Simply put, there's nothing quite like Little Big Planet.
There's nothing quite like Little Big Planet. It's one of those experiences that make you proud to be a gamer. You can really appreciate the effort Media Molecule has put into it; everything from the level designs, the true-to-life physics, the challenging elements and the appeal of its superb level-editor. Not to mention the cuteness of your Sackboy avatars.
When you first start the game, you'll be treated to a tutorial that explains the basic functions of Little Big Planet--from the Sackboy controls to the mechanics of the level editor. You won't be able to create astounding levels right away, mind you, because first you're going to have to unlock a lot of the flotsam and jetsam that goes into building levels; stickers, background structures, blocks, shapes, objects, environments--virtually everything you see in the normal campaign can be used to make your own stages. The narrator is deliciously as entertaining as the game itself with a sly sense of humor.
Creating levels might take some getting used to, but once you mess with it a while, you'll get the gist of it in no time flat. And it's certainly not your average editing tool, either. Your Sackboy acts as your guide, and you play with the editor using the unique Popit menu. You can even create levels with local friends and their Sackboys using local multiplayer, but you might run the risk of some creative differences. And when it comes to building stages, there are endless possibilities to be had. As I've learned with the RPG Maker series, different things can be created if one taps into their ingenuity and the ability to think outside of the spectrum. I expect to see and play through a lot of creatively realized levels derived only from the most brilliant and imaginative of minds.
The platform elements of Little Big Planet are as pure as they can be. The Sackboy character runs, jumps, grabs on to stuff, pulls and pushes objects and leaps between planes. The analog stick controls your movements, and they perform well. There is a lot of fun to be had when you swing across gaps, cause some chain reactions, and make stuff fall and collapse. The platforming only seems simple on the outset, but the gameplay stretches far deeper than it appears. You can even customize your Sackboy by dressing him up in multitudes of different costumes that you find throughout the game, and change its facial expressions at will using the directional pad. This adds a great deal of personalization to your avatar especially when you take them online and play with others.
And the online is what enhances the LBP experience. Created levels can be shared with others through the LBP server so there is no end to the replay value. You can set up challenges, rewards and unlockable items for other players that play them, too. Of course, even if you're not into the level constructing thing, you can always hop online and find players to play with. Either way, it's almost impossible to be bored. Needless to say, there's always a new and exciting experience to be had every time you put in the LBP disc.
Overall, I really enjoyed this game, and continue to enjoy it. It is a worthy addition to any PS3 library, and definately a must-have for this year.