Patapon 2 - Download Only, No UMD Release

[RelentlessRolento]

Update:

Apparently multiplayer is in Patapon 2 with co-op!!!!!!!!!

______________
I care less about loco roco, but all good news!

http://www.pspworld.com/sony-psp/news/patapon-2-announced-detailed-in-famitsu-009026.php

[freakyzeeky]

Pata-Pata-Pata-PON! :D

Pa-Pa-PA! Patipaton! Papitapon! :lol:

[cochesecochese]

Maybe I'll hold onto my PSP just yet...

[Hostile]

More Patapon is good but I hope they fix all the little problems people had with it.

[metaly]

While I loved Patapon for about the first half of the missions, all the grinding to afford better patapons got old and I never finished it. I hope the sequel has a little more variety.

[bornrunnin31]

Just started the first last night. Hopefully this one is just as fun.

[Hostile]

No online multiplayer makes co-op useless.

[punkmaggit]

I'll go ahead and differ with all of you - WHERE'S THE LOCO ROCO 2 NEWS? RAAARGH *drool*

[BennyWii]

I just started playing Patapon about a week ago. I have played about 5 hours of it and I love it. The grinding doesn't bother me. I never got around to LocoRoco but i plan on playing it.

This news is very exciting too me because i am very interested in both games.

[cindersphere]

I am excited about this. Somehow playing a god is quite satisfying.

[fatez]

co-op in patapon is gonna kick ass! :)

[Masterkyo]

I'll get them both whenever it hit US and hope MSRP $19.99 ;)

[Furashu]

just started patapon last night its awesome. havent gotten around to loco roco tho

[sur4k]

Definitely looking forward to Patapon 2. Hope there's a way to import original saves. I beat the game last week and am currently collecting mithril to make ultimate weapons. I might have done more grinding than I needed mid-game (completely missed the fact that I could make better units so wasted a ton of ka-ching and time trying to build up base level ones), but never had trouble keeping the beat so it was totally engrossing.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41071.html
http://www.gametrailers.com/player/41106.html

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gamespot.com/video/0/6199060/videoplayerpop

[jeremywoods]

this thread is awesome :3

[RelentlessRolento]

:)

http://www.eegra.com/comics/2008/10/57.png

[lilboo]

Rolento, with your skillz 8-) why don't you make a Patapon artwork? :) :)

<- Is moving in a few weeks and needs artwork :D

[RelentlessRolento]

Rolento, with your skillz 8-) why don't you make a Patapon artwork? :) :)

<- Is moving in a few weeks and needs artwork :D


:lol: the hard part is that patapon artwork is unique to itself... i don't even know how to make it in my style... I have time tomorrow... I'll see if I can ;)

[FriskyTanuki]

http://playstation.joystiq.com/2009/02/11/patapon-2-valentines-card-reveals-release-info/

Patapon 2 will be out in May, as revealed by this Valentines Day card that Joystiq got:

http://www.blogcdn.com/playstation.joystiq.com/media/2009/02/scan17580pata.jpg

http://www.blogcdn.com/playstation.joystiq.com/media/2009/02/scan18580pata.jpg

[FriskyTanuki]

Patapon 2 will be out on 5/5/09 according to the new trailer on PSN.

[Serpentor]

i love the little patapons, the sounds, the cute little battle cries, but man, it's freaking anal! i just can't beat the dessert area... i mean come on, you need to be in the Fever mode to do the rain dance, it's just plain mean... i mean, it's like asking average Joe to play Fur Elise without making a single mistake. Pata pata pata pon, pata pata pata pon (fading away).

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/13/rumor-patapon-2-wont-be-sold-on-umd-retail-to-sell-psn-vouche/

There's a rumor that what will be inside the Patapon 2 package in retail stores will be a voucher to download it off of PSN for $20 while the digital version of the game will be just $15 to download it straight from the PS Store. Considering SCEA's past execution on simultaneous PSN/Retail releases, I see no reason to believe it until SCEA announces it themselves.

[RelentlessRolento]

wtf? I want the UMD! if anything I want the UMD and then the download as well without paying extra.

[Dr Mario Kart]

If you want it on UMD you can buy the European or Jp versions, if this turns out to be true.

[RelentlessRolento]

I'm not the type to import. $15 isn't bad at all though... cheaper than the original.

[optimusprime8062]

Hm, confirmed.

http://psp.ign.com/articles/972/972368p1.html

[RelentlessRolento]

oh well... I hope it bodes well.

[Monsta Mack]

I hope this does not bode well, and I'm sure Gamestop feels the same way :P

Having an actual copy of the game is nice and also allows for re-sale value. Going download only kills the ability for us to re-sell our copy and make up for some of the loss, and I hope if indeed all games go download only that Sony offers a better memory stick solution and has demos for EVERY game, because I do not want to end up downloading a game only to hate it and be SOL.

Out of curiosity how big will this file be? Can you re-download it if you delete it? I only have a 4 gig. Bleh. Can you transfer the PSP games to the PS3 hard drive?

[cochesecochese]

So you open up the case and find...a voucher? Ehhhhhh I'm not sure how I feel about that. Overall it's a pretty decent band-aid solution until full DD.

[FriskyTanuki]

It's the same as any PSN game on the PS3, so you could download it on the PS3 and transfer it over to the PSP whenever you like or just keep it on the memory stick. You can download it as much as you like, so there's no need to worry about transferring it. It shouldn't be any more than a few hundred MB's since it's not CG-heavy like either of the Syphon Filter games.

