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LocoRoco players need something new to play on PSP, reminds creator
There are a few people that purchased a PSP system to play the innovative LocoRoco. To this day, the title stands out as one of the happiest, most original titles on the platform. While there's nothing wrong with the large number of mature games on the platform, gamers that enjoy LocoRoco have been thoroughly neglected by Sony. Tsutomu Kouno, creator of LocoRoco, spoke at the Nordic Game Conference about PSP's lackluster offerings for that demographic: "We have to increase the number of casual games, games that LocoRoco players will want to play.""There are too many sequels for PSP, only sequels, so I want to make a new game for PSP ... I have five or six new game ideas either for PSP or PS3, but I actually want to make them for PSP - for the people who bought LocoRoco, or bought a PSP because of LocoRoco, and like casual games."It's great to see a developer want to work exclusively for the handheld. Certainly, we could use some original titles in addition to the stellar sequels that we'll also be receiving. But Kouno ... didn't you also talk about a LocoRoco sequel at this same conference?
Designer gives inspiration for LocoRoco, hints at sequel ideas
Offering a peek into his inspiration for LocoRoco, designer Tsutomu Kouno once again touched base on its concept, design and production during a presentation at the Nordic Game Conference in Sweden. Fearing a "scolding," he didn't give too much away, though he did cite nature documentaries and the animal behavior of his pet fish as inspiration for some of the characters. I wonder what kind of game we'd be playing if he had a sloth as a pet?LocoRoco was the first game he worked on alone and wasn't initially approved on its first or second presentation. Only when a demo was shown on the third attempt did LocoRoco's approval come through. We can only imagine how frustrating those attempts at describing game play would have been on a mere PowerPoint presentation. As far as the sequel is concerned, Tsotomu Kouno said the sequel would contain, "new game play based on physical calculation and crowd AI" amidst other surprises. Ideally, the "use of color and music" is the central focus for the series, attempting "to create the fun and dramatic atmosphere of a live musical." Sounds great, as long as we don't end up playing Chicago: The Game Based on The Movie Based on The Play. Personally, we welcome new ideas, but prefer more the same game play that made LocoRoco so unique. It it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?
Adorable LocoRoco trading toys
I went to Anime Boston a few weekends ago, and found a PSP related toy, but delayed on writing about it. That toy is the LocoRoco plush charm things you see above. I'm not sure the purpose of them, as they are too big to be a cell phone charm, and too delicate to put on your keychain. They came in randomized boxes, like most Japanese trading figures do, and had nearly the entire cast available. I delayed in writing about this though, because I hoped to find a place to send our readers, so they could pick it up for themselves. Unfortunately, either I fail at the internet, or they're relatively difficult to find online. I attached the black LocoRoco to my bag, and it brings me joy daily. If anyone knows how to buy these online, please post a link in the comment section. I know I'd like to pick up more for myself.
PSP Fan Art Fridays: LocoRoco
Do you want to share your PSP-related fan art? Send us an e-mail. A new piece of fan art will be shared every Friday. LocoRoco may be getting a bit old, but love for the title certainly hasn't diminished. With new demos constantly coming out as well, new fans are always coming into the fray. Because of this, I've chosen the above LocoRoco fan art that was made by Blackmago. I've always appreciated illustration that uses clay, and so that makes me doubly enjoy Blackmago's work. The image looks good enough to be official game art and Blackmago certainly captured the playful innocence of LocoRoco. Hit up his deviantART account to see his other amazing gaming influenced art. %Gallery-3450%
New LocoRoco downloadable demo
What? Another LocoRoco demo? You bet! We're certainly not going to complain. Fresh from the Japanese website, this demo boosts the number of playable LocoRoco demos up to five. (Check out previous demos here, here, here, and here.)1. Download the demo EBOOT file.2. Connect your PSP to your computer using a USB cable. 3. Go to the PSP/GAME folder.4. Create NPJG90002 folder.5. Copy EBOOT file into the NPJG90002 directory. Check out our new demos site:demos.pspfanboy.com
PSP price drop extends to Europe on May 4th
The price of a PSP in Europe is set to be violently assaulted with a sharp object next month, when Sony plans to slash at it wildly in the hopes of trimming a few pounds. And Euros, obviously, but as with the US price drop earlier this month, that particular currency simply doesn't suit the rapid weight loss imagery we're going for.A report on GamesIndustry.Biz indicates that the retail price of the PlayStation puny will drop by £20 in the UK to £129.99 on 4 May. The rest of the continent will pay €169.99 following a drop of €30. The change in price will be accompanied by a cheaper £14.99 tag for Platinum titles, with Ridge Racer 2, Tekken: Dark Resurrection, Killzone: Liberation, LocoRoco and Moto GP all being included in the range and fighting against the argument that the system doesn't have any games.
