I don't know if this is good news or bad news. Sony Japan has announced that they will not be working on a sequel to the world-turning puzzler game, Echochrome. More details in the full article.

We're sure some of you have been waiting patiently for SCE Japan Studio's rhythm video game for the PlayStation Portable, Patapon. We're only a couple of days away from the North American launch and you'd be glad to know that we've got the launch video. Check it out after the jump!

Been waiting for news as to when Minna no Golf Portable 2? Well, we'd have to wait a bit more for the actual video game to hit store shelves but we can at least get a taste of the said title in the form of demos. Check out the full article for more details.

Download: Minna no Golf Portable 2 - Beginner demo
Download: Minna no Golf Portable 2 - Intermediate demo

GameStop has a "PSP Value Pack" bundle for only US$ 199.99 (the regular retail price is US$ 249.99). The bundle, which is available only in select stores, includes:

• 32MB memory stick
• Headphones with remote control
• Battery pack
• AC adapter
• Soft case cleaning cloth
• Sampler UMD (movie, music, game video)

WTF: Work Time Fun is also on sale. This game from SCE Studios Japan (SCEI) and D3Publisher usually retails for about US$ 29.99, but GameStop has it for US$ 14.99 (new) and US$ 12.99 (used). WTF has over 40 minigames that you get from a "job demon," so the game should appeal to those looking for a pick-up-and-play games for the PlayStation Portable:

Created specifically for the PSP system, WTF is a crazy collection of fun and addictive mini-games that drive the player to perform sometimes trivial, sometimes mind-bending, but always fun jobs in pursuit of the almighty dollar.

The latest in a long line of unique Japanese games that have gained popularity in the United States, WTF delivers gamers compelling, bite-sized morsels of frenzied arcade-style action unlike anything ever seen on the PSP system.

Despite it being a fun and critically-acclaimed game, it seems the public isn't very interested in buying the game anymore, so Sony has placed LocoRoco on the Japanese "The Best" list. This means LocoRoco will be reissued as a budget title on February 22. While the announcement is in Japanese, it looks like the final suggested retail price is 2667 yen (about 22 US dollars and a dime or two).

 

While we want to see PSP games succeed and make money, we also secretly hope that we see price drops in our neighborhood. So we quickly scoured the web for news on the American version of LocoRoco, but we didn't find word about a price drop. What about in your neighborhood? Any readers have bargain prices to share?

Anyway, we don't know if this "demotion" to the bargain bin has permanently crushed all hopes of a LocoRoco sequel. After all, if the blobs of joy aren't selling so well anymore, then we might really never get a sequel. But, we called Mr. Brightside and he reminded us that Phil Harrison did think the title was successful, and LocoRoco is spreading out to mobile phones, and duh, Sony Computer Entertainment games are reissued because SCE is still confident the games will continue to sell.

So it's all good. Everybody sing along... "Bajumbo moi noi noi jecker dabatto bunkergait jun jun nora juerue-rotto pura-pura petto..."

The official trailer for Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light has just been released from NIS America. Currently being developed by Hit Maker and SCE Studios Japan, Blade Dancer is a fantasy RPG with an authentic anime style. Taking the role of Shane, you'll come across a girl named Ferris who is in dire need of your help. Blade Dancer includes fully 3D fields with a more selective random encounter system. The new Crafting System will allow you to combine items in order to make new ones, and you'll have to do a lot of experimenting to find the best recipes. The game will also support networking systems for up to four players. Blade Dancer is planned for release on July 18 in the US.

Download: [Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light Official Trailer]