I hope it does well to give Sony the go ahead on putting more current PSP games on PSN and not so much of these obscure games nobody's ever heard of that have been released in the past few weeks. I also hope it gives them more confidence to work on getting more original content for the PSP, like Beats and the Syphon Filter MP game, instead of PSN ports and retail releases. SCEA's been a bit too hesitant to do this that I'd like to see them get any kind of message that this kind of thing is okay to do.

It will be nice to have Patapon 2 at my fingertips to play whenever I like without having to put a UMD in the system to play it.

[RelentlessRolento]

if this sells well, I wouldn't mind at all if it means download versions being cheaper... it's $5 cheaper as a download.

[Nephlabobo]

I had planned on buying this on launch day, but not now.

The more disc based games that come out, the more I will buy.

The more that are digitally distributed, the more I will pirate.

[briandadude]

The more that are digitally distributed, the more I will pirate.

Fail.

:shame:

[Monsta Mack]

Opening up to see a voucher is much more appealing then just receiving a voucher itself or not seeing a game case at all. Judging by the reactions from most people online a lot of pre-orders are going to be canceled and some people are going as far as importing the EU version considering It's already out and about $20 shipped from Europe. The $5 might be decent savings but selling used can still net you some more cash especially if the game becomes rare in UMD format or what not.

I'd say the best thing about going digitial is the game will never become "rare" and everyone has a chance to buy. Of course with digitial download your prices will also remain the same for quite some time.

I'm just overly disappointed that the US doesn't get a UMD release and It's strictly download. If they put both offers on the table one being $15 for download, and $20 for a actual UMD that would give Sony a better of idea of what sells better.

I'm wondering if Gamestop or other stores won't carry this since it will just be a voucher, considering Gamestop will probably get a whopping $2 versus getting a used copy and making triple the profit if it sells. Digitial Distribution remains the biggest thread to Gamestop, and I have a feeling they will do something about it rather then adapt.

[optimusprime8062]

Of course with digitial download your prices will also remain the same for quite some time.


Exactly. And how will someone sell this used? I have a feeling you will only be able to use the download code X amount of times and after that its invalid. So, in that case, no used game discount. (Unless Frisky is correct in saying you can download it as much as you like) But also, no NEW game discount. For instance, I just bought Fallout 3 brand new for $35. A very good deal...but if it were download only, I'd never get that price.

[Monsta Mack]

Basically if a game scores high reviews and sells constantly you'll never see a deal. Remember how long it took the first Halo to drop in price on the XBox? Imagine if that was download only... lol. It will also kill sites like CAG in terms of deals because we would only be posting the weekly steam deal, or a price cut on the XBox 360 at dell.com.

I know DD is only a matter of time but I like choice, and if people don't then let them buy Patapon over the PSN and prove us wrong and support DD.

Oh, and before you point out Amazon has deals on XBLA titles - keep in mind that Amazon is even allowed to sell them. If everything were to go Digital expect MS/Sony/Microsoft to have full control over pricing and their library.

[optimusprime8062]

And actually I just thought of a few things. More than just the Playstation Store could sell these downloads, like Amazon is doing with XBLA games. So, you can get deals that way. Also, if they sell vouchers, then you would in fact be able to buy it from an online retailer or eBay for a discount. But I still prefer to have a box, manual, and game disc/cartridge. I guess in that since, Im a little old fashioned.

And they are just doing this as a test anyways. If it doesnt do well, then they will scrap the idea, and if it does...they will keep it. No biggie.

[Nephlabobo]

Fail.

:shame:

Actually the fail is Sony alienating customers who would've willingly gone out and bought products for their systems.

I'll be happy to buy a disc version.

It's far more morally wrong to release stuff digitally only.

[abilyk]

I've never connected my PSP to the net and don't care to. And I don't have a memory stick large enough to hold the game even if I chose to connect. I know I could do these things relatively easily and cheaply, but I don't care quite enough to bother. Pity for Sony, cause I would have bought the game otherwise.

[FriskyTanuki]

Exactly. And how will someone sell this used? I have a feeling you will only be able to use the download code X amount of times and after that its invalid. So, in that case, no used game discount. (Unless Frisky is correct in saying you can download it as much as you like) But also, no NEW game discount. For instance, I just bought Fallout 3 brand new for $35. A very good deal...but if it were download only, I'd never get that price.
The download code will be a one time use code like any other voucher you'd get, but you'll be able to redownload it from your account as much as you like if you need to delete it from your memory stick for space reasons. The normal PSN rules of allowing the game to be downloaded to five separate systems at once should still apply, so you could go the gamesharing route if you care the most about getting the game for cheap.

To say there won't be any discounts or sales on download-only games isn't exactly the case since Sony and Microsoft have held sales and discounted games, usually due to wanting to boost the sales numbers for some time. Only Nintendo's VC and Wiiware don't really have any sales or reductions from what I can recall.

if this sells well, I wouldn't mind at all if it means download versions being cheaper... it's $5 cheaper as a download.
I haven't seen an actual price for the PSN version in any of the official reports, besides the rumor, so where did you see that at?

[Bluth Superfan]

Canceling my preorder in the morning. I may download from the PSN if the game is 15. I made a pact with myself that I won't go over that price for a download only game.


IMO sony handled this all wrong. If they want a test they should of just given us day and date umd/digital release.

[RelentlessRolento]

I haven't seen an actual price for the PSN version in any of the official reports, besides the rumor, so where did you see that at?

from random news sources they say that it's $20 at retail and $15 on PSN.

