LittleBigPlanet

I've wanted to take a look at Media Molecule's brainchild LittleBigPlanet for some time now, and I finally have the chance after coming back from the Gold Coast, and not having the chance to play any games for the last week.
LittleBigPlanet (yes, its all one word) is a Puzzle/Platform game, developed by Media Molecule for the Playstation 3. Its based around the concept of "Play, Create, Share" and it allows players to do just that.

STORY
LittleBigPlanet (the place, not the game) is divided into 8 settings, each with its own individual story for the games protagonist, SackBoy (or if you feel so inclined, Sackgirl) to be directed through by the player.
This story comes to a head in the 8th world, where certain small occurrences in the other 7 begin to make sense. It puts a focus on the games Mantra of "Play, Create, Share", and adds a cute ending to tit, which really fits the style of LBP. Not wanting to give away the ending, i will say this. The games story isn't amazing. Its definitely not its strong point, but it has a cuteness to it which really endeared it to me.

Characters are all unique, especially the player characters. Sackboy is more or less a blank puppet, for you to add your own personality to. This may be through making him a cross dresser with a big hat and funny moustache, or making Scorpion from Mortal Kombat.

PRESENTATION
The presentation of LBP is really quite cool; everything in the world appears to be made of materials like cardboard or sponge and everything has a sort of handmade feel to it. The art style is unique, and a variety of stickers is available for players to customize their worlds. In addition to the awesome visuals provided by the building materials and stickers, LBP also has some really cool audio.

None of the NPC's or Sackpeople actually talk in game, instead players are presented with text bubbles, accompanied by various sound bites. When using the create feature, you'll find out that there are hundreds of variations on the sounds you can use, and they're all customizable.

The music used in LittleBigPlanet just fits so perfectly into its world, and sets the scene nicely for not only the developers levels, but also user creations world wide.
My main problem with the music is that it doesn't allow you to use sound files already on your system. It seems strange to do this, even though you can take pictures and add them to your creations using the PS Eye.

GAMEPLAY
Players control their sackboy on what is essentially a 2D level in that you can only move up, down and side to side along side scrolling maps. However, players can switch between 3 separate planes to traverse past obstacles. Sackboys movements are controlled easily enough with the analog stick used to move, applying pressure to the X button to jump certain distances, or using the grab button to swing across perilous pits, or activate switches.

Gameplay also has a strong focus on the use of inventions. These include various mechanisms and vehicles, like cars. All are wired to work using a designated switch which can be activated however the creator has decided.
Sackpeople will also be forced to navigate past hazards, including fire, electricity or even enemies.

Players also have control over the sackpeoples displays of emotion. Using the d-pad, they can control how happy, sad, scared or angry they are, whilst using the left and right triggers in sync with the left and right sticks to control their arms. This leaves the six-axis motion feature to control the avatars head motions or pelvic thrusts.
This adds a whole layer to player interaction when playing online or local multiplayer.

Content creation is surprisingly simple, and Media Molecule should be congratulated on the interface they created. Materials and functions are easy enough to find in the "Popit" menu, and the amount of customisation is incredible, almost daunting at times.
However, there are a variety of tutorials available which provide players with in-depth lessons on how to use certain aspects of the creation tools.

My biggest problem with the gameplay is that, even though everything works well, and presented even better, its just really insubstantial. Platforming is platforming, and it can get old kind of fast.

REPLAYABILITY
LBP is a title that I have been going back to play for the last year and a half, and I keep getting surprised by how much people can do with what they've been given. As of Feb 2010 there have been over 2 million levels uploaded to the community which are free to access and play, and many are really quite ingenious.
Because of the huge focus on creating and sharing, LittleBigPlanet offers a lot to those who want to open their imaginations to the world, or to those who want to see what the world is imagining.

That all said, Media Molecule is under the impression that everyone isn't completely retarded. Unfortunately for the rest of us, this isn't quite so. So many users seem to spam their levels onto the users, despite them being more or less blank, asking "Heart for Hearts" from other players.
This is what I cant stand; you have to wade through all the crap from the 'tards of the world to get the truly shining examples of level design from the online community.
But maybe its the shine from those examples that gives me the strength to wade through the crap every time I log on.

Theres also a hell of a lot of Downloadable content, but its totally up to you to decide whether 10 bucks is too much for another 5 levels, based on Metal Gear Solid or Pirates of the Caribbean for example.

Local multiplayer is really quite good; theres something awesome about getting more points than your buddy... then slapping them stupid and thrusting in their faces at the level complete screen.
In the game of course.

OVERVIEW
LittleBigPlanet is definitely one of the best looking games I've ever played; and I've had lots of fun with it. Despite it being cute, it is by no means a Kiddy Game, as there are some levels that are really quite crazy.
Gameplay works fine, but can sometimes seem inadequate as its just puzzle platforming, but hey, at least you know that before buying it.
Creation interfaces are simple, and most of the time the awesomeness of your level is only limited by your imagination.

However, as I stated before, you will wade through a lot of LittleBigCrap to get the the truly amazing Levels.
Give LBP a look if you have a PS3, and if you don't, bad luck, because this is definitely an amazing exclusive to have.


Seriously, if theres anyone reading, let me know what you think, either here or on the facebook page. Keep reading if you are, and also tell your gamer friends. Thanks =)