Let’s Get Loco!
Better yet, LocoRoco, what with it rolling to retail today and all.
Published: September 5, 2006
There’s something to be said about the few Japanese gems that have slipped our way over the last couple of years; games that truly value concept and charm over any sort of formula or trend. Initial fingers are bound to be pointed at Katamari Damacy, but really, it’s true. Not only did Keita Takahashi’s short-lived series (in his hands, at least) prove that even the most rudimentary of objectives prove to be surprisingly challenging, but hell if we didn’t have a blast doing it.
Which leads us to the title of the hour: LocoRoco. Aurally simplistic but unmistakably alluring and as rife with Japanese idiosyncrasies as they come, the fruit of SCEJ’s labors is now upon us. What began as an idea sparked by Director Tsutomu Kouno's fascination with oil and water in classic toys could now be the most inventive title we’ve seen hit the PSP. Best we safe the gloating for a Sony rep though, wouldn’t you say?
"LocoRoco's charming characters, colorful environments and addictive play make will make it hard to resist the urge to share this game with friends," insists Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Even its whimsical soundtrack will have players humming the infectious music for the rest of the day!"
Now doesn’t that sound familiar? The likenesses to our favorite ball-rolling franchise don’t stop there, though. Take LocoRoco’s wonderfully basic controls, which heavily relay on the “L” and “R” shoulder buttons, allowing players to tilt ‘n’ shift the vibrant landscapes in front on them (40 in all), ensuring the smiling blobs known as – you guessed it – LocoRoco make it to their destination and out of harm’s way.
Just what are they, er, bouncing from? Why, a race of extraterrestrial begins called the Moja Corps who’ve come to steal the peaceful race of LocoRoco from their happy little world. Heartless little buggers, aren’t they? That’s where you and your peace-imposing tactics come in handy, sport!
Singing Jello look-alikes and dreamy worlds await you, as LocoRoco will be bouncing its way on over to store shelves right about... now. Now go! And make up a quick print-up of your hands-on preview for the ride over! Lord knows you're distracted at the wheel as it is.
Which leads us to the title of the hour: LocoRoco. Aurally simplistic but unmistakably alluring and as rife with Japanese idiosyncrasies as they come, the fruit of SCEJ’s labors is now upon us. What began as an idea sparked by Director Tsutomu Kouno's fascination with oil and water in classic toys could now be the most inventive title we’ve seen hit the PSP. Best we safe the gloating for a Sony rep though, wouldn’t you say?
"LocoRoco's charming characters, colorful environments and addictive play make will make it hard to resist the urge to share this game with friends," insists Susan Nourai, director, online and product marketing, Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Even its whimsical soundtrack will have players humming the infectious music for the rest of the day!"
Now doesn’t that sound familiar? The likenesses to our favorite ball-rolling franchise don’t stop there, though. Take LocoRoco’s wonderfully basic controls, which heavily relay on the “L” and “R” shoulder buttons, allowing players to tilt ‘n’ shift the vibrant landscapes in front on them (40 in all), ensuring the smiling blobs known as – you guessed it – LocoRoco make it to their destination and out of harm’s way.
Just what are they, er, bouncing from? Why, a race of extraterrestrial begins called the Moja Corps who’ve come to steal the peaceful race of LocoRoco from their happy little world. Heartless little buggers, aren’t they? That’s where you and your peace-imposing tactics come in handy, sport!
Singing Jello look-alikes and dreamy worlds await you, as LocoRoco will be bouncing its way on over to store shelves right about... now. Now go! And make up a quick print-up of your hands-on preview for the ride over! Lord knows you're distracted at the wheel as it is.