[Lawyers Guns N Money]

from random news sources they say that it's $20 at retail and $15 on PSN.
If Sony pulls this crap, they'll just piss off their retail partners... Why would someone buy it at retail for $5 more when they've just gotta download the thing anyway?

[fatez]

this is madness!!!! >:o

[Master Shake]

I'll just import it eventually when I can find it fairly cheap. I'm definitely not a fan of this. I have no problem offering an option to download it but completely eliminating a physical copy of the game is lame.

[Guerrilla]

Um... no thanks Sony.

How is this even proper marketing research? Wouldn't selling digital vs UMD in the same regional market give a better indication as to the current viability of digital downloads?

[cochesecochese]

It's far more morally wrong to release stuff digitally only.
I don't think morals really have a lot to do with this...

[Monsta Mack]

Let's just see how sales fare for Sony. I am more concerned with LBP and Gran Turismo going this route then anything else. I know third partys will most likely not follow. Posting this from G1 so sorry for any typos

[CrimsonPaw]

Let's just see how sales fare for Sony. I am more concerned with LBP and Gran Turismo going this route then anything else.
Silly Monsta, you know Gran Turismo isn't going to come to the PSP, it's just a red herring.
Posting this from G1 ...
Bragger; and yes, I'm envious.

[Serpentor]

I'm all for this digital download thing, especially with game sharing :)

[Ryukahn]

I don't mind digital downloads at all if they are reasonably cheaper (close to half the price of retail). If it's $15 on PSN, that's decent enough for now. $15-20 for digital downloads of full PSP games would be fine by me. If they try charging retail ($30-40) for them, then I won't buy any of them.

[SynGamer]

It's 19.99, I'm not surprised Sony is selling the game on PSN. They can skip the retail markup (or most of it at least) and at some point they had to try releasing a game via PSN only, now's as good of a time as any.

[Monsta Mack]

Silly Monsta, you know Gran Turismo isn't going to come to the PSP, it's just a red herring.

Bragger; and yes, I'm envious.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Well the G1 isn't as "smooth" as the IPhone and the 3G isn't in CT, but when it is It's a better device imho.

Yeah anyways. Me and my buddies are officially boycotting the US version unless Sony decides to release it in UMD form. We all have no problems with the PSP 2 download only because we will know in advance when that is the case, rather then Sony just dropping the ball on us when the PSP1 still has a good few years left in it (or at the worst a year). If sales are bad this will be the last time Sony does this, but if everyone jumps on it then they will be giving the green light for Sony to go download only with future heavy DRM which has plagued the PC market for awhile now. Do I blame Sony? Honestly not really considering the amount of pirated games, but they should probably do this with another game considering in EU this is already available on UMD and other "illegal" means. So they are just hurting their audience that actually pays.

Also Sony/some company better be gearing up for Terrabyte PRO DUOs for when the PSP2 game files are 12 gigs or something :P Thats my whole other issue, because with Steam and PC gaming Terrabyte hard drives are getting very affordable, with the 360 It's not really viable because of the small hard drives (thanks MS!) and the pro duos are still too small in size to fit my 20+ PSP game collection onto one memory stick.

[berzirk]

Pata-pata-pata-pwned themselves. Was a first day buy, now I refuse to buy it. Well done Sony. I've never seen a company try to destroy their own product so effectively.

I like collecting games (very, very seldom ever sell them when I'm done playing). The tangible factor. If they want me to download games, maybe they'll just get their wish...through means that this forum doesn't allow us to discuss.

CFW (communicated for whoopee) ;)

[Hostile]

Patapon 2 for $15 on PSN confirmed...? (http://www.siliconera.com/2009/04/14/this-stuff-comes-with-the-retail-version-of-patapon-2/)

I have about $50 of PSN money on my account thanks to the Stride loves Rock Band promotion and some other things so this is all sounding great to me. $15 for Patapon expansion is fine by me. I recently put CFW on my PSP so I hope it works correctly.

[sj41]

I just started playing the first game again lately after never getting too far into it even though it's always been fun to me. It's great and addictive, but I'm not sure if I'm going to need a sequel as I doubt that I'll finish it if it gets . I'm more interested in Loco Roco 2 since I never played the first one outside of the demos, and it was recently released on UMD for $20. I have enough games to play right now, though, so I'll wait until I can grab it for under $15.

[mtxbass1]

Pata-pata-pata-pwned themselves. Was a first day buy, now I refuse to buy it. Well done Sony. I've never seen a company try to destroy their own product so effectively.


My thoughts exactly.

I picked up the first Patapon for $10 and got tremendous enjoyment out of it. Now that this is available via download only, it's no longer much of an option for me. My PSP is rarely connected to the net and I'd likely need a bigger memory card than the 1GB that I have now. No thanks Sony.

[Hostile]

Personally I think a $15 PSP game sounds like a good way to make money. The game is under 500 MB so I don't see much of a problem with storage.

[FriskyTanuki]

You don't need your PSP to be online to download the game. There's the PS3 or the PC Media Manager that can download it and transfer it to your PSP.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/04/17/pata-post-friday-presents-rumors-are-true-patapon-2-is-going-digital/

Here's how the retail packaging will look for the game's release:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3450479397_ae01ec0c70.jpg

[RelentlessRolento]

I'll buy it I gues at store... I want the case and manual

[Hostile]

I'll go the PSN route for $5 off.

[Monsta Mack]

Well I like the fact you still get the case and a nice manual. /end only positive thing to say in this thread :P

[Mr. Beef]

I don't get what all the hoopla is about. You're still getting the game, and it's not like the gameplay is changed at all.

[eau]

I guess this is one of many games on which GS can't make a profit in the USED market any more.

