LittleBigPlanet 2

It's not often that we post news anymore, but I got a hold of the trailer and uploaded it to VFHvideo, so... why not, right?



Yes, LittleBigPlanet 2. I would have never thought that a game with so many updates and frequent user-generated and other downloadable content would get a proper sequel, but it looks like it's happening, and it surprisingly looks awesome without looking like more of what I've already payed to play for the last year and a half. And even better, it looks like any of your content, including created levels, will transfer over to the new game, which is a really nice touch.

I'm sure we'll hear and see more of LBP2 at this year's E3.

LittleBigPlanet PSP Review

Okay, so this review is a month late, but I've been really busy lately and I didn't want another case like I had with the PS3 version of LittleBigPlanet, where I really hyped the game with news and previews, and I really really liked the game after buying it, but never actually got around to writing a proper review for it. So, I hope this makes up for lost times, as I will be discussing the PS3 version in comparison to this new PSP version. And yes, this is surprisingly new VFH's first PSP review...

Story
Like the original PS3 version of LittleBigPlanet, there's a story mode that basically gives you a bunch of levels inspired by real world locales. So you'll have your Australian outback levels, mystical Asian levels, Scandinavia, Hollywood, etc. Unlike the PS3 game though, the story doesn't get all strangely dark at the end, no kidnapping and imagination destroying sub-plots. Instead LBP PSP's story involves you getting the world's Creator Curators together for a big carnival... so, oddly enough the game's final levels are much easier than you would expect, where as the PS3 game would destroy you in its final moments.

Gameplay
This is where the game really shines, as one would hope. For someone that played (and still kind of does) the heck out of the PS3 version, I was honestly stunned how the gameplay was replicated onto Sony's much less powerful portable system. Of course, there are differences, the main and probably most detracting cut is the removal of any sort of multiplayer. If you're someone like myself that still doesn't own a second controller for your PS3, then this may not feel so terrible (although I used to frequently play with strangers online). But if you're used to playing with a group of friends, sadly, you won't be able to do that on the go, or in the car. However, there are some online capabilities, such as transferring levels between PSPs, and downloading user created levels online. Which, unlike the PS3 version, you can now save user created levels to your Memory Stick (or HDD for PSPgo users) and play them without being online, which is actually pretty awesome.

But I can't just sit here and gripe about there not being multiplayer, I still have to talk about why this game is fantastic. As I said, it plays just like the PS3 game, but scaled down for technical reasons. The first thing that confused me was how LBP PSP only have 2 fields of depth to the levels, where as the PS3 original had 3; I got used to it eventually, but it kind of dumbs down the puzzle creativity and level design. Also, there are some control tweaks, since the PSP lacks the second analog stick, and motion controls, SackPeople can't express themselves as freely, instead each emotion has a series of 4 taunts that can be activated by holding L and pressing the D-pad. Otherwise, gameplay is just like the original, which is great.

Now, the main aspect of LittleBigPlanet is level creation and customization. In terms of changing your SackPerson, it's pretty much the same when in a level, but outside of levels there's no longer a Pod, so you must go into a demo level of sort, just to change clothes, which is kind of annoying. Creation tools for the levels however, are almost exactly like the PS3 version. And being that the PS3 game has since gotten tons of updates, I was happy to see that some of that games more recent updates carried into the PSP game, things like infinite start points (actually, the PSP game doesn't even have the 3-life start points), and refined mechanics are all found here.

Some things that bothered me though was using the materials during level creation. In the PS3 game you could essentially draw endlessly with the analog stick, getting all the right curves and lengths. But the PSP game limits your material directions to a grid, and forces you to only use so much of certain materials; so if you want a big curve, now you need to use the corner editor, which sucks. And in the first few weeks of having the game, there wasn't much online activity, but like the PS3 game I just think it was having slow start.

