Back To Archive Title: LocoRoco 2 Genre: Platformer Rating: E for Everyone Platform: PSP Publisher: Sony Developer: Sony Release Date: February 10, 2009 Website Product Link Left, right, left, right, left… right. Oh yeah, there’s some hopping in there too. That’s basically the breakdown of LocoRoco 2, the second part of the uniquely controlled platformer for the Sony PSP.   The graphics are bright and colorful but there is nothing groundbreaking here. They manage to get the job done sufficiently. Gameplay is addicting and innovative. The stage’s flow and setup make them easy to navigate. The sound is good and the music is subtle while the sound effects blend in with the surroundings.    LocoRoco 2 uses the PSP’s shoulder buttons to tilt the screen and therefore cause your LocoRocos to roll and jump around the screen. This control scheme is easy to learn but still proves challenging when trying to time your jumps.   Your mission is to defend your home planet against the Moja army by collecting items and defeating enemies.  Your LocoRoco collects berries, which increase his size and allow you to unlock items for other game modes, and pickories, which are the currency you use to play the mini-games.   The Mui-Mui House is a place you can expand and decorate to your liking. This is also where friendly non-player characters safely congregate. Mini-games are plentiful. They range from races to timing games and my favorite which is kind of like sumo wrestling. All these modes aren’t deal breakers but they do increase the game’s replay value.   New game play aspects have been added to this edition. You are now able to collect music notes in every level. If you are able to collect 100 music notes per level it becomes easier to find pickories. Another addition comes when collecting rewards for your Mui-Mui house. There are timing sequences that reward the player with music notes depending on how well you perform.   The only downside to LocoRoco 2is its length. It was longer then its predecessor but the outstandingly fun gameplay makes you yearn for more levels. With the $20 price tag, it’s understandable that the game could be short.    LocoRoco 2 has a strong replay-ability, original controls, and an affordable price. All this interprets into a great gaming experience. With the amount of new PSP titles dwindling, this game is a must own for any PSP owner.   Overall Rating:   The Gaming Savant, Ryan Smith-MuzikReviews.com Video Game Sr. Review Staff   March 26, 2009 ©MuzikReviews.com   For questions or comments on this review send an email to rsmith@muzikreviews.com.