[Rocko]

I don't get what all the hoopla is about. You're still getting the game, and it's not like the gameplay is changed at all.
The fact that a move towards more digital distribution is bad?

[Dakinggamer]

I need to go back and get Patapon on PSP and may eventually download Patapon 2..8-)

[Mr. Beef]

The fact that a move towards more digital distribution is bad?
I guess it just doesn't matter to me as much.

Well that, and I need to actually give it some thought.

[TctclMvPhase]

Will this include a space for the UMD?

Some of my old cases have a broken UMD holder...I may pick up a retail version just to get a fully useable case to swap with one of the borken ones.

[007]

Bah. Count another for the 'used to be day 1, now it's a no-buy' faction. I agree that a move to digital distribution is inevitable, but I don't think the PSP is postioned to make that transistion quite yet. So, I go to download it. I only have a 512 and the card that came the PSP back in the day. First problem. I can download it and transfer from PS3. Don't own one. Second problem. If I want to just download it and transfer myself, Sony is likely to make me use their transfer stuff, which I also don't have. Third problem.

So... yeah. I want Patapon 2, but there is no scenario where this isn't a bigger hassle than me just going to buy it at a store and popping in a UMD. None.

What amazes me is that they went FULL DD with it, instead of doing both to 'test the waters', so to speak.

[pete5883]

If I want to just download it and transfer myself, Sony is likely to make me use their transfer stuff, which I also don't have. Third problem.

So... yeah. I want Patapon 2, but there is no scenario where this isn't a bigger hassle than me just going to buy it at a store and popping in a UMD. None.

I didn't realize downloading a small program and then finding something else to do for a while was harder than making a round trip to a retailer.

[RelentlessRolento]

memory sticks have dropped down in price alot and I think 2 gigs need to become a standard before digital distribution takes off entirely for the thing...

3 gigs can be easily had for near $20, so instead of getting a GH game, get a stick.

I think I have a 2 gig available.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/04/22/pata-post-wednesday-multiplayer-hotness/

They answer a few more questions, confirm the price to dispell the rumors, and talk about the multiplayer.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 (http://www.us.playstation.com/PSP/Games/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 into this sweet new trailer before Jeff cuts me off again…

Now that we have raised your [/URL]eyebrows, a couple of weeks back, we chatted about Hero Patapon, his mighty powers and his customization features. Today we’ll dive a bit more into customization and how to unlock new masks via multiplayer, the Patagate, Eggs and Game Sharing.

Multiplayer mode takes place in a parallel universe accessible only to Hero Patapons. The gateway to this realm is the Patagate, and it is here that you’ll join forces with other Hero Patapons in order to fight through all the levels you’ve unlocked in single player mode. This is a mortal eyeball-to-eyeball battle, and your rhythm skills will be tested as you and your three friends fight without the support of your vast Patapon army.

[URL="http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/3465779665/"]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3574/3465779665_f844629896.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVblWq3tDwY)

To kick off a game, just go into the Patagate and select from one of the options: Bring Mysterious Egg, Game Sharing or Play Alone.

Bring Mysterious Egg
What are these eggs? Where do you find them? Wasn’t Easter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yw_gEyg7Nt8) a long time ago? Well, as you make your progress through Patapon 2 (single player mode), some of the bosses you defeat will drop an egg as part of the reward of beating them, and inside these eggs are the special masks available for Hero Patapon…so once you’ve acquired an egg, you’ve got to take it to the Patagate to crack it open and whisk the insides into an omelets of musical greatness. But before you can get a crackin’, you must first prove your worthiness by defeating the enemy you got the egg from!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3559/3466594956_f38143f232.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/3466594956/)

The mission is simple: Work together to carry the egg from Point A to Point B within a set amount of time. Simple enough right? Trouble is, you’ll have at least one nasty boss (http://psp.ign.com/dor/objects/14265339/patapon-2/videos/patapon2_gmp_underworldmachinegiant.html)or a ton of angry Karmen soldiers in your way. In single player, you had a full Patapon army that had your back, now it’s just you and 3 other friends…well…“super-powered” friends (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqRxWAqnQ_g) that is. If this sounds a bit difficult, worry ye not, victory is actually quite simple.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3465832397_5946bf4fab.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/3465832397/)

Just make sure to outfit each Hero Patapon with the best armament available…and when in battle, make sure that you and all your friends keep true to the rhythm of the earth! If all four of you work together and coordinate when you all March, Attack, and Defend together as a unit, victory will be yours!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/3465779695_64360c1de9.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/playstationblog/3465779695/)

Once you and your merry band of Heroes beat all the obstacles before you, the game changes to “DON CHAKA” mode. Here you and your co-players rhythm are tested once again. By hitting the right drum beats at the right time, you will be awarded great riches that you can spend in single player. If you hit every beat, you crack the egg and get the secret that lies within!

Game Sharing
If by some horrible chance, your friends don’t have Patapon 2 (if this is true, why even call them friends?) well, then you must teach the ways of the drum via Game Sharing. This way, even if they don’t have Patapon 2, they can still help you out in your Egg breaking mission. Just fire up the Game Sharing option and have your friends download multiplayer mode from your PSP to theirs. Once that’s complete, they will be able to join you in battle in cracking the Mysterious Egg and unlocking Mask (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQdgbs0IUDg) greatness.

Play Alone
But what if you happen to be flying solo for the night with no wing-man to help you out? If that is the case, just select Play Alone and fill in the other three spots with ComPons – A.I. Hero Patapons that will help you crack the Mysterious Egg.

