Home

 › 

Articles

 › 

LittleBigPlanet 2 Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

LittleBigPlanet 2 Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

Sackboy’s Sweet Sequel

I’ll be the first to admit that I wasn’t exactly thrilled when LittleBigPlanet 2 was announced last year. I felt there wasn’t enough time between releases, and despite churning out great community and downloadable content for a year, that there was more that could have been done with the original before developers Media Molecule went for the inevitable sequel. Why couldn’t they have just released new level packs or new item DLC? I couldn’t see how a sequel could re-write the DNA of the original LittleBigPlanet without losing some of its intrinsic magic. Boy, was I happy to be wrong about my previous impressions.

On the surface, LittleBigPlanet 2 has exactly the same components as LittleBigPlanet. There is a thirty-level platforming mode as well as a deep creation element. Like the original, I decided to go for the story mode first, as anything new in the creation mode would be used first in the game’s platforming area. However, right from the beginning, the game presents you with new elements that evolve the series considerably.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Screenshot

The new story mode has a loose semblance of plot, revolving around a league of wannabe superheroes trying to save the LittleBig world from an evil negative force. In a game like LittleBigPlanet, the plot is inconsequential, and despite its intrinsically high cute factor, the real shining star is the new gameplay elements. If you thought the platforming in the original was well done, you haven’t seen anything yet. Right off the bat, LittleBigPlanet 2 introduces two new elements: jump pads and grappling hooks. Both of these elements are used extensively in each level, and work very well. There is a bit of a learning curve with the grappling hook, as the L-stick control isn’t the most precise, but after a few tries you should be able to get the hang of it.

However, the game saves its ace new platforming element for a little bit later: Creatinators. These specialty items allow players to fire projectiles in more action-oriented levels and defeat enemies who have more than just electricity bubbles on top of their heads. In addition to the straight-up platforming levels, LittleBigPlanet includes some versus levels that work much like the “challenge” levels from the original game. One of the things developer Media Molecule must have noticed was that the most popular community levels ended up being singularly focused levels that provided a pick-up-and-play interface. Sure, there were a lot of “copycat” levels that ended up regularly making it to the most popular levels page, but by and large, the levels you could jump in and play with your friends ended up being the most memorable, and it is nice seeing these types of levels incorporated into the game’s larger story mode.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Screenshot

Of course, the game’s platforming mode, despite being a fun experience by itself, is a launching pad for the create mode more than anything else. And if you’re like me, the create mode last time around was fairly satisfying, despite being initially daunting and a little tough to navigate at times. However, the create mode has been revamped with plenty of new options designed to both encourage new creative opportunities as well as streamline the process. It still features a simple drag-and-drop interface that allows you to use materials and objects to create ideal environments and obstacles. The game also includes the simple machines that players with a penchant for engineering were able to use to make vehicles, weapons, and other fantastical items.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Screenshot

However, the game has included some new features that will appeal to the less scientific-minded this time around. Instead of just giving you the tools to make projectile weapons, the game gives you templates with which to work. And because predictable enemies are boring, the game features tools you can use to fashion your own simplistic AI opponents. The possibilities for create mode are as wide as you want them to be, and the game even includes some visual aids to help you identify problems with your level (such as broken switches or runaway elements) before you publish.

LittleBigPlanet 2 Screenshot

The creation elements are definitely what is going to give LittleBigPlanet 2 its staying power, and whether you fancy yourself as a creator or a downloader, there is plenty to be excited about with LittleBigPlanet 2. Though the original had some major staying power, this follow-up includes even more content for every type of gamer. And the best news is that all of your content from the original carries over to the sequel, which means you can augment your old levels with LittleBigPlanet 2’s new tech. Of course, if you are a newbie to the LittleBigPlanet universe, this makes it easy to jump feet first into its vast universe. The game features an expansive tutorial mode that includes both the basics from the original as well as new-feature specific tutorials. Though there are fifty tutorials overall, you are never forced to go through them all (though some pretty sweet goodies await you if you do!). However, the name of the game is really experimentation, and you have ample opportunities to do just that.

LittleBigPlanet 2 is definitely a worthy successor to the original. Though it has only been a few short years since LittleBigPlanet was originally released (and there is still quite a lot of worth in that title), LittleBigPlanet 2 evolves the series to a point that could not have been achieved with the tools given in the first title. Expansive new creative tools including programmable AI, new gameplay elements, and an even more streamlined interface make LittleBigPlanet 2 a small step for Sackboy, but a giant leap forward for all gamers. No matter what your individual skill level or genre preferences are there will be something in LittleBigPlanet 2 for you to enjoy, and this is one game that is easy to come back to on a regular basis.

RATING OUT OF 5 RATING DESCRIPTION 4.7 Graphics
Visuals are sharp, and the framerate is consistent even in the busiest of creation scenarios. 4.5 Control
Though some of the grappling controls take some getting used to, the platform sections are by and large simple to control. Creative modes have a tweaked interface that improves control since the last entry. 4.5 Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
The background music is just as varied as last time, and if you don’t like the initial offerings, the music sequencer is a welcome addition to the game’s create mode. 4.9 Play Value
Though you can power through the game’s platforming levels in a day or two, getting 100% of all the goodies will take some time, and the endless community offerings should keep you busy for months to come. 4.7 Overall Rating – Must Buy
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 – 1.9 = Avoid 2.5 – 2.9 = Average 3.5 – 3.9 = Good 4.5 – 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 – 2.4 = Poor 3.0 – 3.4 = Fair 4.0 – 4.4 = Great 5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

  • Sackboy is at it again! Join Sackboy in a completely new Play, Create, Share adventure.
  • A world of Play is at your fingertips! Whether it’s the fifty-plus levels in the whimsical storyline, or the endless multiplayer fun – there’s an infinite amount of gaming experiences for you and your friends.
  • Create your own games! Customize everything! From your Sackboy’s appearance to creating any game you want – racing games, mini-games, action/adventure games, and even multiplayer shooters.
  • Games to Share! Go online and discover new games that other players have created. With over 2MM levels already there, your gaming options are endless.
  • Enjoy four-player support online and offline in created games using new features and abilities.

  • To top