LittleBIGPlanet: Game of the Year Edition

When I first saw the cover of this game, I thought it was just another no-brainer, relaxing game with a cute character. I was wrong. The first few levels were really fun but as I progressed through the story mode, some levels got trickier. Now I know why this game got good reviews.

The opening video explains how the world was created - through dreams. But even such creations were threatened by a greedy Curator called 'the Collector'. The Curators, composed of eight, are responsible for creating the different levels.

Sackboy goes through the seven levels before finally meeting the Collector on the eighth. Each has a different theme and difficulty level. Each level also has bonus games which can be unlocked by collecting the keys.

Sackboy also meets different characters who tell him what to do on each level. Most of the levels require Sackboy to jump, grab, run, push/pull, use vehicles and mechanisms, and solve puzzles to get through. The player also has to collect items such as stickers, decorations, and other paraphernalia needed to create a level. These are found in bubbles, some of which are hidden and can be acquired by activating a switch using a sticker. The player also gets to dress up Sackboy and decorate the pod.

Not only does this game have puzzles, but also requires Sackboy to race (on foot or in a vehicle), use explosives, fight bosses, fly using contraptions, climb a fortress, use jetpacks to get to high places, and use the paintinator to beat enemies.

Level-making sounds complicated but the game has provided a comprehensive tutorial. Also, by going through the different levels, players will have an idea on how some contraptions work. The game also provides a lot of materials that can be used. The only thing that is needed is a good imagination.

I really liked most of the songs used in the game. Most of them blend in properly with the specific theme of each level. Even the character voices are cute and funny. The graphics are awesome. You could almost feel the texture just by looking at the materials. Taking note of the properties of each is important in level-making as well as getting through obstacles. Some jumps are tricky and there are levels where items are found in places that are hard to reach.

It is definitely a game that is worth playing over and over again. There is also enough challenge to make experienced gamers happy. The Collector level for example is not to be taken lightly. The Bunker level specifically has a really tricky part that is difficult to perfect. The player has to master the controls, including moving Sackboy from front to back. The reward system also makes playing it again more enjoyable and worthwhile. You get bonus items for collecting everything or without losing lives.

The Game of the Year Edition, which is the one I have, includes 18 LBP community levels and the Metal Gear Solid level. It also has three costume packs.

I have tried looking at the online community and my experience with it wasn't so bad. I like the idea of letting the players create their own levels, even if admittedly some of them are too hard or too easy.

This PlayStation exclusive is very addictive and I could not put it down the first few hours that I played it. It's  one of those few games that you'd really enjoy with or without a huge, ambitious story. I'm giving this a 10 out of 10 rating.