Note: Every voyage through the Patagate requires four Hero Patapons, but don’t worry if you are short of one person for Game Sharing or Bring Mysterious Egg modes. You’ll be able to fill in any empty slot with a ComPon.

That’s about it for multiplayer and Mysterious Eggs; however, finding them in the single-player mode is not so easy. You’ll need to beef up your army with brand new warrior types who have joined the Patapon army…something we’ll dive into a little further in the next Pata-post!

[Bluth Superfan]

Looks pretty good but I decided I'm going to have to pass on this one. I'm just not really down with this DD only thing.

[TctclMvPhase]

I wasn't gonna buy this until I saw that it was a DD only title...

If it ends up being $15 on the PSN Im def getting this day one.

[FriskyTanuki]

It says that it's $19.99 two posts above you.

[RelentlessRolento]

Since it's not cheaper at all on PSN other than tax I'll be getting the retail for the manual and box.

[RelentlessRolento]

nice!

9.5 from IGN if anyone cares
http://psp.ign.com/articles/976/976811p1.html

from reading it it seems all my complaints about the first one have been fixed. It's basically become user friendly now, which the first one was not at all.

[slidecage]

http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/04/17/pata-post-friday-presents-rumors-are-true-patapon-2-is-going-digital/

Here's how the retail packaging will look for the game's release:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3450479397_ae01ec0c70.jpg


will not buy online games..

20 buck. hate it out 20 bucks.. At least with UMDS you have a chance at getting 50% off your cash back...


would say it would really suck to see all new psp games come out this way BUt then again WHAT NEW PSP GAMES LOL

seems like this is a last chance effort for sony to try to save the psp,,, sadly it will just blow up in their faces

[Salamando3000]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but since this is a PSN game, can't it be gameshared amongst five people, thus making it's price ~5 bucks (accounting for Paypal fees a group will probably incur)?

[RelentlessRolento]

will not buy online games..

20 buck. hate it out 20 bucks.. At least with UMDS you have a chance at getting 50% off your cash back...


would say it would really suck to see all new psp games come out this way BUt then again WHAT NEW PSP GAMES LOL

seems like this is a last chance effort for sony to try to save the psp,,, sadly it will just blow up in their faces


I can understand, but if you don't buy online games (ie. XBLA or PSN or whatever) ur missing on some of the best titles out this gen.

but that's my opinion...

[FriskyTanuki]

Yes.

[Monsta Mack]

9.5??? Damn how much did Sony pay them ? :P lol.

[RelentlessRolento]

9.5??? Damn how much did Sony pay them ? :P lol.


you ever play the original? it's damn good.

[RelentlessRolento]

don't forget the demo today... it supposedly unlocks a really nice weapon.

[FriskyTanuki]

I need to play the demo before I start up the full game later today.

[Masterkyo]

I purchased is Loco Roco 2 and look forward for this game. Somehow download game is turn me down :(

[FriskyTanuki]

What's the special weapon I'm supposed to have unlocked at the end of the demo? I've beaten that last level twice and none of the weapons seem to stand out as a cool unlock (Fire Bow, Iron Halberd, Iron Hammer).

[Monsta Mack]

you ever play the original? it's damn good.

Demo was pretty good for a rhythm game thats for sure. It's not my type of game, however my wife enjoyed it so I am looking on fleabay for a cheap copy of the first.

[RelentlessRolento]

I might be wrong then... like last demo though I'd expect it to just be a regular weapon you pick up... just a bit more special >_<

[Hostile]

Is the Patapon 2 demo on PSN the same as the pre-order demo?

What's the special weapon I'm supposed to have unlocked at the end of the demo? I've beaten that last level twice and none of the weapons seem to stand out as a cool unlock (Fire Bow, Iron Halberd, Iron Hammer).

If I recall correctly, the demo unlocks the item at the start of the real game.

[RelentlessRolento]

Is the Patapon 2 demo on PSN the same as the pre-order demo?



I think so since it seems that sony was initially going to have the vouchers sent out to download the demo, but never did sent them out. the release today I expect to be the same as the demo you would've downloaded with the voucher.

[FriskyTanuki]

If I recall correctly, the demo unlocks the item at the start of the real game.
I guess I'll see if that's true once I'm downloading Patapon 2 in a little bit.

[FriskyTanuki]

I didn't notice any kind of unlocking of anything when starting up the full game. It just let me continue from where I was before.

I like the new skill tree way to unlock new patapon types when creating more of them for your army. I don't recall there being a leveling aspect to that, as well, but that's nice to see, as well.

The entire game feels a lot more like the first, but with a lot of tweaking done to it to make it easier to get into and get sucked in by. I'm not so much a fan of the in-game cutscenes where it seems like you have to keep issuing orders while the game has focused on something else in order to keep your fever mode going.

[slidecage]

gamestop said sony said There will be UMD copies ???

so is this a pure download or not.

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5749219&postcount=28

[Monsta Mack]

Any idea on what the NPD sales data was for Patapon 1?

[pete5883]

229k http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showpost.php?p=5554635&postcount=526

[StickyWaffles]

I started the demo and it's definitely an improvement on the orginal. The most noticeable thing to me was that it is much easier to keep rhythm when you go into Fever mode. It also looks a bit more crisp overall. I'm close to buying it, but I still haven't finished the first one, and if I do finish that one, I may be tired of the game by then, since they are the exact same thing so far.

[FriskyTanuki]

That's why it would be better to move over since this feels like a more user-friendly experience than the first and get all of the improvements that goes with it. You can import your god over, so you can continue from where you left off.

