139w ago - Sony Senior Social Media Specialist Sid Shuman has shared a Patapon 3 PSP Q&A with Hiroyuki Kotani today, revealing that the PSN title will be more epic with multiplayer support.

To quote: In addition to Patapon 3's better-known enhancements -- the tough-as-nails Super Hero Patapons, approximately 80 levels, the Pata-text chat system -- the topic of multiplayer gameplay remains something of a mystery.

So while at the Tokyo Game Show, I jumped at the chance to speak with Hiroyuki Kotani, better known as the director of the Patapon series, to touch upon more details for his upcoming PSP rhythm-action game.

I was particularly interested in how the new online multiplayer-centric gameplay would impact the game, as well as what new challenges the Patapons will face in their strange new surroundings.

Sid Shuman: Patapon 3's visual style looks more sophisticated, how have you evolved the art style?

Hiroyuki Kotani, Director, Patapon 3: Along with the more epic theme, we changed the graphical style not only for the Superhero Patapon, but also for the backgrounds. The backgrounds in the previous games looked more flat and two-dimensional. But now in Patapon 3 you can feel much more atmosphere -- it's both more fantastic and more realistic.

150w ago - Producer Chris Hinojosa-Miranda has announced that the Patapon 3 multiplayer PSP Demo hits PSN today.

To quote: Today is finally here (today being Tuesday, July 6th). In a few hours -- as soon as the PlayStation Store refreshes all its content -- you'll be able to download the much-anticipated bite-sized summer snack known as the Patapon 3 Multiplayer Demo.

Are you ready to play to your heart's content? Are you already tapping your feet/toes/fingers in sweet rhythmic anticipation? Yeah you are...

So here are the contents of this hypnotically musical multiplayer adventure (insert mood music):

• Ad-hoc and Infrastructure Multiplayer (1-8 players)
• Co-op and Competitive (Capture the Flag) missions
• Introduction of the New Super Hero Patapons
• New Enemies
• Intro to the Patapons' new adventure

As mentioned before, this is a multiplayer demo, so you'll need either an internet connection to fight along/against other players world-wide (that means around the world!) or four of your bestest local Patapon friends to enjoy this demo... and since it is free, there...

151w ago - Producer Chris Hinojosa-Miranda has confirmed today that the new Patapon 3 Multiplayer PSP demo will be hitting PSN on July 6, 2010 for free!

To quote: So you say, "What's so special? Patapon 2 also had multiplayer!"

Well let me enlighten you with a few cool single-eyed-facts (to keep it in theme, I'll limit them to three):

• Patapon 3 is a whole new chapter in the Patapon saga
• There are some really cool new characters, including the Superhero Patapon.
• To experience the awesome multiplayer adventures that lay beyond Patapolis, you'll have to go through a strange portal called "the Internet."

That's right. Patapon 3 has entered the interwebz (so to speak), with exciting new adventures that you can play with your friends via a Wi-Fi connection. This demo is but a peephole glimpse into a new world full of larger-than-eye enemies, super stylized eye-watering graphics, and eye-popping excitement.

Should I tell you more? Ok, fine. The Patapon 3 Multiplayer Demo adventure can be downloaded for FREE on Tuesday, July 6th from the PlayStation Store... exclusively for your PSP.

If you are looking extremely confused and asking yourself, "what is a Patapon?", here's a quick recap of the story so far (now I am making...

213w ago - Today SCEA Associate Producer Chris Hinojosa-Miranda shared a Patapon 2 multiplayer trailer and PSP 'Digital Only' FAQ as follows:

I want to take a moment to answer some questions about last week's "digital only" format announcement.

Q - What happens if accidentally erase or lose my Memory Stick?
It doesn't matter how many times you erase, break or lose your memory stick. The magic of Patapon 2 is that can re-download it (for free) as many times as you want off the PlayStation Network using the PSN ID you bought or redeemed the voucher with.

Q - I fiendishly back-up all my digital entertainment; can I do that with Patapon 2?
Yup, you can back up the Patapon 2 game on a PC with Media Manager, a free application available at store.playstation.com. It's easy-peazy-lemon-squeazy.





Q - How much Ka-ching will I have to drop for Patapon 2?
Patapon 2 is priced at a wallet friendly $19.99 USD for both the retail voucher and the PSN download.

It is very clear to see how passionate you guys are about Patapon 2 and we're thankful for all your feedback and opinions. Of course there are many other questions, but since we did promise a breakdown on multiplayer, we best jump...