Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) announced today the release of Patapon(TM), available exclusively for PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable). Developed by Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio, Patapon is a 2D platform-action game that transforms players into a drum-wielding leader responsible for guiding the Patapons, a small, quirky tribe of warriors seeking to reclaim their homeland. Following on the heels of a successful launch in Japan, Patapon makes its official North American debut featuring a one-of-a-kind art style, infectious music, and a unique control system where players will issue real-time commands to the Patapon troops through a variety of rhythm-based combinations. Patapon will be available at an MSRP of $19.99.

"Bringing together such disparate elements as musical beats, action, and strategy into one package, Patapon is a ground-breaking game that demonstrates our efforts to bring continued innovation to PSP," said Jeff Reese, director, software marketing, SCEA. "At $20, Patapon is a tremendous value that offers loads of original gameplay. The game’s colorful design and rhythm-based controls are just the tip of the iceberg as players learn to manage a much deeper system of customization and strategy."

For years the Patapon tribe has lived in the desolate frontier, driven from their home by the evil Zigoton army. Behind the Patapons’ cute exterior, lies a fierce warrior spirit that can only be commanded by the beat of the war drums. They wait for the day a leader will emerge to wield the drums, guiding the Patapons in battle against their enemies and helping them to reach the far end of the world.

In Patapon, players will encounter a unique style of gameplay that blends rhythm and action, where various combinations of drumbeats are used to command the Patapons to march, retreat, attack, defend, charge, and use magic. The game presents a variety of warrior types, along with a wide selection of weapons and shield upgrades, allowing each player to customize their Patapon army and strategize for each mission. Using character designs by popular French graphic artist Rolito, who also served as chief artist for the game, Patapon brings a distinctive and colorful art style.

Set among a variety of vivid 2D backgrounds, Patapon unfolds through more than 30 missions where players are tasked with outfitting a Patapon army, collecting resources, and using strategy to grow the tribe into a devastating fighting force. Incorporating various button-timed drumbeats in real-time to control the Patapons, players will strategically traverse through each environment, battling the Zigoton enemies as well as larger than life boss creatures each step of the way. The game presents a variety of warrior types such as archers, infantry, cavalry, and more that players can unlock, along with a wide selection of more than 100 weapon and shield upgrades, allowing players to customize their forces throughout the funky adventure. Additionally, Patapon features five unique music-based mini-games where players will earn items to create stronger and faster Patapons, leading to a more dynamic Patapon army overall.

The independent Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Patapon "E" for "Everyone" (Descriptor: Mild Cartoon Violence).