Little Big Planet Review

Game Review of Little Big Planet
Written by Kristi Scholfield for Hypertext Writing

Overview: Little Big Planet aka LBP was a highly anticipated PlayStation 3 gaming title from Media Molecule, It allows players to create their own levels using the game's robust, complex and infinite toolbox, which is easy to master with the PS3 controller. Players control doll templates also known as sackboys, the only difference in gender being what the player decides to dress them in.
The player newly created sackboy (or girl) are able to run, jump, grab and manipulate objects in the game world, which players can modify and customize to an extreme degree either on their own or through co-operative game play.
Levels can be built like classic platforming basics with specific goals mind, huge environments to explore, and pretty much anything the players can dream up that will work on a 2D sidescroller. To visualize the 2D sidescroller concept, imagine the old school Mario games on the Super Nintendo, it is very similar in the range of movement your character can do. It is a unique title solely made for the PS3 and nothing thus far has been made to rival LBP on the XBOX and Wii gaming systems.

Gameplay
The gameplay of Little Big Planet can be either single or multiplayer up to 4 players and can be expanded to multiplayer online. It is rated E for everyone meaning it playable by the masses according to the ESRB rating scale. Players can range from 7 to players in there 30’s. The game is considered a RPG or role-playing game where you play a specific character using them to complete levels and accomplish goals depending on the developers who made the game. LBP is a very customizable game and has a feeling of unlimited control of your environment.
You first start off creating your character, known as a sackboy. This initial sackboy is fully customizable (it can be either male or female) with unique costumes. However some of the changes you can make to your character are unlockable, meaning you have to play the game all the way through to collect certain accessories. Even more features are unlockable if you play the game online using an internet connection. The goal of the game is to solve different puzzles ranging in difficulty for beginning gamers to harder levels for more advanced gaming enthusiasts.
The story mode has eight themed areas, with each area containing three or four main levels, and some of these levels in turn contain collectable keys to unlock bonus mini-levels. The main story mode comprises more than 50 pre-built levels in total.


Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo

Little Big Planet Game Shot




Graphics and Appearance
The look of Little Big Planet is amazing to say the least. Little Big Planet offers it players a wonderland of textures and materials that are visually appetizing. Not only are they fun top looks at, but you’re able to interact with them as well. If you hold a piece of cardboard and want to build with it, for example, your sackboy will have the same interaction with it as you would (cardboard is light, smooth, and fairly sturdy). The life-like feel of the materials you use is mindboggling.
Not only can you customize your environment, you can design your character with a variety of clothes and “skins” (color and texture). Some of the most iconic Playstation 3 sackboys that player enjoy using are: Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII and Krato from the God of War collection.


Presentation
At it basic core, it is a simple 2D side-scroller, but with all of its added features it makes a title like this really stand out from its competitors. At first glance it envelops you with its charming characters and beautiful visuals. When you first start the game, you know your dealing with something that the developers really put their heart into.
You start off playing in the pod, which is your main hub to three different areas: Play, create and share. Play is were you will the main game of little big planet. Create is where you can make your own levels and customize your main character and in the share area is where you can share hints, tips, tricks, levels and creations with other online users through the PS3 network.
Many downloads, including minigames and other game extras, are also available on the PS3 network to add to your Little Big Planet experience. Click here for list of available downloads on the PS3 network.



Sound
Sounds was a very well done characteristic of LBP. The soundtrack to the game in upbeat and energetic while the sound effects themselves are surprisingly realistic. Paper sounds like paper, metal sounds like metal, anything you walk, tough, hit sounds nearly identical to the material. To really understand how infectious the music is.

Controls
This is probably one of the most undeveloped features of LBP. The controls are very loose, making the handling of your sackboy very difficult. With the elements added to the environment (i.e. density, slickness, stickiness) having control is key. For example, lets say your sackboy is dealing with greasy surfaces. Your ability to control his sliding is everything for beating specific levels with such elements.
However, one of the most interesting feature involving the controls is emotions. Your sackboy has the ability to show the emotion of the user. You can show whether you’re angry, happy, excited, and sad with the tap of the triangle button.

The Pros
~Creative Unique Title
~Totally Customizable
~Endless Level and Possibilities
~ Up to 4 players, online as well as off

The Cons
~ Controls could be a little tighter
~Not a “jump in” game. Understanding of title is required.
~Presents in 720p resolution


Gameplay: 5/5
Graphics and Appearance: 4.5/5
Presentation: 4/5
Controls: 3/5
Overall Rating: 4.5/5


Game Information
Also Known As: Little Big Planet,
Exclusively on: PlayStation 3

Genre: Platformer
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Developer: Media Molecule
ESRB Rating: E for Comic Mischief, Mild Cartoon Violence
Cost: Ranging from $59.82-64.00

Works Cited
Playstation.com: The Official Website for Everything Playstation. 2009. Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Super Mario Screenshot complements of Google Image Search: < au.wii.ign.com>