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!

The demo features a sample of it's multiplayer co-op mode, which can be played via AD-HOC wireless.  In it players work together as different Patapons to move an egg through a level using various beat based attacks and moves.  

If you download it and check it out, let us know how it is!  

Source: Link

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.

The way the mode works is simple, you have to bring an egg from point A to Point B with the help of three of your friends.  You won't have a Patapon army at your disposal in this mode, only the super powered friends by your side.  Along the way you'll face a boss or two as well as various obstacles, so team work is essential.  

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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. 

A Sony representative said this method would be a test case, as North American retailers will still carry boxes that only contain download codes for the $19.99 title.  The PlayStation Store will have the full game available as well on the launch date for a discounted $14.99.
 

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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.

The greatness that is the Patapon 2 Demo is available exclusively to all you warriors out there that reserve a copy in advance! So now that you’ve all been edumacated on the way of Patapon, Patapon 2 demo and the rule of drums, all that is left for you to do is click on one of the two links below...

So, let me get this straight.  To get a preview of the gameplay, a DEMONSTRATION, to help me decided whether I want to purchase the game, I have to lay down some cash and preorder it?  That seems a bit backward to me.  What is the point of calling it a demo?  Isn't this more like a sneak peek? 

Source: Link

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!

Developed by Kerb, the Patapon 2 mini game lets players practice keeping the beat and listening to the little Patapon's addictive chant.  PATA PATA PATA PON your way to victory in a handful of scenarios using only your keyboard and ears.  Just don't try to use your ears on your keyboard!

The bad news is the game is only available until March 16th, so you better give it a try quick.  Then it's back till waiting till June!

Source: Link

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.

If you've never played Patapon - well it really is quite unique.  You tap out drum beats on your PSP pad to launch different attacks by your little on screen dudes.

Patapon 2 will see a co-op mode for 4 players.  These special missions have players working together to capture an egg, deliver it safely, and then perform a ritual to hatch it.  Sounds like a pretty unique co-op experience. 

We've posted a trailer for the game - but be warned - the song will be stuck in your head all day.  PATA PATA PATA PON!

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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.

Unfortunately, this means that I've missed out on some impressive games, such as Patapon, and for that reason, I've been mulling over whether or not to buy a PSP-3000 when it releases this November. Sony must know this, because they've added a co-op mode to Patapon 2, currently in development. As if I wasn't already inticed by the PSP-3000's screen glare fix and built-in microphone, now they have to make more triple-A titles for it...sheesh.

Patapon designer Hiroyuki Kotani explained to 1up.com how the 4-player co-op mode works in his sequel. You can read the interview at the source link below or by clicking here.

Source: Link

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!

The idea behind the co-op multiplayer mode is simple. In Patapon 2's single-player story mode, you'll occasionally come across giant eggs -- some of which contain helpful items, some of which hold smaller eggs inside. In order to hatch these suckers, you'll have to team up with other players and navigate a special enemy-laden multiplayer battleground, using the traditional pata-pata-pata-pon drumbeat to heft the egg forward and defending it whenever monsters loom nearby. Once you arrive at the special egg-hatching altar at the end of the field, all four players will perform a hatching ceremony, a sort of tribal drumline where everyone has to match their rhythms together to crack open the egg.

If that quote made little or no sense to you, don't feel bad.  I watched my son play the game and still don't have much of a clue, myself.  However, co-op is always good, and the first game was well reviewed.  Patapon 2 hits Japan this winter, and though no actual release date for other areas has been announced, we'll keep you posted!