Review · Gaming & entertainment
LocoRoco review
Japan Studio's 2D platform game where you tilt the world to roll singing blobs to safety.
By the DBotMaker research desk · Updated November 10, 2026
- Capabilities (40%)
- 8.0
- Ease of setup (30%)
- 9.2
- Value (30%)
- 9.0
LocoRoco is the easiest game on this list to hand to anyone. Sony released it in North America on September 5, 2006, and it is rated E. You do not move the characters directly: you tilt or bump the world with the PSP's L and R shoulder buttons so the LocoRoco roll, grow, divide and squeeze past obstacles through more than 40 levels. Sony lists six types of LocoRoco, each with its own voice and song, three mini-games, wireless game sharing and the LocoHouse, a playhouse built from dozens of pieces found in the levels. Director Tsutomu Kouno took the idea from oil and water in classic toys, and Sony's release lists best-of-show PSP awards from IGN, 1Up.com and GameSpy at E3 2006. Experienced players will find it gentle, and the tilting feel depends on mapping the shoulder buttons well in PPSSPP. A used UMD lists at $21.99 before sales at DKOldies.
Who it is for
All ages, and anyone who wants a relaxed game with two-button controls.
Price
Used PSP UMD from $21.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).
Original price: $21.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.
Key features
- Tilt or bump the world with the L and R shoulder buttons
- More than 40 levels with slopes, ropes and secret passages
- Six types of LocoRoco with their own voices and songs
- Three mini-games and wireless game sharing
- LocoHouse playhouse built from dozens of collectible pieces
Strengths and weaknesses
- Strength: Rated E for Everyone
- Strength: Controls rely mainly on two shoulder buttons
- Strength: Won several best-of-E3 2006 PSP awards, per Sony
- Weakness: Light on challenge for experienced players
- Weakness: Tilting controls feel different on an emulator than on a PSP
- Weakness: Regular used price of $21.99 is above Patapon and Daxter
Key facts
- Developer: SCE Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio
- Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment America
- North American release: September 5, 2006
- ESRB: Everyone
- Director: Tsutomu Kouno
Where it ranks
LocoRoco is No. 6 in our Best PSP Games of All Time verdict.
Alternatives we scored
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