After finding themselves in LittleBigPlanet, the Patapon army eventually made themselves at Home! If you missed last week's Patapon 2 launch event at PlayStation Home, don't fret - they're turning those virtual Pata-Home shirts into commemorative shirts in real life. Better get your game face on because these won't be for sale. They'll be holding a contest!

Bang those godly drums, it's time to hit  those brick-and-mortar stores to get your download coupons for Patapon 2! Yes, the game is now available on the PlayStation Network, but only if you purchased the game's UMD-less boxes from stores. Now I've been able to play (and finish!) the European version of Patapon 2, and because I'm feeling generous, I've put together some pata-survival tips for all you drummers raring to go, from farming tips to evolution tricks to make that ultimate pata-army!

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. Details coming up after the jump.

With the beat of the sacred Patapon drums, nothing makes Almighty more happy than to see his beloved subjects destroy everything in a fevered wrath. Anyone who's ever played has felt the delight of sending your boys into Fever and watching them thrash the crap out of everything that moves. The same still goes for Patapon 2, but now with more warriors at your disposal. Check 'em out.

There's a new post on the US PlayStation blog clarifying some concerns about the download-only US version of Patapon 2. Along with the new details is a video showing off the game's multiplayer aspect. Check it out in the full article.

There definitely ain't no mountain high enough for our favorite one-eyed warriors. The Patapons are back, and if need be, they'll fly to find IT. And that's not exactly impossible, too, thanks to the newest addition to the Patapon 2 platoon, the Toripons. See them in full after the jump.

Now that Patapon 2 has been confirmed to be UMD-less and will be up for digital download on PSN, it'd sure be interesting to check out what you're gonna get when you physically walk into a store to pick up the little black eyeballs. Let's have a look, shall we?

Here's a closer look at what you'll get in the retail version of Patapon 2 as well as the official release dates for both the retail and PSN versions of the game.

It's no longer a rumor: Sony has confirmed that Patapon 2 will be shipping UMD-less in North America next month as a "one time test case".

An intriguing rumor if there ever was one: sources say that Patapon 2 will only be released as a digital download in North America. What's more is that, though there are supposedly plans of releasing the game on retail shelves, the game boxes won't include a UMD of the game but a download coupon instead! If this rumor proves true, Sony's move to a digital-media heavy direction is now taking shape - not to mention fanning flames on that rumorrific UMD-less PSP 2.

**Update**: Rumor confirmed.