Make, Do and Mend
After a shaky year or two PS3 is now well and truly established in the market and is looking forward to a pretty stunning Christmas, software-wise. Not all the action is happening on Sony's black behemoth, though. Making the platform leap from PS3 to PSP is Sony Cambridge Studio's hugely successful LittleBigPlanet, and if you can ignore all the big PS3, Xbox 360 and Wii ad campaigns appearing on TV and in the press, it's LittleBigPlanet PSP that you should really be looking to spend your chrimbo budget on.
Something For Everyone
The game follows the trials of Sackboy, a cute little creature who the player is able to customise at the start of the game before embarking on his adventure. The idea is that as you play so you learn more about what Sackboy is capable of and how best to use his abilities. By using various tools and craft materials players can construct objects in order to help them solve puzzles, overcome obstacles and collect new objects that will become useful later in the game.
LittleBigPlanet features 30 developer designed levels that will test the skills of gamers of every age and ability.
This PSP version is no slouch when it comes to content. Spanning seven themed worlds, LittleBigPlanet features 30 developer designed levels that will test the skills of gamers of every age and ability.
Creating objects in the game is a simple affair. Using the Popit menu you can select Sackboy's materials, stickers and tools and then create, modify and move pretty much any in-game object you like. In addition, each material has realistic physical properties and will behave as you would expect it too.
Share and Share Alike
Once you've got the hang of the creation tools the real fun begins because not only can you make up your own challenges but you can publish and share them online via the PlayStation Network.
Even if you don't use the game's level design capabilities, you'll almost certainly head online to take advantage of other players' creations.
The great thing about LittleBigPlanet is that even if you're the sort of player who completes a game then stuffs it in a drawer, you might change your habits here. Even if you don't use the game's level design capabilities, you'll almost certainly head online to take advantage of other players' creations. What's more, if a friend has got creative on LittleBigPlanet's ass, he or she can effortlessly share their creations with you. In fact, the replay possibilities are practically endless.
There's very little negative to say about LittleBigPlanet PSP, except perhaps that not everything works quite as well on the small screen as it does in high definition on your telly.
That aside, Sony has created a beautiful and fascinating game, cementing the already good reputation of a modern classic. And if gamers have any sense at all, LittleBigPlanet PSP will surely be one of the big sellers this Christmas.
GAME's Verdict
- Beautiful looks.
- Intriguing gameplay.
- Lots of level.
- Level creation.
- Share stuff online.
- Not quite as good on the small screen.
Review by: Simon 'Cackboy' Kirrane
Version Tested: PSP
Review Published: 18.11.09