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Free Patapon, Patchwork Heroes, and more in Vita anniversary sale
For the second week of the North American Vita anniversary sale, Sony is just giving you some free games. These aren't even free for PlayStation Plus members, for as long as you have a Plus account – they're just free. Just download them between tomorrow and March 11. The freebies include PSOne Classic RPG Wild Arms, and PSP games Patapon, Piyotama, and Patchwork Heroes. They're accompanied by some other discounts of less than 100%. Through the 11th, 18 games are on sale for 30% off or 50% off for Plus, including BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend, Dokuro, Knytt Underground, Lego Batman 2, Retro City Rampage, Sine Mora, and more.
Sony debuts three new UMD Dual Packs for January
Sony is still putting out new UMD dual packs for the PSP. Adding to previous packs are three new bundles, once again packaged by genre. Each will be available as a download through PSN or at your favorite brick-and-mortar in January. For $14.99, you can snag one of these new Dual Packs: Patapon and LocoRoco; Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee and Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip; or Motorstorm: Artic Edge and Twisted Metal: Head On. If you've been waiting to pounce on these PSP classics, now may be the time – unless you're waiting on the Vita. Of course, if you've waited long enough for these PSP games, odds are you're waiting on the Vita, too. And to think your mom said you'd never be a smart shopper. Way to show her!
Meet the Uberhero in the latest Patapon 3 trailer
The tiny doodle-soldiers of Patapon 3 are going to need more than comically large weapons and impeccable rhythm to take down their gigantic foes -- they'll also need a hero. Actually, they'll need even more than that. They'll need an Uberhero, who makes an appearance in the trailer posted below.
Patapon 3 multiplayer demo moves to the beat next week
Demo-demo-demo! That's what we imagine you'll be screaming to yourself as you download the Patapon 3 demo from PSN this upcoming Tuesday. To make things even better, the PlayStation Blog informs us that it's a multiplayer demo -- a sampling of the internet-based functionality that will be included in the franchise's third installment. Now, before you ask, the demo isn't exclusive to PlayStation Plus subscribers, so one and all looking for their taste can get it. Clear up some space on your Memory Stick -- you're going to want to check this out on Tuesday, July 6.
Patapon 3 revealed, coming 'between now and December'
Do you hear that? It's the pata pata of tiny feet, vibrantly dancing along a 2D plane. It's not just the mice you have running around your apartment (you might wanna clean up, amigo), it's a third Patapon game. Sony announced the game alongside the news that 70 PSP games will be released "between now and December." All pons aside, we're thrilled to hear about another Patapon title. And hey, we'd love to get our hands on it sooner than later, Sony. You meant December 1, right?
Patapon-related beta test teased
As tends to happen around this time of year, another countdown site has popped up, this one on the Japanese PlayStation site. It's counting down to the start of a beta test for ... something, with the countdown against a black background, with some thunder noises for ambiance. Well, not just for ambience. The thunder accompanies a faint lightning effect, which illuminates a faint Patapon-esque scene in the background (above). But why would a new Patapon game need a beta test? What if it featured (gasp) online multiplayer? You'd be all pata pata and your friend would be like pon pon and it would be awesome. We'll find out in around five days!
Get your Pata on with Patapon 2 for $14
Amazon is just laying on the PlayStation sales today, with Patapon 2 being slashed to a measly $13.98. Okay, so it's not like Patapon 2 was terribly expensive in the first place, but come on, $14! For the price of two delicious hamburger combos, you could be playing this year's premiere drum-sequence-battle game. With the money you save off the regular $20 price tag, you could still buy one hamburger combo and you'd have something to play after lunch.Right there? That's a win-win.
Homebrew: This is what Patapon on DS looks like
Anyone who has heard of PSP knows of Patapon. It's one of the most popular titles on that platform and is quite a unique and engaging experience. But, what if you're a DS owner; how will you get in on the action? Well, seeing as Patapon is a first-party Sony title, you won't ever see it on DS ... not without the help of the homebrew community, anyhow.Apparently, someone called E-eragon is working on a DS version of Patapon, looking to upgrade the original title to include stylus controls. Tiny Cartridge discovered a clip of E-eragon's work (posted after the break), and though it doesn't look as smooth as the original, it is by far a rather good-looking copy. Check out the game before Sony slams the law book on this one.
