I’m a bit of a quirky guy, so it is rare for a video game to surprise me by displaying humor that matches my own style. However, Little Big Planet 2 is a platformer that just exudes cuteness and humor without having to resort to bright cheery saccharine colors and shapes. Instead we’re treated to a nice little platformer about poor little Sack-boy just trying to survive in his world full of junk. I’m sure the whole idea wouldn’t hit me as hard if I had been jaded from playing the first game in the series. However, as a newcomer to the title (and the PS3 in general) I can easily state if this is the type of exclusive game content I can expect on the PS3, I’m glad I recently brought my family into the PS3 fold.

Even the opening credits of the game serve to pull you into the game with their quirky cheerful optimism while at the same time teaching you the basics of the game. It is clear that the designers do not take themselves too seriously as most character you meet are somewhat over-the-top in their characterizations. Even the ability to adjust your little sack-guy up in various outfits demonstrates the games creativity. There are only a few platform games out there where you get to decorate your own avatar. As you play the game, even more outfits and outfit segments are unlocked to keep the whole dress-up thing going. The game makes good use of various PS3 technology, such as the camera and even the PS3 Move controller, allowing players even to take pictures and create their own “stamps” in the game.

Labeling this game a “platformer” does it a disservice. The platform genre is rather over-populated, making “jump here” – “grapple this” – “avoid this danger” style moments rather ho-hum. Where Little Big Planet 2 shines is its ability to provide a decent over-arching story within an extremely engaging and creative environment. This all comes together to make for a pretty darn good platform game, but that’s not where everything stops.

Little Big Planet 2 is also a suite of creative tools. Gamers can use a provided construction set to make their own levels to play and explore. They can, of course, also download and play levels that others have made. With the tools provided, completely new games can be created like racing games, explorations games, even multiplayer shooters. Artists who don’t want to create games can use the tools provided to make short films and clips that can be shared. (One of my favorite options in the game is to take control of my sack-boy directly and control his limbs and his emotions to wave at my sons as they watch me play…)

OK, I admit I’m gushing a bit of a fanboy here but I want to get across that I missed out on the first Little Big Planet title and now regret it. (Thankfully, content created in the first game is still compatible with the second! All you long-time PS3 owners have probably already purchased the game’s sequel, but if you own a PS3 you owe it to yourself to give this one a try. Well, I suppose if you are devoid of all humor and only like to spray bullets at zombies, aliens, and Nazis I guess you might give it a pass – but only until someone figures out a way to make a new level that includes zombie Sack-boys…

Kid Factor: This is a great kid’s game. There is some reading involved in the early stages as you are introduced to the controls of the game (jumping, running, grappling hook, etc…) but it isn’t too bad. Most video gamer kids would do just fine. The online content needs to be watched, as always. (There is an option to play the game multiplayer so standard disclaimers there.) I was glad to see that there are easy options to register questionable content and I can only assume that those sorts of things are followed up with rather quickly. The content creator will take a bit more experience and patience to use (so figure a bit older for that) but I’m lead to understand the sequel’s creator function is far easier than the previous title. Bottom line: this is the kind of family-friendly game I like to see on consoles.

Tags: Game Reviews