Little Big Planet 2
Developer: Media Molecule
Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
Platform(s): Playstation 3
Release Date: January 21, 2011
You know how people say, "Never give in to the hype," that a game will almost certainly disappoint if you expect great things out of it? Well, with Little Big Planet 2 it's the complete opposite. I was hyped up and ready to play Little Big Planet 2 the day it was announced and went in with high expectations, and it not only delivered on those expectations but surprised me in ways I could have never imagined.
Story
If you've played the first Little Big Planet, then you know that story is not the main focus of the game. It's merely a means to drive the player through the expertly crafted platforming levels that have become associated with LBP. That's not to say that the story in LBP2 is bad, in fact, I found it much more enjoyable and well put together than the first game. The introduction of cut-scenes and Sackbots to the in-game pallet allowed Media Molecule to put cardboard cut-outs in the past and introduce fully voice acted characters who are not only funny but offer a little more depth to the story as well.
Gameplay
LBP2 doesn't deviate from the first game in terms of controlling Sackboy. You'll move him around 2-D planes using the left stick, jump with X and grab onto objects with R1. What adds a new flair to the mix is the addition of some awesome new abilities like the Grappling Hook, Grabinator, and Creatinator, all of which are extremely fun to use.
While the gameplay is mostly a 2-D platformer using the afore-mentioned items, there are some incredibly unique moments throughout the game in which Media Molecule demonstrates just how diverse LBP2 can be. For instance, you might be platforming in one level and then the next you're riding on top of a bee in a top down, old school shooter. Or you may find yourself riding caterpillars through a fiery maze, dodging bad guys and racing towards the finish. It's these moments in Little Big Planet 2 that really surprised me, and I'd hate to give them all away and not have someone experience them the same way I did.
Multiplayer
I've played through Little Big Planet 2 a multiple of ways. I've done co-op for almost every level, and then I'll turn around and play that level solo trying to Ace the level, in other words completing it without dying. If you're just looking to play through the levels I can't recommend the co-op in LBP2 enough. There are so many fun and hilarious moments that arise from playing with friends that it just makes the experience 10x more enjoyable. For example, you might be grappling from one spot to another and then all of a sudden your buddy will grapple onto you and you'll just barely save him from a fiery death, or in another case you both might plummet straight into the fire and laugh hysterically at your failed attempt at communicating. It's moments like these that make LBP2's story mode even more fun to experience.
Before I move on to the last part of my review, I just wanted to touch on another aspect of multiplayer, User Created Levels. With the game only being out a week, I've already seen some amazing levels in LBP2. Whether those were from the Beta or actually done in a week I'm not sure, but some standouts have been a dual joystick, space shooter, a preview for an RPG someone is making and a pirate ship level that rivaled even some of Media Molecule's levels. Obviously this part of the review is hard to pinpoint, because in the next couple of months there will be even bigger and better levels, so right now I'll just say that if these first few levels are any indication of what's to come, well, we should be in for a real treat.
Creation
I'm just gonna start off by saying that I'm not the best level creator in LBP. In fact, my levels tend to kind of suck. That being said, the tools that Media Molecule has given players in LBP2 is nothing short of mind-boggling. You've got AI Sackbots, Cut-scene Cameras, Micro Chips, a full fledged Music Sequencer, and streamlined objects and creation tools. I watched the 50 or so tutorial videos in the game and I still felt like I had barely scratched the surface. There's honestly so much stuff in LBP2 that listing everything available would not only bore you, but myself as well. To really appreciate the magnitude of tools and objects, you really just have to see it and play around with it yourself. I really applaud the people who can sit down, understand all of the intricate tools that Media Molecule has given them and then just create a level from scratch.
HOW DOES IT LOOK? Little Big Planet 2 continues the cute, fabric aesthetic that made the first game stand out. The textures look great and each material looks, feels and interacts exactly how you think it would. The framerate is solid throughout the game and overall it's a great looking game that provides a nice break from all of the realistic graphics we've become so accustomed to.
HOW DOES IT SOUND? Little Big Planet 2's soundtrack is just as good as the first game, maybe even better. The music is just so catchy and upbeat that you can't help but smile and have a good time, and of course, who doesn't like Sleepy Head by Passion Pit?
HOW DOES IT PLAY? If you like the controls of the first game then you should have no problem with the second seeing as it controls exactly the same as the first one. The people who had trouble with the first game are probably going to have the same complaints this go around. I personally loved the controls of LBP1 so LBP2 was no problem for me. There of course those few instances where moving between layers just didn't work out the way you planned it, but those instances are few and far between.
HOW LONG WILL IT LAST? Honestly, Little Big Planet 2 is going to last all the way up to the next Little Big Planet game, whenever that is. Media Molecule has developed a tool set that should allow people to make amazingly complex and intricate levels to their heart's content. From Acing story levels to creating levels, LBP2 is a game that will probably just keep getting better and better as time goes on and as people become increasingly comfortable with the tool set.
HOW IS IT PRESENTED? Little Big Planet 2 doesn't feel like an add-on. It's plethora of collectibles and pre-made levels could easily garner a $60 price tag. Throw in one of the most robust creation systems in a console game and you've got a winning combination that is a great way to start of 2011.
Final Verdict:
Little Big Planet 2 is the complete package. It appeals to all ages, is easy to pick up, and gives wannabe level designers a robust tool set to build the game of their dreams. It's simple on the surface, but once you dig deeper you can find a complex platformer full of collectibles and challenges that keep you coming back for more. The tool set is one of the most complex and intricate level creators I've ever seen in a console game, and it will be interesting to see how gamers push it to its limits and create fascinating levels that no one has ever seen before. To put it bluntly, this a game that PS3 owners, and gamers in general, should not miss out on.
Highly Recommended
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