[RelentlessRolento]

I've been playing the demo and have to say I'm very surprised at how much content they give you. I've unlocked a few of the minigames by replaying some levels, and I already have about 6 Patapon types, and it's all from the demo.

I do say the game is alot more friendly by importing your god. you get all your money and items as well as name transferred over.

[Mako1215]

Fun demo. Just need to play the first one... still
I know im behind

[FriskyTanuki]

You don't really need to play anything first. The second game summarizes what has happened before and gets you caught up quickly, nothing really substantial is needed to be known besides that.

If you're looking to spend $20 on a Patapon game, the sequel will be the more enjoyable game than trying to rush through the first game.

[RelentlessRolento]

You don't really need to play anything first. The second game summarizes what has happened before and gets you caught up quickly, nothing really substantial is needed to be known besides that.

If you're looking to spend $20 on a Patapon game, the sequel will be the more enjoyable game than trying to rush through the first game.

I'll second this, plus a large portion of the beginning of Patapon 2 is a semi condensed replay of the things played in the first game.

[Hostile]

May 7th... What the ****, Sony?

edit: The Patapon 2 demo does not work with CFW so I guess the regular game won't work either. The money I have sitting on my account will sit there a little longer.

[RelentlessRolento]

you can go to gamestop now and get it... i've been playing it today.

[Hostile]

you can go to gamestop now and get it... i've been playing it today.

Well I have $50~ on my PSN account and rumor has it it's priced at $14.99 on PSN so I decided to wait. It doesn't matter much now that I know I can't play it though.

[FriskyTanuki]

It was always going to be tomorrow on PSN, but you could get it early if you bought it in stores.

It's $19.99, as it was confirmed on the last page of this thread.

[KingBroly]

So does the retail package have an instructions manual with it? I'd love to see pics of what this package actually includes.

[RelentlessRolento]

It's the voucher, game manual, and UMD case

:lol: sad story, but today I dropped my Patapon 2 game manual in the toilet :lol: no joke

[FriskyTanuki]

So does the retail package have an instructions manual with it? I'd love to see pics of what this package actually includes.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3577/3450479397_ae01ec0c70.jpg

[RelentlessRolento]

cmon people... play this... or at least wait till it goes up in the PSN store today.

[Halo05]

cmon people... play this... or at least wait till it goes up in the PSN store today.

Fuck no, I'll play it when Sony puts it on a UMD and sells it to me.

I hope this sells a laughably small number of copies in the US.

[RelentlessRolento]

Fuck no, I'll play it when Sony puts it on a UMD and sells it to me.

I hope this sells a laughably small number of copies in the US.


Fuck that.

sure people don't like digital distribution, but at the same time everyone is missing out on one of the PSPs strongest titles.

People would be dumbasses to pass this game up just because of the form of media it's being delivered on.

[Halo05]

Then I'm a dumbass, it can't be as bad as that time I drank half a bottle of absinthe and lost my mind for a night.

[RelentlessRolento]

:lol: the absinthe was digitally distributed though

[Hostile]

Deciding whether to play it on 'normal' or 'easy' for a more succinct experience even though I didn't have any major problems in the first game keeping a beat... while waiting for Patapon 2 to work on CFW.

[RelentlessRolento]

Normal is just the right amount of hard.

[Monsta Mack]

Hey maybe I will buy this game through DD in the long run, because awesome news! Target is carrying this! Which means, yeah you guessed it... it will probably be clearanced in the long run. $5 Patapon 2 for the win ;)

[RelentlessRolento]

if it gets to $5 at Targets I'll be buying alot to give to friends.

[MasterSprtn117]

So digitally distributed only...

[FriskyTanuki]

No, you can buy it in store.

[AshesofWake]

on the PSN store its 20 bucks, i thought it was supposed to be 15...no?

[FriskyTanuki]

No, $20. $15 was a rumor.

[RelentlessRolento]

man, there's one level that feels like a huge brick wall in the game... totally is unfair of a fight but glad I passed it.

[torifile]

Why are they charging full price for a digital download? Gah! Do they want this model to fail?

[RelentlessRolento]

I think it will sell. I'm still surprised at how well GT: Prologue sold digitally.

[torifile]

I think it will sell. I'm still surprised at how well GT: Prologue sold digitally.
Totally different situation. The original Patapon was $20 with physical media. That's what this will be compared to. IIRC, it was put at that price point and it was touted as a big deal for being a good value. $20 for a DD is not a good value as nearly all other PSN games are cheaper than that, with the exception of a handful of titles like GT5, Siren and ??

Plus, you've got to add into the mix that this is a portable game. Competing with iPhone priced games. Hell, I want the game but I won't spend $20 on a digital download for my portable device. $15 was pushing it. $10 would have been an easy sell.

[RelentlessRolento]

sales are still relevant. this is jut a waiting game now.

[Monsta Mack]

Well the "Insert in a UMD case." seems to be failing. I live in CT so I'm sure It's different per state, but I work in retail. I've been in 3+ Targets and all had 4 units and it doesn't look like any sold. At my store we didn't even get in a shipment so I'm not sure if we are even selling it. I went around to Gamestops and it seems like no ones buying it either. If I was a retailer and I bought four units of a game and none sold I would not be pleased. This sucks for those wishing for more games with a voucher in the box and still having a "collectable" case for shelf display but at the same time may work in their favor if people aren't buying this simply because of no UMD.

So either people are doing DD only or are doing other methods :P Too bad we'll never know unless Sony publicly releases numbers, which they probably won't which is a shame because I want to know what Sony believes is a success DD wise.

