Sackboy has landed and the party is only just beginning…
Format: PS3 Dev: Media Molecule Pub: Sony Out: 05/11/08 Players: 1-4, 2-4 online
It’s easy to mistake LittleBigPlanet for just another platformer at first, but upon closer inspection it becomes apparent that this is a game unlike anything you have ever experienced before. LittleBigPlanet is a diverse playground and a new breed of video game that empowers users with the ability to create and share. It’s alive with creativity, technical finesse and near limitless charm. And with up to four players it brings an entirely new definition to the phrase ‘fun for the whole family’.
Reeling you in like a fish that’s just bitten a dizzyingly colourful hook, it wastes no time in showing off its charisma with Stephen Fry’s cheery voice guiding you through the opening stages. Taking control of your very own Sackboy (or Sackgirl) you’re bound to spend the first few minutes mucking about with his facial expressions and playfully slapping your friends’ Sackpeople. Your ‘Pod’, the central hub, gives you access to the game’s three main areas: story mode, your levels and user-created content from the rest of the LittleBigPlanet community.
LittleBigPlanet’s story mode is one great inspirational template to help you start making your own levels, but on an even purer level, it’s a hugely entertaining platform adventure with the usual jumps, exploration and hidden items we’ve come to expect. The controls are remarkably easy to get to grips with, even for those with two left thumbs. X to jump, the D-pad alters your Sackperson’s expression, the shoulder buttons allow you to independently move their arms as well as grab objects and finally there’s ‘popit’, more on that later.
Each bountiful level takes place from a semi-2D perspective and characters are automatically adjusted between its three plains of movement. Dimly lit caverns, buffalo stampedes, hot-air balloons – it’s all wonderfully brought to life with recognisable arts & craft magic that will have you reminiscing the days of Art Attack and SMart. In fact, Media Molecule has designed such a fascinating collection of challenges and mini-games that it’s difficult to even begin choosing a favourite. Making use of the PS3’s hardware, LittleBigPlanet boasts a very impressive physics engine that is put to outstanding use here. Puzzles and boss fights are cleverly constructed around these physics, for example utilising a spring-pad to launch an enemy’s projectiles back at them.
Playing is one thing, but it’s the create mode that really sets LittleBigPlanet apart from anything currently available. In this mode you practically have the power to create anything your dreamy brain fluff can come up with. Finally, that notebook full of doodles from lectures can be put to good use! ‘Popit’ is the universal tool that enables you to unlock these dreams with a variety of effective and easy to use options. Most of the decorations, stickers, materials and tools are found by playing through story mode. By using the popit cursor objects can be selected, manipulated, shaped and adhered to others. There’s even the opportunity to capture your self-made parts and add them to the objects menu. Despite there being a substantial amount of tutorials to complete before you’re given the chance to experiment with the game’s immeasurable creative goodie bag, who could say “no” to Stephen Fry explaining the dangers of a flaming cardboard rabbit?
Felt-stitched masterpiece finished, it’s time to publish it for the world to play. And it’s the sharing of user-generated levels, objects and ideas that has really turned LittleBigPlanet into a cultural epicentre. I spent just as much time escaping Indiana Jones-style tombs, rescuing fair maidens, riding rocket propelled rollercoasters and trying recreations of other noteworthy game franchises, as I did with the developer’s own selection. While some levels are far from being considered Miyamoto-esque feats of brilliance, the flexible search functions and aggregative ratings ensure fun levels are only a few pings away. Add three friends into the mix, either on the sofa or over the network, and the result is total mayhem.
Character customisation and the odd bit of cheeky redecorating are both greatly encouraged. The countless clothes, props and stickers you collect are instantly accessible from the popit inventory. So along with Sackboy’s delightful expressions, the ability to emote is as easy as tilting the Sixaxis and popping a button or two. An assortment of original and licensed music, from artists such as Jim Noir, The Go! Team and The Noveltones, fits the game’s exuberant ethos perfectly. Support for PlayStation Eye and challenges designed exclusively for two or more players means there’s plenty here for you and your friends to get stuck into.
Save for some subtle adjustments that have to be considered when switching between plains and clearing gaps, this is an impressive platforming package. Whether you want to play, create or share, the degree of choice here is insurmountable. Sackboy and his burlap-world have an undeniable magnetism that’s all about social fun at its heart. LittleBigPlanet is a creative revolution, with the power to keep you playing all year long.
Aaron Lee
[Originally published on Tuesday, 6 January 2009]
Tags: creator, littlebigplanet, platformer, sony
