As the PSP creeps ever closer to its inevitable end, Sony still attempts to do little things to encourage people to pick up games for the system. It doesn’t try to extend its lifespan or make its demise more comfortable with really awesome, last minute games. Instead, it releases dual packs of existing games at budget prices. The next round, which will be released in January 2012, includes a Motorstorm: Arctic Edge and Twisted Metal: Head-On pack, a Patapon and Loco Roco pack and a Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee and Hot Shots Tennis: Get a Grip pack…

Video games are often berated for the lack of educational content found in them. They’re often considered a waste of time. But, if you look closely, even games that aren’t slapped with the edutainment label or feature educational material can be teaching valuable skills to the people playing them.

Gamertell’s put together a brief list of some video games that weren’t created with the developers aiming to educate the masses, but can end up helping players build some valuable skills. With some, the educational value is pretty obvious, but with others you probably could spend hours playing without even realizing you’ve learned something from it…

By now you may have heard and seen the Sony Europe press release which confirms that Patapon 2 is going to be available in Europe in either spring or summer, 2009. An interesting thing to note was, accompanying said press release was a box art image. A North American box art image, with an ESRB logo rating the game “Everyone”.

A quick look at Amazon after this discovering unveils a possible game leak. A listing for Patapon 2 shows not only the same box art, but a June 30, 2009 release date and $29.99 price. Amazon’s usually pretty accurate when it comes to box art and release date leaks, and this latest Sony press release saying spring/summer 2009 lends a bit more credence to the idea of PSP owners playing Patapon 2 in June.

The only (slightly) disheartening part is the price. The original Patapon cost only $19.99 when it was first released, and yet Patapon 2 is going to cost $10 more…

Patapon 2: Donchaka drops in Japan on November 27, 2008, Thanksgiving! What perfect timing – give PSP owners something to be thankful for. So it is no surprise that a demo of the game has appeared on the Japanese PlayStation store, ready to be downloaded with anyone who has a Japanese PlayStation store account.

I downloaded Patapon 2: Donchaka last night, using my Japanese PlayStation account and my faithful PSP. Its a fairly substantial download, coming in at 87mb, but it only took between 10~15 minutes to download and install the demo on my system.

The demo begins with a bit of exposition, showing the Patapons and Zigoton building a ship and crossing the ocean in search of “IT”…

So you haven’t had enough Patapon to curb your appetite? That’s fine because neither have I.

The land of Patapolis will need saving once again and we are just the deity it needs. As reported by 1UP, Famitsu magazine has confirmed a sequel to the immensely addictive PSP rhythm game…

Patapon is a strangely engaging PSP game. The rhythmic sounds and chants burrow into your brain, until you find yourself thinking in patas and chakas before bed. It enters your subconscious, compelling you to bring out the PSP and play.

And the portable nature of the PSP only makes this addiction worse. Its simple to take the game out at any time. “Just one more five minute level,” you tell yourself, and then find a half hour later that you’re still playing.

But as wonderful as Patapon is, there are times and places where it simply doesn’t belong. Help save yourself from embarrassment and humiliation by reading and learning when it isn’t appropriate to play.

If you’ve got around $20 burning in your pocket to spend before heading into a video game retailer, and you happen to own a PSP, then you are in luck. There are phenomenal phenomenal games at reasonable prices available. In fact, the majority of PSP games available are priced at $19.99 or less. Today we’ll look at five of the best cheap games you can pick up at your local GameStop.

Title: PataponPrice: $19.99System(s): PSPRelease Date: February 29, 2008Publisher (Developer): Sony Computer Entertainment America (Sony Computer Entertainment Japan)Genre(s): Rhythm/Music, Action, 2-DESRB Rating: “Everyone” for mild cartoon violencePros: A cute and fairly easy to play game that will appeal to gamers of all ages. Takes a fairly unique approach to the music game genre with a bargain price release.Cons: Repetitious beat tapping can become a bit monotonous.Overall Score: 8.5/10

Click through for the full review…

According to the Playstation blog, colorful rhythm-action game Patapon will be released on the PSP for the budget price of $19.99 this February. The post hints at Sony’s desire to see the game shine (and not “get lost” among other big PSP titles) as the primary reason for the price point, and points out (of more »

In February, 2008, Sony Computer Entertainment America will be releasing Patapon for the PSP. Patapon stands out compared to other games due to it being an unusual combination of a platformer, adventure and music game. The 2D game also features the artwork and designs of the French artist Rolito. Patapon is named for the warrior more »