Sackboy makes a tiny yet triumphant return. To ensure you get a good view of the level you’re playing, the camera is panned out enough to make sackboy look miniscule. You’ll get used to it quickly, though, as you’ll be immediately distracted by all the fun you’re having. Sackboy retains his varied facial expressions, which can be changed by tapping the D-pad, and you’ll still be able to customize your Sackboy (or Sackgirl) using a variety of costumes and accessories.
The “popit” is back to arm creative gamers with all they need to become fly-by-night game designers. Along with the aforementioned customization of your sack-person, you’ll also be able to place stickers to trigger objects or to just add your personal touch to a level. However, the popit doesn’t really shine until you’ve tried the game’s robust Create mode. Within your popit, you’ll find building materials, stickers, decorations, bolts, levers, rods, and more, which will let you bring any levels you’ve dreamt up into reality. Almost all the available tools have made a return on the PSP; you’ll still be able to create your own levels, enemies and more.
The sky is the limit for the most part when creating levels, although the sheer amount of tools and building materials can be very intimidating for users firing up LittleBigPlanet for the first time. Luckily anyone who spends enough time with the game’s Create mode will soon find out that the tools have been created with ease-of-use and user accessibility in mind. Still, a lot of gamers want to play games, not design them, so the Create mode isn’t for everyone.
Once you’ve finished designing your LittleBigMasterpiece, you can then upload your creation to the PlayStation Network anywhere you have a wi-fi hot spot. You can also download other users’ uploaded creations with ease, though the online experience isn’t nearly as streamlined as the PS3’s broadband powered network. The ranking system has returned as well, so you can rate which levels are best, to let others know the level is worth their time.
LittleBigPlanet has found a comfy home away from home on Sony’s portable system. Sony Cambridge Studios have done a fantastic job of capturing the undeniable charm of LittleBigPlanet and Sackboy. They’ve managed to bring nearly every detail to the PSP, in what is one of the very best games available on the platform. Everything from to the levels to the Create mode, and even the load screens match the PS3 version perfectly. Sadly, LittleBigPlanet for the PSP will bring on so many comparisons to the PS3 version that it will likely be overshadowed by the feats (like a broadband internet connection) that a home console can offer. However, compared to other portable games, this game is so brilliant, so complete, and so true to the formula that won Media Molecule a number of industry awards, that LBP for PSP will surely go down in history as one of the very best PSP games ever released.
PlayStation LifeStyle’s Final Score
30 fun and exciting new levels Captures the full PS3 experience within tiny confines of the PSP |
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