Loco Roco developer reveals cheats, answers questions
Loco Roco is easily one of the happiest games ever made, and it stands as the most critically acclaimed on PSP. Beyond Loco, a fan site dedicated entirely to the blubbery wonders, has somehow managed to capture Greg Tavares for a fan-driven Q&A session. This man clearly knows his stuff: one look at his blog will unveil a plethora of secrets that have remained hidden since the game's release. Codes for the game, such as how to unlock all levels, can be found at his blog.Members of the Beyond Loco fan site are free to submit questions at their message board. Certainly, the Loco Roco hardcore now have no choice but to register and bombard the site. Get your thinking caps on soon, as your burning questions won't be accepted after next Wednesday, the 18th.
Yes, LocoRoco gets another award nomination
You're probably tired of these stories. We are too. LocoRoco continues to receive praise from critics around the world, and it's nominated (yet again) for a new award. This time, educational charity D&AD has nominated the happiest PSP title for a Yellow Pencil award. Yellow Pencil awards aren't just for kids games, though. Previous winners include Resident Evil 4, and other fare, like Nintendogs.LocoRoco joins Shadow of the Colossus, Buzz!, Brain Training and Wii Sports in this year's nominations. Hopefully, next time Sony gets nominated, it'll be for a new game.
PSM3 to reveal Loco Roco 2 details?
Thank you, babelfish and your ability to translate Jeux-France for those of us who took 11 years of Spanish through their school-lives. Anyway, the latest issue of EGM had an advertisement for PSM3, the British monthly magazine, stating there was an article devoted to Loco Roco on PlayStation 3.What they didn't say was whether or not this was going to be a PS-Store port of the PSP title, a PS3 re-imagining of the PSP title, or a sequel to the original, making full use of the SIXAXIS. In any case, we'll soon have news about more cutesy blob-moving action akin to all those weird lava-lamp-like devices that were such a big deal ten years ago. Keep your eyes open when you snag that PSM3, Europe, and let us know what's inside!
Deal of the Day: LocoRoco for $15
Surprisingly, LocoRoco wasn't included in today's Greatest Hits update. Maybe it didn't sell enough copies? Regardless, import retailer Play-Asia is offering the blubbery platform game for cheap: only $14.90, plus shipping. Although this is an import version, this package offers English text ... even though of all games, this probably doesn't need it.[Via CAG]
LocoRoco earns more nominations, from NAViGaTR
There are way too many awards ceremonies for the video game industry. Thankfully, PSP's darling platformer LocoRoco is always there to represent the system. This year, LocoRoco has earned a Game of the Year nomination from NAViGaTR (National Academy of Video Game Testers and Reviewers). With 1,150 videogame critics, analysts, and journalists on the voting board, it's clear that LocoRoco's quality has impacted quite a lot of people.Feel free to watch the hilarious embedded video, which shows off an empty audience as the award nominations are announced. Something tells me they should've simply stuck to a press release instead of a video.[Via IGN]
GDC 07: LocoRoco makes people smile
Tsutomu Kouno, director of the beloved LocoRoco PSP game, told to an enthralled GDC audience: "I wanted to make a game that was easy to play, so that women and children, and people who have never played games before would be interested in playing it. ... I wanted to use AI to make people laugh. That's why I included actions like the LocoRoco stacking up."Many of the inspirations for LocoRoco's craziest moments come from observing Discovery Channel-like programming. One character, the Musukusu (pictured), came from watching the antics of one of his tropical fish. He knew that his game was a success when he saw children playing the game, laughing and moving their bodies. Undoubtedly, a PS3 version of the game will meet much success: "I can't tell you now [about a possible PS3 version]. [But] I'm not going to betray your expectations, so you can count on us." See also: Joystiq: Making LocoRoco players smile Gallery: LocoRoco (PSP) design process
Making LocoRoco players smile
A GDC seminar given by Tsutomu Kouno, director or LocoRoco, explored his process and goals in creating that PSP game. Like Miyamoto said earlier that day, Kouno wanted to make people smile. Speaking in Japanese, with us listening to a group of translators over a set of headphones, Kouno began with a personal history.He described growing up making toys, saying he would show them to people to make them laugh. He felt that LocoRoco came from that history. He said, "I wanted to make a game that was easy to play, so that women and children, and people who have never played games before would be interested in playing it. ... I wanted to use AI to make people laugh. That's why I included actions like the LocoRoco stacking up."See our gallery of LocoRoco design slides from the seminar.%Gallery-2050%
Top 5 on PSP: Puzzle
The PSP has plenty of owners, but some claim it doesn't have many great games. With that in mind, every day this week we'll feature a new genre and list the top 5 games (according to metareviews), so no matter what you're into, you'll have some idea of what games you should own. Today the focus is on puzzle games, which the PSP first became known for. But there's more good puzzle games than just Lumines. Top 5 Puzzle games on PSP
