	Little Big Planet 2
	Developer: Media Molecule Publisher: SCEE Release Date: Out Now Players: 1– 4 offline/online	Words By:
One of the few decent PS3 “exclusives” finally gets a much awaited sequel. When Media Molecule was financially backed by Sony for the original game this was always expected to be something a little bit special. Promising a game environment made of rich real world textures that left you wanting to reach out and play with the parts, it was a title that almost delivered on its potential. So how could they improve of such a finely balanced chunk of platform gaming loveliness? There were complaints against the control aspect of the 2.5D nature of the game and a certain amount of furore over Sony's heavy handed policing on the user-generated content which “potentially” infringed copyright. But enough of that, what about LBP2? Right from the outset you are immersed back into a familiar world, narrated again by Steven Fry as though he is a bedtime story to a small child, I was half expecting a pat on the head for doing well. For players of LBP1 you are offered the ability to import your existing profile. So anything you collected or purchased is available in LBP2. The game kicks off with the oh-so-familiar music from the original (for all the oldies the music from the Take-Hart gallery) but this time it is presented in a retro almost Mario-esque style. You would be right for thinking “Is this a hint of things to come?” Indeed it is. So many of the level designs have been heavily influenced by classic arcade games of yesteryear. The tried and testing platform element is still there in abundance but not without the occasional diversion to space invader vertical shoot-em-ups, horizontal shoot-em-ups like R-Type/Side Arms, some Sonic-like spinning and zooming through tunnels, and even Centipede or old-skool Nokia Snake thrown in for good measure. Personally I loved the original and can honestly count platformers as probably my favourite games genre. The levels are littered with clever design mechanics that are often fashioned from Wilf Lunn (I read about him somewhere, far too young to of watched him...) contraptions that create a chain effect of unlocking the next section of the level. Not often do I find myself grinning with pleasure but I did repeatedly during LBP2. Don't expect complex puzzles or taxing end of level bosses though. One of the downsides is much like a decent pint it goes down far too easily and too quickly. There have been a few new additions to gameplay that were absent from the original. Guns! —Though of course done in a family-friendly way, with crčam cakes, jam, water that can be lobbed about to despatch certain enemies. Other “weapons” include the Grabinator which is a form of grappling hook with an adjustable length rope to capture all the bonuses. There are also a number of animals you can commandeer such as rabbits, cats, gerbils and caterpillars. Each has a unique trait to how you navigate them and the levels have been designed with this in mind. Caterpillar riding is accompanied by a surprising vertically scrolling level. Some of the levels involve herding small robots that are either terrified of you or completely smitten. So as you can see the game contains far more variety that LBP1 and I'm guessing this was a major contribution to the sequel’s design spec. As previously up to 4 players can work collaboratively or even head to head on some of the verses mini-games. Basketball, caterpillar racing etc await you. One criticism was that it was not immediately obvious that a level was a verses level until you had selected it and by then you were already beginning to play. Somewhat pointless playing basketball yourself unless you were merely practicing, like Sackboy-no-mates. The story mode revolves around defeating the Negativatron who has basically been around ruining the planet and naturally you must rectify this. Alongside Stephen Fry there is an impressive array of vocal talent that has you thinking “I recognised that voice...” Once you have tired/completed the story mode there is still plenty to keep you occupied. The original level designer is still present but you have far more goodies at your disposal than before. Switches and triggers are more subtly implemented than the “drag key from A to B” metaphor of LBP1. There is even an impressive logic gate designer for the electronically minded. Finally not to be overlooked is the online component of the game. As with LBP1 there’s an abundant supply of user-contributed levels that appear online which are ranked by players providing a continuous feed of new content. You can tackle these alone or just go online and follow an existing group whatever your preference. If you have the time and inclination you can even craft your own. If you have an Eye-Cam attached to your PS3 you can even take photos with it to adorn your levels. Now THAT is a minefield waiting to happen, let’s see how Sony polices that minefield... They are also rumours that PS3-Move capabilities may be introduced in the future. It will be interesting to see how that complements the exceedingly simple existing controls. Being biased as I loved the original I'm gonna rate the game highly. However I have also played it alongside my 3 sons who have also thoroughly enjoyed it (and finished it far quicker than me). So if platformers are your bag, pick it up as an exquisitely crafted piece of gaming magic.