Graphics
Like the gameplay, I was really surprised and pleased to see just how well the PS3 game transferred onto the PSP's much less powerful hardware. Levels look almost as detailed, the sense of depth from the game's backgrounds are still there, all the various materials and items still have a sense of varied textures, it's really quite impressive. I mean, while there are noticable differences (screenshots will point that out much better), in motion I sometimes can take for granted that I'm playing a PSP game, because it honestly just feels like I am playing my PS3 on a tiny screen, and I can't say I've felt that with any other PSP game before.

Sound
A lot of LittleBigPlanet PSP's sound effects transfer over from the PS3 original, in fact... I think pretty much all of the sound effects in the game came from the first game, I can't say anything really struck me as new other than some of the Creator Curator voices. What doesn't carry over from the PS3 game however is the soundtrack, which while there are some missed tracks (I miss you, Go Team!), it makes sense that the soundtrack is different, as the game visits places unseen in the PS3 game, and such the music must also arrive from other worldly locations. So, there are new tracks to like, and new tracks to hate, but otherwise it all works. Also, Stephen Fry is back as the narrator, which I was really glad to hear, and so should you.

Final Thoughts
There's no denying it, if you loved LittleBigPlanet on the PS3, then you should definitely get the PSP version. It may not have all the latest gadgets and downloadable content (yet? the manual mentions "Purchased Levels" but there's nothing available yet) that has come to the PS3 game, but SCE Studio Cambridge has done a damn fine job of replicating Media Molecules PS3 classic onto the much less powerful PSP, and everyone really needs to play this game to appreciate that. Not many PSP games release at the full $40 anymore, but if anything is worth laying that kind of money down, it's this game.

Overall Score: 9/10

I See What You Did There...

I heard that the LittleBigPlanet packages all formed together, so I went and save everyone the trouble by actually putting the box art next to each other... digitally of course.

The match up between the original LittleBigPlanet and the PSP one is pretty cool. But between the PSP one and the Game of the Year Edition, the effect is kind of lost. But, you've got to thank the design department at Media Molecule for even thinking of something that neat, as I've never really seen it done before. Regardless, I'll probably end up getting the PSP game, so maybe I'll do a real photo of this (and one year later, I'm sorry for never reviewing LBP) ...

LittleBigWatchmen

Here's a surprise, guess what's coming to LittleBigPlanet? WATCHMEN? Why now? Why an R-rated franchise in an E rated game? I DON'T KNOW!



Now, I understand that you can only have four characters on screen at once... but why the Dr. Manhattan and Comedian costume snubs? I mean, at least Manhattan is represented on the wall there, but if you look, The Comedian is completely missing. I know he's dead for most of the film/comic, but in the part they recreated for this trailer he exists.

And again, why now? The movie's been long out of theaters, and the DVD already released (though the Ultimate Edition has yet to release). If any other DC Comics license was more fitting for now it would have been Batman because of Arkham Asylum. Or even at that, why base it on the movie version? I'd of gladly preferred a comic book environment to design/play with various DC Comics characters designed to fit the LBP world.

I guess this just shows the type of DLC variety we can expect...

Team ICO comes to LittleBigPlanet

I may have just bought the two Metal Gear Solid packs (levels and costumes) for LittleBigPlanet, but it seems that I may have to buy yet another pack because Media Molecule just released this video:



This Shadow of the Colossus themed teaser comes shortly after a recent ICO teaser image from Media Molecule, so that's why I'm assuming it's content for both of Team ICO's already released games (with hopefully some Last Guardian stuff included as well). It's unknown at this time if this will just be stickers & costumes as most LBP add-ons are, or if it's going to include levels and new tools a la the MGS pack. We'll find out next week!

Who says PSP gets no love?

Sure, we may not have the most PSP content here (blame no one having it, yet), but you also can't excuse the lack of attention it gets. From UMD hatred, few releases, and even weeks go by where Sony adds no PSP content to the Playstation Store. But apparently those days are over, because Sony is announcing PSP content like it's a system launch.

From SCEA's annual Destination Playstation conference it was announced that:

- There will be 2 new PSP bundles; Assassin's Creed bundle (Includes a Black PSP, new Assassin's Creed title, with more features TBA) and a Hanna Montana bundle (Includes a new Lilac PSP, Hannah Montana game, Hannah Montana TV series UMD, a 2GB Memory Stick PRO Duo, and decals for the PSP) ... why?

