LocoRoco 2 Review (PSP)

LocoRoco 2 can be so much fun but it doesn’t last very long.

Those greedy coloured globs are back once again on the PSP for their second outing. If you’ve played through the first LocoRoco you’re in for a treat which has some new features.

The main story takes place where it left off in LocoRoco, where the Mojas leader has returned home and in cahoots with his evil mother, prepped an even more terrifying attack. They have armed themselves with a fearsome sonic weapon which is a terrible song that that is capable of sucking the life force out of all living things. So it’s up to the Locos to stop the Mojas plans once again.

Gameplay: It’s pretty much just a basic game for anyone who has played a platform game. If you’re new to the series you’re just guiding your Loco’s to many places trying to get rid of the Mojas (Which are these evil black creatures that can eat you if you’re too close). Using the PSP shoulder buttons to move, you will see these bulb flowers which your Loco can eat and which make your Loco get bigger. At some points of the game you’ll need to use the circle button to split your Locos into tiny forms to get through small gaps. Your Loco can also swim underwater if you hold down the circle button and use the shoulder triggers to move.

You will also need to use the trigger buttons to knock off the black Moja mist by jumping and doing a basic spin attack to get rid of the mist, but you will get items for your troubles if you successfully get rid of it. In some levels you’ll need to sing to other creatures in the game if you want to get past or to earn a rare item. But you’ll need the required number of Locos in order to sing which is once again easy and simple button mashing and following music notes. There are some boss fights in LocoRoco 2 on certain levels but these are simple and easy for anyone to beat.

Graphics and Sound: If you have played through the first LocoRoco on PSP or the Playstation 3

The music is addictive to listen to and one or two tracks can really get stuck in your head

version on the Playstation Network you’ll know that the game is a 2D style platformer. For most people the graphics are colourful and cute. It does feel like an Old Russian/ Eastern European cartoon back in the old days before most people were born. But I’m sure that your parents or elders would tell you how good cartoons were back then from today’s cartoons which are mostly animated in 3D.

The music is addictive to listen to and one or two tracks can really get stuck in your head half an hour later. Whichever coloured Loco you are playing as they have their own theme music which will keep playing over and over throughout whatever level you’re going through, but it doesn’t really make a difference as it’s just the same thing, they mostly sing in Japanese childish gibberish.

Overall: The game doesn’t last very long: with only 25 levels it is quite short. Once you’ve beaten the game you can re-play through levels and pick up more Locos or trying to get more items. There is a mini game which you’ll find fun called the MuiMui house where you’ll need to collect parts and items to decorate your house making it feel more like home (to them at least). But there are other mini games as well like whack-a-mole, but instead you’re whacking LocoRoco characters in the series. As for most gamers the LocoRoco series is a big franchise for the PSP and has sold millions worldwide.

If you missed out on the first game it may be your type of game for you. But if you’re planning on buying LocoRoco 2 I would either borrow it from a friend or grab it if you see it for a bargain price in a shop, because it is a short game.

Bronze Y Award

3.5 / 5