In a world of infinite possibilities, the only limit exists in the player’s imagination. LittleBigPlanet, a video game exclusive to the PlayStation 3, provides a playground in which users can create, share and play limitless levels.
Players start out as a simple brown sack, scrolling across a simple level of ramps and ropes. When they finish each level, they unlock a variety of different items to add flair to their sackboy or sackgirl, such as changing their character’s color, hairstyle, hat, shirt and pants. With the advance of clothes come further advanced levels as well.
Throughout the story mode, a player’s sackboy or sackgirl travels across the world to different lands that represent Europe, Africa and many other locales. Although the initial levels are very simple, progress in the story takes the player to levels with challenges such as monsters and poison or spike pits on every corner.
Through the use of the ?My Moon? section on the main screen, players can design levels and publish their creations online for other gamers to experience. The level editor makes use of materials with which players can mold s would tructures into their level. The creative process continues after molding, however, at which time players can add eyes, legs and even a brain to enliven their designs in Frankenstein fashion.
As I browsed the thousands of levels shared from players around the world, some creations stood out and looked almost as if they were included in the retail version of the game. As many as tens of thousands of gamers flagged custom levels like these as their favorites. Other submissions, however, consisted of only a few ramps and jumps before the exit. Additional online content include downloadable costumes and levels.
Despite the few bugs, LittleBigPlanet is a great game that will supply countless hours of entertainment. The diversity and wide range of activities in this game allow me to recommend it to all PS3 owners.
For more video game coverage, visit the Dec. 18 column, Next-generation consoles advance game realism.
