LittleBigPlanet

Most nice games are for children only, then there’s LittleBigPlanet. The challenge is simple enough, just to reach the missions end. Since LBP is a Playstation 3 (PS3) exclusive we tested on that format. With set design showing various world cultures the player takes control of the hero Sackboy traversing levels gathering points. Once over 50% of all items on a level have been collected the next unlocks.  For the children there is a light story providing an excuse to show each location but for adults its just a challenging, fun game. The way LittleBigPlanet is played is not dissimilar to the Sonic the Hedgehog platform games of the 1990′s. Where the user must solve puzzles, defeat enemies and time jumps over numerous hazards. In return for completing a location the collected items of clothing found can be put on Sackboy making his appearance totally customisable. A huge bonus is a drop-in multiplayer option so anyone at home can come into the room while a game is in progress and instantly join in. In addition when the story mode has been completed its encouraged for users to design their own to continue the fun or download the creations of other users. The number of new maps and missions that can be downloaded through via the Playstation Network makes the game impossible to complete except if you become bored with the concept. Which is unlikely to happen anytime soon.  The graphics are of an incredible quality. Every item and texture is fully detailed to the point of graphical perfection. The sound is nice but a little too childish in terms of some effects used for character voices. Still, adults will still enjoy the game so long as the speaking moments of the game when objectives are given by characters are skipped and ignored. Once that has happened the soundtrack, while light is nice and enjoyable for even us adults in addition to the children.   Being a Playstation 3 (PS3) exclusive a surprising benefit is the use of SixAxis controls in a positive way. Instead of trying to drive a boat or fly using weird controls like most titles that have attempted the same. The use in LittleBigPlanet feels natural just tilting the controller up and down nods Sackboy’s head. Combining that with a few button presses and it provides full motion control of his entire body with great facial expressions thrown in. Overall LBP is an amazingly fun and addictive title anyone can be sure to enjoy to the extreme.