Little Big Planet 2 receives 8.5 out of 10
February 16, 2011
In 2008, Media Molecule released the highly anticipated and critically acclaimed title, “Little Big Planet.” Well, Sackboy came back for round two in January, and it was no surprise that that creepy little burlap child would come out swinging in “Little Big Planet 2” (also referred to as “LBP2”). The engine that “LBP2” utilizes is very similar, if not identical to its predecessor’s, because fixing what isn’t broken is just cumbersome.
You romp, you pick up things, you throw your friends into fire pits… Well it’s mostly the same. Even the veterans will have a couple of tricks to learn before they can go out and try to save Craft World. This title is very accommodating for people who haven’t played the original as well.
With one of the most intuitive tutorials that I’ve seen in quite some time, the game starts you off with a very fresh perception and gets your feet wet while making you anxious to see the rest of the game. One of the differences that I, personally, very much enjoyed was the omission of those tedious and frustrating jetpack stages filled with unforgiving bombs and walls made of hate.
The story begins with the realization that Craft World, the realm that Sackboy and friends inhabit, is in very real danger from a giant robot vacuum that is, for all intensive purposes, sucking all of the fun. Sackboy encounters a plethora of colorful characters ready to help save everyone they can. Now, like most games these days, multiplayer makes this title quite a bit more active and enjoyable and also gives it the longevity in needs to survive and be remembered.
This longevity is reinforced by the near infinite user-made content. No matter how many levels you play, you haven’t experienced everything. (If you prove me wrong, show me proof, and I may think about eating my shoe). This supply of playability coupled with four-player multiplayer creates a very healthy gaming opportunity.
My only major complaint was the brevity of the actual story. By the time I was actually sure of what was going on, I was fighting the last boss. If Media Molecule does not deliver a lengthier story in the possible third installment, I may just save my money.
If you don’t enjoy frolicking, playing dress-up, smacking your friends in their mouths, and racing to save the world from the evil Negativitron, then this game is, quite simply, not for you.
Between “Little Big Planet 2” and Xbox Live Arcade’s new “Ilomilo,” you should have no trouble finding a game to play with that special someone for the week of Valentine’s day. “LBP2” hops its way to a 8.5 out of 10.
