LocoRoco was a surprise hit (at least in my mind) for the PlayStation Portable. I picked it up after hearing consistently good reviews. I’m not afraid to admit that games with cute voices and design can be entertaining, and LocoRoco only furthers that point in its impressive style and audio capabilities. The sequel to the game only furthers upon everything good about what made the first one so charming.

You start the game off with the yellow LocoRoco, helping your little friends the MuiMui defend their homes from the Mojas and collect all sorts of valuable items along the way. The plot is as simple as it sounds, and really is a backdrop in comparison to the gameplay. The story is told in brief cut-scenes that occur after every level or so, and they can be skipped.

The gameplay is even simpler than the story presentation. Your LocoRoco traverses across the world as you control the direction it falls. It really is intuitive, as the only buttons you will be using for a majority of the game are the L, R and Circle ones. Using in conjunction with each other, you’ll be able to make your LocoRoco jump, swim, swing and fling through the stage to reach your goal.

Initially you start with just one LocoRoco, but collecting berries in each stage will let you gather as many as 20. You have the power to use them as one unit, or break them apart and move them all together. Also up for collection are items to use in your MuiMui house and Pickories – little fruit flies that substitute as currency for some of the mini-games. Rest assured, you’ll find yourself playing through levels multiple times to collect everything – effectively doubling the length of the gameplay.

A major step up from the last installment, this game increases the abilities and optional content available to the player. There is more interaction during levels where you can now swim, double-jump, and more. The brief song interludes that are in many of the levels also have a Parappa the Rapper style button pressing that increases the amount or type of rewards. The new mini-games are entertaining and some can be an actual challenge, even for experienced LocoRoco players.

My favorite thing about the series is the music, and I’m glad to see (er, hear) that much of the original’s soundtrack remains – and the rest is just as good. There is one new LocoRoco that adds a bit of flavor, but hearing the others sing their way through the cheerful levels is really an enjoyable experience.

If you were a fan of the first game there is absolutely no reason you should not pick this game up. And if you’ve played any rhythm games before, you have just as much reason to get it. Simple and fun, LocoRoco 2 is one of the most enjoyable titles on the PSP today.

Score

A-