- New PSP titles including LittlleBigPlanet, MotorStorm: Arctic Edge (also on PS2, as to why, I don't know), and ... Petz (No thanks, Ubisoft); as well as Rock Band Unplugged, which will include its own store, and there's a bunch of EA Sports titles (but who cares?).

- Also the Warhawk Command Center will be launching on Playstation Home this week

Full press release at Playstation.Blog

Update: Thanks to an Atlus newsletter, I can also now say that Shin Megami Tensai: Persona will be coming to the PSP as well, releasing Fall 09 in North America

LittleBigWorkshop

How fitting with our current poll, LittleBigPlanet is now taking on social networking, with LittleBigWorkshop. Here you can read up about the game, watch videos, get downloads, etc. But if you have a PSN account, you can sign in, set up a LBW account page, and begin to makes blueprints and designs that you can share with others.

It's also the new location of LittleBigPlanet News. PSN or not, if you have an interest in the game you should check out this site.

LittleBigPlanet servers are live

I'm probably late on this but I figured I just get it up here; the LittleBigPlanet servers are live! That means you can now play the game with anyone at any time, and can finally "Play, Create, and Share". That also means those who pre-ordered at Best Buy and GameStop can now redeem their downloadable content.

I have to say, now that the game's online its a whole new experience, be sure to catch my review soon!

LittleBigPlanet Impressions

The game starts out just like the Beta, so you'll play through a level featuring the staff as well as some little tutorials, its a charming way to start the game. In fact, the whole thing starts off like the Beta, so if you played through that and went through all of those tutorials, sorry, but you'll have to do it again. Otherwise the game feels a bit more polished here and there.

As of right now the servers are not up, so I can't get my pre-order bonus, nor can I access any of the game's online modes. My guess is that the delay on the game was for everything not just getting it into customers hands. Meaning, despite GameStop releasing it today, the game probably won't go online until Tuesday, the intended new release date.

Also, while writing this I've just earned my first every Trophy, I'm so giddy! Haha, there are quite a few simple Trophies in the game, like placing a sticker or getting a x2 Multiplyer, so those like me who are yet to earn anything, now's your chance to get in on it!

I have to say, the new levels, i.e. not the "Europe" ones are pretty nice. Plus who knew you could have a meerkat strip club in a E rated game but you can't have lyrics from the Qur'ran. The complexity of some of this stuff is simply brilliant, I'm loving it.

I have LittleBigPlanet!

Looks like that call I got from GameStop was right, as I was able to pick up my LittleBigPlanet pre-order this afternoon. As of writing this I've yet to play the game, other than the Beta, so I can't give impressions yet obviously.

And if you're curious, the pre-order bonus of Kratos, Medusa, and Minatour costumes, as well as God of War theme stickers comes via a scratch off promotional code on a slip attatched to the case. It actually has a redemeption period of 10/21/08 - 1/8/09, so those looking to score one of these slips o eBay or something after Januray ... tough luck.

Look for my review of LittleBigPlanet in the coming week or so!

TGS 08: More SackBoys please

Some pretty awesome news came out of Sony's press conference at this years Tokyo Game Show. Not only will your Sack characters be able to dress up as Killzone's Helghast soldiers, or the pre-order exclusive Kratos and Nariko but ... you'll also be able to dress as Old Snake and Sephiroth!

No word yet on how these two will be unlocked, I just hope I can easily get SackSnake.

via Playstation.Blog

LittleBigPlanet Beta

I got in! Sorry to those who haven't, but despite being in, there's a confidentiality agreement so I technically can't even give impressions here at VFH. However, if you do have any questions, you do have our e-mail address on the right there, so feel free to ask away!

Now I just have to wait for it to download :/

SackBoys in the Wild

What, more video content? Yeah, but it's LittleBigPlanet, so cut me some slack. Sony and Media Molecule just released this first in what seem to be a series of nature documentaries. It gives a good insight to the title.

