PS3 Review: LittleBigPlanet 2

I manage to finish the last two locations LittleBigPlanet 2’s story mode (there are 6 in all), and all in all, a wonderful game that’s worth the money for any PS3 owners out there. It’s definitely for friends, families, and anyone online you can play with. LittleBigPlanet 2 not only continues Sackboy’s adventures, but has an even more expanded multiplayer area that is quite rare in many games.

Summary and Debut Trailer
Following the ending of LittleBigPlanet, a huge vacuum-looking thing appears, terrorizing and sucking up all of its inhabitants. Larry Da Vinci, a leader of the group known as “The Alliance” rescues Sackboy, who was about to get sucked into the vacuum-looking thing known as the “Negativitron.” Basically, go save Craftworld from it.

Narrative and Fluidity (10/10)
In terms of the story mode, it’s one beautifully woven tale. Of course the game looks cute and adorable on the outside, but its narrative isn’t so superficial to only satisfy kids. LittleBigPlanet 2, like its predecessor, is a modern day fairy tale land that’s for everyone. The story theme is one we’re all familiar with (ie, go save the world), but the dialogue is hilarious and the characters are lovable because of their pros and cons. In addition, there’s a moral to be learned in the end (which every gamer should find out for themselves). The narrative is just perfect and unique. There was not a single moment where I wasn’t bobbing with a smile on my face (and on my Sackboy’s face!) in game.

In addition, I believe character development has a place here. The customization options are endless. I’ll keep mentioning cupcakes because I love cupcakes– but you get a Cupcake hat! And Kitten Paws! And so many different things to wear for your little Sackthing.

Audio and Soundtrack (10/10)
The music is beautiful. Each location essentially, gets a different theme to it to fit its background. If you’re in someplace scary, like in the Factory, then the music is a little darker and heavier. But if you’re in a house full of cupcakes, the music has a little upbeat jazzy tune to it. In addition, it’s not just the same type of genre, LBP2 features a lot of different styles across the board across the locations. There are some choral, jazz, techno, and epic orchestral pieces to accompany stages. In addition, if there are critters or anything in the background, they get sound effects to. So all you get in LBP2 is almost a full wall of background ambiance, music, and any sound effect happening in the foreground. Beautiful if you have a surround-sound system installed.

Gameplay and Combat (8/10)
Controls: (Dualshock) X for Jump, R1 for any equipment that you are required for each location, Right analog stick to move, Left Analog Stick to aim for some weapons’ cases.

It’s fun and the weapons are wacky and awesome. (Hey, I get to shoot cupcakes out of a gun. How is that not awesome?) In addition, the strategies are really unique. If it’s not shooting down an enemy with a weapon at hand, like the sniper trifle (cupcake gun), or the water gun, then there’s also catching and throwing back projectiles. In the harder levels, controls get a little in the way. Because in the earlier levels, accuracy wasn’t really necessary since the enemy was slow, and you weren’t doing anything fancy. However, later, when you get to the second to last location, for instance, when you had to jump and catch an exploding ball, and throw it back mid-air (before another one comes your way), the controls can be hellish. Basically, there has always been something up with the jumping in LBP, even in the first game. You’re kind of light and airy so you kind of float longer up then you come down. In addition, you don’t turn that quickly either mid-jump, so changing directions while throwing a projectile can be your demise. Aerial things is not this game’s best aspect. I don’t even want to bring up the space stage.

Gameplay and Environment (9/10)
Controls: (Dualshock) X for jump, R1 for any equipment as well as grabbing onto things, Right analog stick to move, Left Analog Stick to aim for some weapons’ cases.

Again, what really bogs down the gameplay is the jumping. Controlling Sackboy can be so difficult in fast-pace situations, unless you’re absolutely familiar with the stage. Otherwise, every level and section of LBP2 is brilliant. There is not one stage that’s repeated in the same way, and everything always got harder. For instance, the first time you learn how to use a grapple hook to grapple on things, you’re just moving up or down, and side to side on still platforms. Sooner or later, you’re dodging fire with it. And then after you manage to pass that round, you might find yourself grappling onto bees in mid air, and attack enemies by bouncing on them from above. There’s just so much creativity and brilliance in the level design that to the first timer, it is so much fun to use, and to the veteran, it is so much fun to master.

You also never stick to the same type of weapons in each location. But this isn’t a problem because it’s a really nice change of pace. I really don’t want to jump on platforms for the next 7 hours. There is a vertical AND horizontal shooter stage? That is sheer brilliance.

In addition, the item locations in the stages are strategically placed. If you’re aiming to be a perfectionist and master at LBP, then to get 100% of all the items in the stage will be evidence of it. And it’s pretty hard, even by the 2nd location.

Graphics and Visuals (10/10)
Absolutely stunning in hi-definition. The game’s aesthetic is very pleasing since it’s very polished. In addition, the variety of the locations are incredible. You just won’t feel the same in the Factory versus Eve’s Garden. LBP2 really managed to recapture the different types of environment and make you feel like you’re genuinely in some grimy old city or some really nice peaceful garden. Also, Sackboy is adorable. How can he be an eyesore?

Additional Features: You can create your own custom level! And then share it with the community! Or make your friend play it and plan certain death for them! And not only that, dare to take some of the versus and challenges in each location? There are a LOT of sidequests (if I could call them that) for 2-4 players.

Multiplayer Value: LBP2 expanded on the multiplayer section– there’s a page (LBP.me) dedicated to the LBP gamer community. It’s incredible, you get to play on other people’s custom-designed levels! It’s really cool and fun if you find a good level.

Replay Value: Definitely worth your time to go back each stage. On your first go, you’ll definitely not collect anywhere near 100% of the items in each stage (maybe in the beginning). But it’s not even just collecting all the items– getting the highest score is another motivation, especially if you’re playing with friends.

If you’ve got friends and family, then LittleBigPlanet 2 should definitely be on your list of games. It’s a fun social gathering and great way to bond with your little Sackthings. There’s just nothing cuter.

This game has earned The Wirebot Big Wup Award for excellence and awesomeness! We recommend this game to you many times over. Try it and let us know what you think of it!