Kombo's Review Policy: Our reviews are written for you. Our goal is to write honest, to-the-point reviews that don't waste your time. This is why we've split our reviews into four sections: What the Game's About, What's Hot, What's Not and Final Word, so that you can easily find the information you want from our reviews.

What the Game's About
LocoRoco 2 is the follow up to the quirky PSP title released in 2006 that made the world a happier place. The charming visuals, the innovative gameplay and catchy music return to cheer weary PSP owners. Roll, hop, bounce and discover a world that couldn't be a more joyful place. That is until the Moja comes back with a song to spread sadness around the happy land. Using more gameplay elements this time around, the LocoRoco are looking to reclaim the world once again.

What's Hot
If you play LocoRoco 2, you'll never have a bad day again. It's like virtual Prozac when you've played too many games with depressing themes. The game hasn't changed much from the original game, but seeing how unique it was, it feels fresh all over again. Each stage will slap a silly grin on your face. The second time around, there is more emphasis on the story that is reminiscent of a children's book that tells a story with pictures versus words. You see more interaction between the LocoRocos and how they play in their world. It gives you a better sense of place and belonging when you see the cut-scenes of the round blobs talking gibberish and smiling the entire time.

The new gameplay additions give some diversity to the main levels. There is a little mini-game when your LocoRocos bust into song, where you tap the circle button along with the beat. Every few levels, there will be some special move added to the LocoRocos' repertoire to grant you more access to out of reach berries and hidden areas. Other new moves include burrowing into tight places or shells to break rocks that block your path. The new depth to the storybook of a game puts a little more meat on the bones.

One highlight of LocoRoco 2 is the fact that the value for the game is unparalleled. For $20, you get a wonderful game that is sure to bring joy to a PSP collecting dust. The stages are longer with more paths to branch out on, the colors are brighter, the smiles are bigger and the songs are every bit as cheerful. At a time where everyone is looking for value in everything, this is it.

What's Not
No big shift in changes from the last game is both a blessing and a curse. What it means is there isn't an earth shattering difference between the two games aside from some minor gameplay additions and a new LocoRoco color. Since the style is love/hate, the haters won't be converted anytime soon.

Some of the level design isn't all that obvious, like the spots where you burrow into the ground. As soon as you realize what you are looking for, it won't be too difficult to spot, however depending on the color schemes and the surrounding landscape you'll have to keep a sharp eye out.

Final Word
It is hard not to like LocoRoco 2. It relishes in a happy mood and does its best to spread the happiness to everyone that picks up the game. The game hasn't changed much since the last incarnation two years ago. There is no better game if you are feeling down or only have a few minutes to play. LocoRoco 2 is getting the ball rolling on the PSP this year.