Patapon producer 'listening to' requests for PS3 version, more sequels
Patapon 2 is finally coming to the PSP in North America. While associate producer Chris Hinojosa-Miranda couldn't precisely explain why the title has taken so long to reach its final destination, he did say that the added time provided more focus on localization and translation. (Even still, we manged to spot a few lingering instances of "Engrish.")Hinojosa-Miranda told us that the development team continues to get requests for a downloadable PS3 version of Patapon that features online modes, which he says the studio is "listening to." The team is also looking at licensing out more of those popular Patapon plush dolls (in case you missed the first batch). Will there be a Patapon 3? "There's such a critical love for Patapon, the characters, the story overall, and the music especially ... there's a good chance that the franchise will continue," Hinojosa-Miranda suspects.Expect our Patapon 2 review shortly. %Gallery-27797%
Patapon 2's 'retail box' revealed
Click to embiggen. Yes, it's true. Patapon 2 won't be available on UMD when it arrives in America. Instead, it'll be a PlayStation Store exclusive title. This digital distribution experiment won't avoid retail altogether, as you'll still be able to buy Patapon 2 in stores. The boxed package will include a printed manual and a voucher to download Patapon 2 off the PlayStation Store. Yes, you'll need a Memory Stick, and yes, you'll need a wi-fi connection (or a PS3 connected to the internet).It's unclear how mainstream consumers will respond to this change. However, we're all for it -- being able to legally download games mixes the convenience of Memory Stick gaming with developers earning money to pay their bills. All in all, it's a win-win.%Gallery-27751%
Patapon 2 won't be sold on UMD, retail to sell PSN vouchers [Update]
An ArsTechnica "source" -- who has apparently given the site solid intel in the past -- claims Patapon 2 won't have a physical, UMD-based existence when it releases May 5. The game will allegedly be sold on the PSN for $15, with the retail copy, which will be nothing but a PSN redemption code, priced at $20. Customers will also apparently be able to purchase the game through the websites of "certain retailers."If true, this UMD-less Patapon sequel's invasion appears to be a test run, for not only for digital distribution, but for Dave Perry's anti-UMD PSP2. We've contacted Sony for comment and will update if we hear anything.Update: Sony's senior director of corporate communications sent us the following statement: "We're considering a digital only format for the Patapon 2 release as a one time test case as we continue to explore consumer preferences for digital content. The downloadable game will be available on May 5th at both retail and via the PlayStation Store. We remain focused on providing superior games and entertainment experiences in both the UMD and digital formats and are working closely with our partners to deliver the best PSP line up in our history. "%Gallery-27797%
Sony adds 10 titles to PSP Greatest Hits line
Sony is bulking up its Greatest Hits collection for the PSP, dropping the price on 10 select titles starting April 5. Available for the lowered price of $19.99, the majority of the new batch of Greatest Hits games are third party, though there are still some delicious first-party nuggets included, such as Chains of Olympus. Here's your next wave of Greatest Hits: Fight Night Round 3 God of War: Chains of Olympus Medal of Honor Heroes 2 Mortal Kombat: Unchained Patapon SOCOM U.S. Navy SEALs: Tactical Strike Sonic Rivals 2 SpongeBob SquarePants: The Yellow Avenger Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter® 2 Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six® Vegas
Patapon promotional game for PC and Mac lets players make own wallpaper
Sony and Spil games have released an official Patapon 2 promotional Flash game for PCs and Macs. The pint- shot glass-sized Patapon experience isn't necessarily for gods of the beat, but it's a nice introduction to the series for those who've never played the game -- and shame on you, if that's the case.Players are scored and unlock images on the three levels in the Flash game, which supposedly allows them to put together their own Patapon-themed wallpapers. We couldn't get that feature to work, but perhaps it's still having the gremlins worked out. The Patapon Flash game is available March 9-16, so "pata-pata-pata-pon" (rush) and "pon-pon-pata-pon" (attack) it while you still can.
Patapon 2 priced and dated for North America
Cinco de Mayo won't be the only celebration going down on May 5 this year; Patapon 2 will also be released in North America on that date. The rhythm game from SCEI will go on sale at the suggested retail price of $19.99 -- just like the original. And, hey, if you pre-order the game now, you get free downloadable mariachi-pons.**just kidding about that last part.
Patapon march into LittleBigPlanet, new trailer released
The vicious music-loving Patapon warriors are marching into LittleBigPlanet. The PlayStation.Blog has revealed a brand new costume for Media Molecule's platformer -- although sans a corresponding price and release date. In addition to revealing this DLC, Sony has also released a very dramatic new trailer for Patapon 2, which you can see after the break.%Gallery-27751%
Patapon 2 pre-order bonus is: Patapon 2 demo
Looks like Sony's continuing the trend of offering playable demos as incentives for pre-ordering its games. The company has done it for Resistance Retribution on PSP and Killzone 2 on PS3, and next up is Patapon 2.Gamestop's website reveals a $20 price tag for the upcoming sequel and a release date of 5/5/09. According to the site, those who pre-order the game will be able to download a demo, available starting March 13th. Those who played the original Patapon won't really need to grab this demo -- the first game is, essentially, a demo of the sequel.%Gallery-27751%[Thanks, slycooper_rocker!]
Patapon 2 Valentine's card reveals release info
Sony just sent us a Valentine's Day card. Guess what it had? A UMD demo of Patapon 2 ... and a release date! What a nice surprise. According to the card, we can expect Patapon 2 this May.
Patapon 2 gets vague 'Spring/Summer' release date for US
We're not exactly sure why SCEA is taking so long in bringing these PSP games over to America. A new fact sheet for the game revealed a "release date" of sorts for the upcoming sequel: Spring/Summer. The game, which has been available in Japan since late last year, more than doubles the amount of content to play with. New multiplayer modes add even more depth to the game.SCEA has released brand new screenshots and the official box art (above). Considering how good the original Patapon was, we're sure the wait for the sequel will be worth it.%Gallery-27751%
Pata-pata-what? Man tattoos Patapons on self
Gamer tattoos are not that much of a new thing, but we like highlighting some of the more unique and amusing kinds of gaming-related skin art. This piece in particular portrays the rhythmically-obsessed Patapons marching off to war. Fan Masatomo Ueda had this tat etched upon his arm and chest, and judging by the expression on his face he seems really freaked out by the little dudes and their spear carrying ways. Oh uh, Masa, just make sure you steer clear from drum beats or else those Patapons will do you in. [Via Kotaku]
Adorable Japanese Patapon 2 commercial
If Patapon 2 weren't adorable enough, this Japanese commercial for the upcoming PSP action game takes it a step further -- by introducing little kids! Watch as the magical drums make them march in line, jumping over ... sheep? Well, no one said this was going to make sense.
