PSP-exclusive rhythm game Patapon 3 received some DLC earlier this week. Not only is said DLC co-op missions, but it's also free! Sounds like the best possible kind of DLC, really. In these missions, players will face off against Stone Golems, Salamandars, and Deth squads along with two named bosses: the poison-spitting Darantula and the fire-breathing sandworm Dokakanel. So what are you waiting for, pata-patapon'ers? Go get it!

Pon-pon-patapon!  The quirky strategy/rhythm hybrid series' third installment, aptly titled Patapon 3, has had a demo available since last summer, believe it or not.  It appears the long wait for the full release of the game is nearly over.  Patapon 3 will finally hit retail shelves and the PSN next month, on April 12.  Multiplayer, including a four-player co-op mode, will be returning, in addition to the standard single player campaign.  I can't recall the last time there was such a long stretch between the demo and the game's release; I guess that's one more little quirk in a game full of unique stuff.

More news rolls out of Gamescom this week, and this time, it's a video for the upcoming PSP rhythm/puzzle hybrid, Patapon 3.  In addition to new heros, classes, and skills for your armies, the multiplayer offerings have been cranked up significantly.  Four player co-op is now available, and can be used on any level throughout the game.  For the more competitive Patapon patrons, 4 on 4 matches can be set up, as well.  Check out the video for more.

For those of you who enjoy the addictive, beautiful, rythm-based Patapon series: you'll be excited to know that the Patapon 3 co-op demo is available on the PlayStation Network.

Just a heads up - but if you head to your favorite version of the PlayStation Store, that is either via the PS3 or PSP, you can find a brand new demo for Patapon 2!

Patapon 2 is just a few weeks away from it's digital release on the PSP.  The PlayStation Blog has the details on the game's four player co-op mode called Bring the Mysterious Egg.

Sony plans to launch Patapon 2, a four player co-op game for the PSP, on May 5th in the United States.  The game, released earlier this year in Japan on UMD, is going to be available via digital distribution channels only confirmed Kotaku. 

Patapon was a quirky title for the PSP.  The sequel will implement co-op, which is a trend we'd love to see continue.  It was recently announced that a demo will be available, and here's how to get it.

If you can't wait till June to get your hands on Patapon 2, a two four player co-op PSP title, you can have a bite sized nugget of the game to play right now - for FREE!

Patapon 2 was released in Japan last year, so American and European gamers have been waiting anxiously to find out when they can get their hands on the game.  Sony has announced an official launch date of May 5th, 2009 for the game.

I'll admit it: I've owned a PSP - a launch model. For the most part, it was fun and had a decent library of games; and this was well before the Playstation Store was live. I sold it before Christmas last year as half of a deal that ultimately landed me an Xbox 360 Pro.

PSP owners have probably heard of the quirky rhythm/RTS/puzzler/whatever Patapon.  As you can tell from the above screenshot, it's a rather... unique game.  Gameplay is rhythm based, and by giving your little dudes different orders with your drums, they act differently.  It's hard to explain, for sure.  In any event, a sequel to Patapon has just been announced, as you can read at 1Up.  Of note to Co-Optimus readers is the inclusion of co-op multiplayer!