Patapon Coming to North America

December 11, 2007

Patapon Coming to North America
Exclusively for PSP

Rhythm-Based Action Blends with
Abstract Art to Deliver a Unique New Gaming Genre to the North American Market
in February 2008

Sony Computer Entertainment America
Inc. (SCEA) announced today the February 2008 North American release of
Patapon(TM), available exclusively for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable).
Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment WorldWide Studios Japan Studio, Patapon
is a highly stylized, 2D platform/action adventure game that transforms players
into a mystical leader in charge of guiding a tribe of small, quirky warriors
called Patapons. Through an innovative use of musical beats, players will march
the Patapons against opposing armies and gigantic monsters in an attempt to find
the far end of the world. In Patapon, players will encounter a new style of
gameplay that blends rhythm and action, where various drumbeats are used to
command the Patapons to march, retreat, attack, and defend, all in the ultimate
quest for survival and victory. The game presents a variety of warrior types,
along with a wide selection of weapons and shield upgrades, allowing each player
to customize their Patapon army and strategize for each mission. Using character
designs by popular French graphic artist Rolito, who served as chief artist for
the game, Patapon introduces a distinctive art style incorporating abstract
shapes, vibrant environments, and larger-than-life boss enemies.

"Patapon is a unique experience for
gamers of all ages because it combines two key forms of entertainment: rhythm
and music, and stellar platforming action," said Jeff Reese, director, software
marketing, SCEA. "Music is a huge part of the PSP’s multifunctional feature set,
and we are excited to deliver a new genre of music and action gaming that
further adds depth to the PSP software lineup."

For years the Patapon tribe has
lived in the desolate frontier, driven from their home by the evil Zigoton army.
Behind the Patapons’ cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only
be commanded by the beat of the war drum. They wait for the day the "Almighty"
will return and lead them against their enemies, as Patapon legend states the
glory of the ancestors will be resurrected when they reach the far end of the
world. The wait finally comes to an end as the drums of war are heard once
again.

Set among a variety of colorful 2D
backgrounds, Patapon unfolds through more than 30 missions with more than 20
different environments, where players are tasked with outfitting the Patapon
army, collecting resources, and using strategy to grow the tribe into a
devastating fighting force. Incorporating various button-timed drumbeats in
real-time to control the Patapons, players will strategically traverse through
each environment, battling enemies each step of the way. The game presents a
variety of warrior types such as archers, infantry, cavalry, and more that
players can unlock, along with a wide selection of more than 100 weapon and
shield upgrades, allowing players to customize their forces throughout the funky
adventure. Additionally, Patapon features five unique music-based mini-games to
earn additional Patapon upgrades. Players will revel in the addictive nature of
the game, collecting rare weapons and items, and earning more points to upgrade
and amass an army of Patapons.