After almost two years of unbelievable hype, the Playstation 3 savior has finally arrived. Little Big Planet hits the streets this week, the 28th. By the time you read this, you should be able to go to your local Target or Best Buy and pick this up. This game is truly unique and the greatness of it is the community they are building around the game. I’ve always been a proponent of games making level design more accessible than the standard PC Modding community where you actually have to know what you are doing. LBP’s level creation tools will hopefully open up a world of creative possibilities for it’s users. Check out the official press release after the break.
Sony announced the North American release of LittleBigPlanet(TM) exclusively for PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) system. Developed by Media Molecule, LittleBigPlanet is a highly anticipated, community-based video game that allows players to control the iconic and customizable SackBoy(TM) as they play, create and share their masterpieces in a stitched-together, 3D-crafted material world. LittleBigPlanet invites players of all ages and skill types into an innovative and imaginative experience where they can explore and play through developer and user-generated levels. Additionally, and what sets LittleBigPlanet apart, is players can use the same design tools, materials and stickers Media Molecule built the actual game with to shape or build objects and entire game levels. Players can then share these creations with the LittleBigPlanet community online via PlayStation(R)Network. LittleBigPlanet is available exclusively on the PS3 system for $59.99 (SRP) at most retailers beginning this week.
"We are extremely excited to see how LittleBigPlanet will revolutionize the scope and expectations of video games," said Scott Rohde, vice president of Product Development, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios. "LittleBigPlanet is conceptually brilliant. With the vast online and community features of the game, and the ability to share user-generated content, the game definitely creates an experience with no boundaries."
LittleBigPlanet’s central premise of ‘Play, Create, Share’ is apparent from the moment the game begins, with each of the game’s pillars intertwining to encourage players to experience all aspects of this genre-defying title. Players start by entering Story Mode and can begin playing the first of 50 wildly varied pre-loaded levels to learn the various game play mechanics, tools and more. Players quickly begin unlocking various tools and accessories needed to customize their own creations and levels. Soon after, players can access the simple level editor to begin their own creation process, building everything from large, complex environments, clever mini-games to even smaller objects such as wall graffiti or rocket-propelled vehicles. Additionally, LittleBigPlanet supports the PLAYSTATION(R)Eye Camera so players can take photos of real-life objects or creations and import the images to the virtual levels they are creating.
All player creations can be published within the LittleBigPlanet online community, allowing anyone from around the globe to interact with shared levels and objects, provide rankings and user comments, and peruse creations using the extensive search functionality to be sure players can find the level creators or level types they want to play. Adding to the fun, LittleBigPlanet also features cooperative multiplayer gameplay allowing up to four players the opportunity to play and complete their levels offline with friends at home or play online with other members of the community.
With an online showcase that combines the best in social networking, user-generated content and game design, the LittleBigPlanet global community is an extensive social network that invites and encourages players to come together to interact with other creative minds and discover new and original ideas. Not only can players publish their original levels for everyone around the world to see, but players can also provide feedback on shared levels that they have played. Additionally, LittleBigPlanet features a tagging system where players can choose from an infinite catalogue of "tags" that place their customized level in a specific category, so when players search for levels in a "tag" category, their level will automatically appear.
LittleBigPlanet was recently awarded several prominent accolades from its showing at the 2008 Electronic Entertainment Expo and has been nominated for numerous upcoming industry awards. For more information on LittleBigPlanet, please visit: http://www.littlebigplanet.com/