According to details translated by 1UP, LocoRoco 2 looks to stick to the formula of the first pretty closely, with new music, new bosses and the ability to bite more things — that's a bullet point, for sure — topping the list of new features. Following sequel evolution tradition, your Locos can now swim. Amazing how that always seems to take an iteration or two.

LocoRoco 2 Confirmed, Detailed [1UP]

To start off with, the upper management didn't understand the idea. It was hard to communicate, so I tried to show them what it would be like moving — I created the demo and then they went for it... They liked the concept of rotating the world to move the LocoRocos to the goal, but they didn't understand what I meant when I said I wanted to apply AI to the LocoRoco and put other AI creatures in it — they couldn't see how that would be interesting or fun.

There are things we want to know about game creators. In a recent interview, LocoRoco Tsutomu Kouno tells us those things we want to know. Things like how he broke into the industry or the kinds of games he wants to make. What's more, he talks about how attitudes among Japanese and Western gamers are changing. We wants a global group of gamers! He also tells us other stuff. Lots and lots of it.

At nine-minutes long, it's fairly in-depth for a Tsutomu Kouno interview. What we learned: His favorite movies are the Back to the Future series ("they're just well thought out!), Kouno's secret dream is to make a Back to the Futureeque anti-gravity bike, snowboarding and drinking are fun, he got glass embedded in his ears as a kid, he likes tribal music, his blood type is A and he plays Capcom games in his free time. Think that about covers it. Next! Brian Ashcraft

Kouno Interview [Gamespot via GayGamer]

So Tsutomu Kouno is working on a LocoRoco sequel. The game isn't too difficult from the original, save for new AI and physic calculations. But will it be for the PSP or the PS3? Kouno says:

I can't really say anything official right now, but... As you'd expect [laughs].

Hilarious. Let's say for a moment that LocoRoco 2 was coming to the PS3. Would it use SIXAXIS motion controls?

I actually tried that, and learned that it's quite tiring physically to do this [mimes twisting a SIXAXIS left and right] all the time. So I'm brainstorming how to use that feature in a different way, I'm still thinking about it.

I think I'll be able to release that [information] soon; I really want to talk about it, but I can't say yet.

Glad Kouno has enough sense not to include standard motion controls. Brian Ashcraft

Kouno Interview [Games Industry]

LocoRoco creator Tsutomu Kouno dropped a few sequel hints at the Nordic Game Conference. While saying he was going to get "scolded" if he offered too much info, Kouno promised LocoRoco 2 would have:

...new gameplay based on physical calculation and crowd AI as well as a few surprises.

I just love the idea of some Sony suit telling off Kouno for divulging his plans. Brian Ashcraft

Kouno Drops Hints [Next-Gen]

So what's in store for the next LocoRoco? Don't be surprised if it turns out to be a PLAYSTATION 3 title. As everyone and their mother noticed, during the PlayStation Home Hall of Fame demonstration, the only game not already confirmed for the PS3 to be represented by a trophy was, of course, LocoRoco.

On top of that, series creator Tsutomu Kouno, after doubly confirming a sequel, said during yesterday's GDC snoozefest session "I would like to use a new way of playing the game for the next version of LocoRoco." But after refusing to confirm on what platform it would appear, added "I'm not going to betray your expectations." Good enough to say "confirmed"? No. Good enough for a Kotaku rumor with a question marked title? You bet.

We'll put a fiver on LocoRoco HD showing up in the PlayStation Store with SIXAXIS motion control this year. Any takers? (Please note that bets will not be honored.) Michael McWhertor