Not sure if I plan to post every single one of these, but the least I can do is start you off.

For more see LittleBigPlanet news.

Final LBP pre-order location

And finally, here is the location for the final LittleBigPlanet pre-order, the Nariko (Heavenly Sword) Sack Girl. At least for US gamers, your destination is Best Buy.

As neat as it may be, I'm still set on the Kratos gear from GameStop. My reasoning? Well, I never played Heavenly Sword to get a feel for the character, and I'd rather play as a custom Sack Boy.

via LittleBigPlanet News

LittleBigStickerBook

Another update on LittleBigPlanet pre-orders; those of you planning on pre-ordering the game at Circuit City will be getting this: LittleBigPlanet Sticker Book. In it you'll find a load of stickers based of the game including Sackboys, Sackgirls, and even the stickers that are used in the game itself.

via LittleBigPlanet News Site

LittleBigPouch

If you wanted to get the LittleBigPouch as your pre-order bonus for LittleBigPlanet, it looks like you're gonna have to find yourself a GameCrazy.

I don't have a GameCrazy near me, so that option is pretty much out of the question.

via LittleBigPlanet News

LBP pre-orders explained

Well two of them at least. The BradyGames strategy guide will be the pre-order bonus from Amazon.com. And the Kratos gear (it's four pieces) will be the GameStop/ EB Games pre-order bonus. I actually saw a sign in my local EB about the Kratos download a few days ago, looks like they slipped!

LittleBigPlanet News - Pre-Orders

The site claims that the downloads won't be available from the PS Store. However, they also state that to get the items you'll need a Redemption Code to get it from the store ... If the code works anything like Redemption Code I've used in the past, it means the item is on the store already, you're just getting it free.

Good news for me at least, I wanted the Kratos gear, and I planned to pre-order at Gamestop; I win!

LittleBIGPlanet News

Sony and Media Molecule just launched a new blog that caters to this fall's most anticipated Playstation3 title, LittleBIGPlanet!

The blog will feature up to date news, interviews, behind the scenes and more on everyone's favorite title. Right now there just an intro article, but it's still nice to see the team working on this. If only it was daily updated like Brawl was. Anyways, this also one of the first steps in Sony trying to make the Playstation Network a universal account across all thing Playstation; i.e. you'll need a PSN account to make comments to the sites news articles. And in even better news, you don't need a PS3 to create a PSN account anymore. Have fun!

Check it all out LittleBIGPlanet News

LittleBIGPlanet pre-order awesomeness

Planning on pre-ordering LittleBIGPlanet? Well, now you'll have no reason not to! Sony has just announced one hell of a pre-order line-up; here's what you can choose from:

1. The Official “LittleBIGPlanet Creator” MiniGuide by Brady Games
- a mini strategy guide that'll give you hints on building

2. LittleBigStickerBook
- a sticker book full of LBP decrations

3. LittleBigPouch
- a zippered, burlap bag, with LBP design

4. Nariko SackGirl
- Downloadable design to have your SackGirl to look like Nariko, the heroine of Heavely Sword

5. Kratos SackBoy
- Downloadable design to have your SackBoy to look like Kratos, from the God of War series
After carefully reading the article, it seems as if you don't get everything you see. It's more like, certain retailers will carry certain items, which kind of sucks. Personally, I never use strategy guides, so 1. is out of the question. I have a case of OCD, so chances are I'd never take the stickers out of the book, so that's a no. The pouch, while novelty, is virtually useless. I never played Heavenly Sword, nor do I plan to make a SackGirl, so Nariko is off the list. So really that just leaves me with Kratos. All I can hope is that GameStop near where I'm moving to this fall gets the pre-order gift I want...

via Playstation.Blog

Official Sackboy papercraft

It's nt often you come accross official papercrafts, but when you do it's pretty cool. This one is direct from Media Molecule, and is a blank model for a Sackboy or Sackgirl from LittleBIGPlanet! Print it and create it as much as you want, they'll be accepting photos of your creations. Follow the image below

Be just as creative as the game itself!