[Hostile]

Is there anything I should farm in the first game while waiting for Patapon 2 to work?

[Salamando3000]

If you're going to farm, just pick up the Patapon 2 demo off of PSN. You can take your Patapon 2 demo save right into the normal game, with everything carried over. The only stuff that carries over from Patapon 1 are items that aren't weapons/armor, your name, and ka-ching. Technically weapons do (do the first level in stormy weather will have a chest at the end with random gear from your Patapon 1 save, but none of the uber stuff).

[Hostile]

If you're going to farm, just pick up the Patapon 2 demo off of PSN. You can take your Patapon 2 demo save right into the normal game, with everything carried over. The only stuff that carries over from Patapon 1 are items that aren't weapons/armor, your name, and ka-ching. Technically weapons do (do the first level in stormy weather will have a chest at the end with random gear from your Patapon 1 save, but none of the uber stuff).

I said this before but I'm using CFW and therefore can't play the demo.

[RelentlessRolento]

so then how u genna play it...legally?

[blitz6speed]

I said this before but I'm using CFW and therefore can't play the demo.

You can. Use NDecrypter. http://www.psp-hacks.com/file/1450

[Purkeynator]

So if someone wanted to buy the European UMD version where would be the best price? I see Amazon UK has it for 23 pounds but I am not sure if Americans can order off that site and have it delivered here (and how much shipping would be).

[UjnHunter]

Digital Only games bite my nuggets! Is this for sale on UMD in Europe? Anyone know if a US save from Patapon 1 will work with Patapon 2 Euro?

[Purkeynator]

Digital Only games bite my nuggets! Is this for sale on UMD in Europe? Anyone know if a US save from Patapon 1 will work with Patapon 2 Euro?

They were talking on the 1up podcast last Friday about how they got review umds which were simply the European Umd release. They didn't say if it was compatible but I would bet the saves are compatible.

[Hostile]

so then how u genna play it...legally?

I was going to wait until they updated the CFW to purchase Patapon 2 but I'm going to try NP Decryptor on the demo first. If that works, I will purchase Patapon 2 immediately.

Digital Only games bite my nuggets! Is this for sale on UMD in Europe? Anyone know if a US save from Patapon 1 will work with Patapon 2 Euro?

I've seen people in the GameFAQs forum discussing converting a US save until a EU save. You need to ask someone to do that for you though.

@blitz6speed (http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/member.php?u=52616)
Thanks, I'm going to try that.

[AndrewCP]

I've downloaded the demo from the PSN Store and works fine on the latest CFW.

[Hostile]

I've downloaded the demo from the PSN Store and works fine on the latest CFW.

I'm using 5.00 M33-6 and it did not work for me. I got the demo to work after decrypting it so I'll probably purchase Patapon 2 soon.

[RelentlessRolento]

glad to hear Patapon 2 is selling well :)

http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=23539

[Halo05]

I hope half those people return it after failing to properly read the packaging.

[RelentlessRolento]

I hope half those people return it after failing to properly read the packaging.


Fuck that. I don't see why DD needs to get so much hate.

[Halo05]

We both know both sides of the equation, we just see them as having different levels of importance. I'm not going to debate it here, I'm just going to continue to wish failure upon the model.

That being said, if I can score the retail version at $10 or less, I'll buy it in a heartbeat. I suppose I've just discovered my usual cutoff point for downloadable games. Yeah, there are exceptions like SFHD and eventually MvC2 but overall, ten bucks is my limit.

[RelentlessRolento]

:lol: I don't like or dislike DD, but I do think people should be more open to it than they have been over the past month.

I'm pretty far in this game, but I'm slowing down a bit now doing resource hunting and upgrading my hero. So much crap to do in this game and I've barely unlocked most of the stuff yet.

[tinman_licks]

I would have rathered gotten the umd and a download code

[Halo05]

I think I'm pretty open to the idea, just not at full price. Maybe $20 isn't full price for a PSP game but given how dismally game sales have traditionally been for the system (since like 2006), it probably should be.

I own tons of downloaded games on my 360, PS3, and Wii. I really like being able to sit down and pick from a wide variety of games without messing around with disc swapping or anything like that. That aside, the biggest commonality within my downloaded games collection is that other than SFHD, none of them (that I can think of at the moment) cost more than $10 retail. In many cases, I actually paid less because of Wal-Mart clearances on Wii points cards and various XBL points cards deals.

The Patapon 2 situation at the moment is kind of doubly bad for me and probably some others. First, it retailed at $20 in stores as a downloadable game. Secondly, I've never seen a deal on Playstation bucks, so I can't shave money off the price by finding a deal there. As much as I scoffed at MS coming up with the 1600 = 20 dollars gimmick, I think it has led to deals on XBL points that we haven't, and won't see on the PSN cards that are clearly marked at either $20 or $50.

I just thought of something else. Over the past week I've bought several new games, check this out -

PS2 - Disgaea $20
PS2 - Samurai Shodown Anthology $13
PS2 - Namco Fighting Collection $20
360 - Raiden Fighters Aces $20
360 - Namco Arcade collection thing $10

In a world where I can get retail games like those for at most $20, a $20 downloaded game doesn't stand a chance. Anyhow, fun talk. It will be interesting to see what kinds of numbers Patapon 2 puts up in the long run.

[metaly]

Hehe I wonder how many Gamestop employees have let people return the game.

[RelentlessRolento]

Hehe I wonder how many Gamestop employees have let people return the game.


now that's something I'd be curious about.

[FriskyTanuki]

I could see your point if Patapon 2 wasn't a great value for $20.

