Instead of just chucking out new Patapon to join your army, Mater the Tree of Life brings a great new character system for Patapon 2. Back in the old days, you really don't have a choice in materials used to make new Patapons, and I always found myself trying to lose my old branches so that I can use my better ones. With the new Evolution System, you can map out your Patapon's career path and see how it gains power as a Rarepon.

Just like in the first Patapon, you'll acquire newer, better items as you progress through the game. In Patapon 2, specific items are needed to transmogrify your Patapon. After transmogrification, you could either continue to transmogrify into yet another Rarepon or you can put it through the bootcamp to unlock more powers.Then there's the matter of levelling up. It doesn't unlock new powers, but it'll sure improve stats and buff your Patapon up.

From buff, to buffer, to buff-est

Fear not, you don't have to wait long to try it all out - the Patapon 2 demo is now available in the PlayStation Store.

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More on Patapons and Rarepons:

• The veterans and rookies of Patapon 2