From the Vault — originally published February 28, 2011. Some links, videos or prices may be out of date.
Little Big Planet 2 is a puzzle platformer from Media Molecule published by Sony. The story mode takes your sackthings on a side scrolling journey to stop the Negativatron. You can play with friends locally or online though I think the story mode is best experienced with multiple people. Little big Planet 2 is very easy to pick up and play and great for all ages. They have managed to create a game that core and casual gamers could enjoy together. A great game to play with your significant other or kids. The game shines in it’s cooperative modes.
What you get with Little Big Planet 2 is a game much more refined than the first in every way possible. Although the jumping physics are not altered much the ‘floaty’ jump problems some complained about in the first game is remedied by the use of jump pads and the inclusion of a grappling hook. Both items speed up the action and are enjoyable new ways to platform.
The grappling hook is fun to use as well. Think Bionic Commando meets Sackboy. Other items include water cannons, grabinators used to throw things among other gadgets.
The graphics are more crisp and vivid than the first game. There is a noticeable upgrade in the visual quality. The music is also noteworthy. The selection of licensed music is superb in its diversity just like in the first game.
Also diverse are the types of levels in the story mode. Little Big Planet 2 ups the ante with shooter(SHMUP) levels, horizontal and vertical scrolling racing levels and more. The controls are precise and the new play types control well.
In the levels you collect various items. Most are costume related used to customize your sackthing and the others are objects that can be used to create levels. Versus levels are unlocked by collecting keys found in select stages. The versus levels are great for the most part and like all levels can be played by two or more players locally or online.
My favorite versus level is the unlock-able take on basketball. You simply have to grab the rubber band ball and hit the bounce pad to pop up in the air to take a hot. Simple and tons of fun.
The game fulfills its promise on being community friendly in just about every way possible. Older uploaded user created levels, items and costume data from the first game can be imported into Little Big Planet 2. Even DLC levels such as the Metal Gear Solid and Marvel level packs work in this new game.
Little Big Planet 2 is a great package. They have improved on the first game in every way. The level design is much better and more varied, the platforming and graphics are improved. Throw in the ability to access tons of user created levels and the ability to create your own levels and you have a great value and game that the whole family can enjoy and every PlayStation 3 owner should have in their collection.
