Sony Computer Entertainment America this week announced that Patapon 2 is now available for the PlayStation Portable. Despite the widespread acclaim of the first game, Sony made the somewhat surprising decision to only digitally distribute its sequel through the PlayStation Network (which may be to test the waters for a rumored UMD-less PSP, as we've speculated), though redemption codes can also be purchased at retailers. Apart from that, however, this new title seems to stay true to the original, with players drumming out orders to their small army of eyeball-like warriors, though with more levels and unit types than the last go around. Patapon 2 also introduces a multiplayer aspect, including one that lets players try to keep rhythm together to earn prizes (for use in the single-player game) and one that has them protecting an item with a group of customizable characters. For more information on Patapon 2, be sure to check out the official press release below:

FOSTER CITY, Calif., May 5, 2009 - Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) announced today the release of Patapon™2, available exclusively for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable).  Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio, Patapon 2 marks the return of the beloved 2D platform-action and rhythm game where players command a colorful tribe of Patapons, a fearless group of quirky eyeball warriors, through a series of challenging quests in an unfamiliar land.  Building upon the distinct combination of action and rhythm-based gameplay introduced in the critically-acclaimed 2008 original, players must utilize various combinations of drumbeats to command the Patapon to march, retreat, attack, defend, charge, and use magic in the quest for victory and finding Earthend.  Patapon 2 is available now in a digital only format for $19.99.  Consumers can purchase Patapon 2 at retail stores in the form of redeemable voucher cards or purchase directly from PlayStation® Network.

“As an established franchise on PSP, Patapon 2 delivers top value at $19.99.  Its signature charm and intelligent gameplay mechanics return along with more than 200% more content,” said Scott A. Steinberg, Vice President, Product Marketing, SCEA. “With the introduction of multiplayer mode, along with customizable characters and new Evolution System, Patapon 2 is an accessible and intuitive experience that bridges the gap between casual and core gamers.”

With more than double the content of its predecessor, Patapon 2 features a deeper single-player experience along with a wealth of original missions and new cast of warriors, including a customizable “Hero” character.  A first for the franchise, Patapon 2 alsooffers a multiplayer mode where up to four players can take their Hero Patapons and join forces in a collaborative marching rhythm to carry a mysterious egg across a treacherous battlefield.   Success brings a “Don Chaka” mode, where players are tested again with drumming a collective rhythm to gain items that can be used in single player.  Patapon 2 also delivers Game Sharing functionality to allow multiple people to play together so long as one of them owns the game.

Catering to both the core franchise fanatic and the Patapon novice, Patapon 2 features difficulty settings that adjust the single-player gameplay to the appropriate level of the player, thus allowing the game to be experienced and enjoyed by players of all skill sets.  Whether a Patapon veteran or rookie, Patapon 2 brings players into a charming and melodic world full of color and wit, featuring over 80 specific missions and more than 20 boss encounters while the tribe of scampering eyeballs seek Earthend.

From the fertile imagination of French graphic artist Rolito, Patapon 2 opens in the signature 2D world of the Patapons as they depart their homeland in their ongoing pursuit of Earthend.  Arriving in a strange land after a harrowing ocean journey, the Patapons come eyeball-to-eyeball with the Karmen Tribe and the strange, dangerous creatures that inhabit their land.  In leading the Patapon tribe to its ultimate quest, players will unlock and discover new ranks of Patapons: the bird riding Toripon, the powerful robotic Robopon warriors, and Mahopon magicians.  Additionally a new superior warrior, the Hero Patapon, can be customized to fit any fighting style desired by mixing various weapons and Patapon Hero masks.  Once in battle, players will have the opportunity to lead the Patapons to victory with a total of eight command rhythms, including the new jump, power-up, and party commands – all which can be combined to change gameplay tactics and action throughout the various missions.

Leading the upgraded strategic elements of Patapon 2 is the new Evolution System.  Skills on the battlefield can be dramatically improved by evolving into other Patapon forms, called Rarepons, through upgrades and “level ups.”  Players can strategically customize and build the Patapon army by determining the appropriate weapons, armor, and battle positions.  True to its musical roots, Patapon 2 also offers seven music-based mini-games that allow players the opportunity to earn bonuses and upgrades to further customize the Patapon warriors in preparation for fun and rhythmic battle.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Patapon 2 “E” for “Everyone”.