that has the gamer punching the button on time with notes in the many catchy LocoRoco songs. The extras don’t stop there; LocoRoco 2 also introduces a number of mini-games that are thrown into the games main story mode. Most of these are simple little games that don’t really feel like a necessary step; however they are fun for a few spins. For an example on mini-game will have you picking a LocoRoco to win a race, or playing a Loco-version of Whack-a-mole. Each mini-game has to be unlocked during the regular play, so if you looking for something a little different from the side scrolling platforming, there it is, just don’t get too excited... it’s not overly exciting itself.

For more extra’s LocoRoco 2 offers up a healthy temptation to jump back into any level and reach for a higher score, find all the secrets in an obsessive compulsive nature. Collection is a fun part of Loco and now you have more items to look for. Stamps are a new inclusion that can help you create card templates, plus you can search out new objects that can be used to modify your Mui Mui house. Oh yea, and the Mui Mui’s, well you have to find a rescue them too. That’s a lot of collecting and the beauty is that none of it is a solid requirement to complete the main quest. Compulsive, or not, LocoRoco 2 can be searched inch by inch, or ignored as you bounce through the beautiful scenery.

Lowdown
LocoRoco 2 is a shining example of how the PSP can be used to grab a share in the casual market along with hardcore gamers. LocoRoco 2 has so much charm that it is near impossible to hate. LocoRoco 2 can be enjoyed in long sittings, or quickly in a one-level run. This makes it more suited to a Portable device then the home console and Sony has been clever and hasn’t over saturated the Loco market. LocoRoco 2 is the perfect game for any gamer in the family with a PSP.

For $25 you would have to be crazy to miss out on picking up LocoRoco 2. Hands down, LocoRoco 2 is one of the PSP best titles. Its quirky fun loving attitude is bound to put a smile on your face as you explore the wacky world of LocoRoco. Sony didn’t rush into pumping out a sequel and it shows. LocoRoco 2 is everything you’d expect out of a follow-up and more. Get bouncing and pick up LocoRoco 2 exclusively for the Playstation Portable.

Gameplay:9.5, Graphics:9, Sound:9.5, Innovation:9, Mojo:10 Final: 9.5 / 10


Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy | 02.18.09
+
  • Super accessible and fun
  • Charming characters and level design
  • New features including mini-games that expand the world
  • Simplistic controls
  • Excellent value with a low price point
  • Loco might be a little too strange for some
  • Not as innovative as the first time around



LocoRoco 2

 
Publisher
SCEA
 
Developer
SCEJ
 
Genre
Platform
 
US Released
February '09

Platform
PSP
 
ESRB
"E"


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