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Good: Amazing level design, fantastic music, visuals

Bad: A bit short, extremely simple gameplay

Possibly: Even more Japanese than Katamari Damacy

Welcome to the post-Katamari era of videogaming. Ever since that very Japanese, very unique budget title rolled its way into gaming history, the doors have been blown wide open for some truly one-of-a-kind titles. Loco Roco is certainly one of those games, but don't knock it off as a Katamari imposter. It's full of its own beautifully surreal visuals, great gameplay, and some of the best sound you'll hear in this medium.

Like Katamari, Loco Roco features an extremely simple control scheme. You can tilt the world left and right, jump, and break up/put together your blob. That's it. This is perfect, as anything more would take away from the game's excellent simplicity.

There is little danger to be found in the world of Loco Roco. Rather, the challenge lies in collecting everything each level has to offer. The most important item is the fruit that adds mass to your blob. For each one you eat, you get larger and add one mini-ball of sorts to the overall collection. If you've eaten 8 fruits, for instance, you'll break into 8 separate balls. Holding circle will make them form together again.

The level design is amazing, and stays fresh throughout the duration of the game. Certain portions will require you to break into small pieces to fit into crevices, notches on gears, and even to ride huge gusts of wind. Many of these areas of Loco Roco reminded me of Sonic the Hedgehog. Like that game, there are sections where you'll just sit back and watch as your character is whisked along an elaborate series of loops and pinball-esque bumpers. Some areas will feature your ball being transformed into squares, rectangles, and other shapes. While this doesn't drastically change the gameplay, it at least mixes things up briefly.

Hidden items are everywhere, and most involve new parts for your "Loco House." In this mode, you can assemble a Rube Goldberg-esque area for your Locos to play around in. It's nothing particularly extensive, but it makes for a nice diversion when you're done with the main levels.

Visually, the game has a style that truly can't be compared to anything else. It features the most vivid colors I've ever seen on the PSP, and the extremely simple design of the "characters" is excellent.

The audio is even more impressive than the graphics, as Loco Roco features one of the best soundtracks I've ever heard. Most of the vocals sound like five year-olds singing jibberish, but they oddly complement the gameplay excellently. Some songs are implemented into the gameplay, as certain characters require your blobs to sing in order to pass.

Loco Roco is certainly a fun ride through a very Japanese acid-trip of a world. I'd love to see a sequel offer some sort of motion sensor a la Warioware Twisted or Yoshi Topsy Turvy. That kind of gameplay involving tilting the actual system would work perfectly with this title. As is it may not be particularly long or complex, but it's greatly entertaining while it lasts.

Graphics: 8.5

Sound: 9.5

First Play: 9.0

Replay Value: 8.5

Gameplay: 8.0

Overall: 9.0