You scoff at the price point because it's being sold at retail but ignore the possibility of sales like any disc-based game that is sold in a store.

[punkmaggit]

In a world where I can get retail games like those for at most $20, a $20 downloaded game doesn't stand a chance.

QFMFT. :applause:

[RelentlessRolento]

QFMFT. :applause:


Tell that to GT Prologue and Socom sales. $39.99 is absured for a DD game even by my standards, yet sales were good.

[Monsta Mack]

North America: 1. Patapon 2 (SCEA), 2. God of War: Chains of Olympus (SCEA), 3. Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII (Square Enix), 4. Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (Rockstar), 5. Sega Genesis Collection (Sega).

What a beefy game outselling all those old ones! I'm guessing it sold around 7k+ not bad for a DD game. Making my guesstimate from VGChartz which is always off but PSP games don't sell too well in general. GOW and CC are gonna selll well for awhile with the newer price drops, but Sega Genesis Collection really baffles me. Surprised Sega didn't make a ultimate sonic collection on 2 umds ;)

Edited: I forgot that was only a weeks worth of sales so I edited.

[berzirk]

Fuck that. I don't see why DD needs to get so much hate.

As a delivery method, I don't think most of us hate it...when we have an option. Additionally, to price it the exact same as a phsyical copy is pathetic. They've saved money on the packaging and retailers have saved on inventory and warehouse space, so why should it still cost the same as a UMD game?

Also, why "test" this out only in the US? And why do it with such a popular sequel? Try it with the first game, or more of a niche game than one of the top ten games on the entire platform.

Maybe Metal Gear Solid 5 should be download only for the PS3, and Gears of War 3 should be only delivered over XBL. That wouldn't ruffle any feathers :|

I'm just pissed because I really looked forward to this game, I like to collect games, and I don't feel like always having to have memory card space so I can play it, so I'm going to play the demo, and not buy the game to vote with my dollars. Fine if the next PSP is going to be UMD-less, people can know that going in, but don't fart around with your business model near the end of the product's lifecycle.

That's the source of the hate from me.

[FriskyTanuki]

I highly doubt Patapon or its sequel are anywhere close to being in the Top 10 for best-selling PSP games, so this is the perfect, niche test case that you said should be used.

[berzirk]

I highly doubt Patapon or its sequel are anywhere close to being in the Top 10 for best-selling PSP games, so this is the perfect, niche test case that you said should be used.

Didn't mean in terms of sales numbers, but critical acclaim. Besides, lets face it...in North America, what PSP game has sold amazingly well with or without a UMD? :D

...and I'm proven insanely wrong. Amazingly Patapon only got an 86 on metacritic, and Patapon 2 is currently at an 82. Who the hell is reviewing these games so low? Frickin asshats!

[FriskyTanuki]

Not even by review scores, but the first game is up there while the second is somehow getting worse scores. It's not exactly a game that everyone will love.

I imagine that the well-known brands sell well, like GTA, Midnight Club, God of War, etc., while those that are well-made just for the PSP (Loco Roco, Patapon, Crush) do decently.

[AshesofWake]

16.99 at Target Price Cut, bit on it today, yay

[nbballard]

Can someone explain to me how the save file for the first game (or the demo for 2) factors into the new game?

Additionally- do i have to have that data on my system when I start playing 2? I heard there is a special item if I bet the demo, and i'll go play the demo if it can be updated into my save file..

[FriskyTanuki]

You can play the demo with your Patapon 1 save file to carry over your name and some of the items, as well.

[RelentlessRolento]

Yeah, I recommend it since it'll save time from having to farm items.

I beat this thing a while ago, but I'm still finding new things... I just unlocked the alchemist brothers without even trying to >_<

[nbballard]

If i already have a save file for 2, it's too late to play 1 or the demo though right?

[xbox_mole]

If i already have a save file for 2, it's too late to play 1 or the demo though right?

It shouldn't be 1 and 2 were two different releases so I wouldn't think it would matter.

[nbballard]

What i'm saying is- does the Patapon 2 file actively look for stuff it hasn't pillaged from the Patapon1 file? Or is it a one-time check when the game starts?

[FriskyTanuki]

You can only import it when you start a new game in Patapon 2 or the demo.

[javeryh]

WTF? I just spent like 30 minutes trying to beat the first canon (on the level with the 3 canons) and I got so frustrated I turned it off. I'm not far into the game at all!

[FriskyTanuki]

It's a training level for learning how to attack and defend. I wasn't a fan of it either, so I stuck to the obstacle course level that I think came earlier.

[nbballard]

I was powering along- but now i'm stuck at the big cloud/storm guy..

Any tips?

[javeryh]

So is it beatable or does it go on forever? My patapon archer dude kept dying and coming back to life which I thought was odd...

[FriskyTanuki]

You can can beat him by just attacking and defending well enough to end the session, though they will ramp it up for the next time that you try it out. I wouldn't recommend it without a full crew (three groups of six and the hero patapon) since that would likely take longer.

[mtxbass1]

Just picked this up today for $4.98 from Target. Can I download this from my PS3, then copy it over to the PSP, or do I need to put in the code via my PSP's PSN store?

[RelentlessRolento]

Just picked this up today for $4.98 from Target. Can I download this from my PS3, then copy it over to the PSP, or do I need to put in the code via my PSP's PSN store?


PS3 works. In fact I recommend doing it that way. That's how I do it so I always have a backup if anything.

[FriskyTanuki]

Either way would work fine. You could even use the PC program to do that, too, so it's up to you.