LittleBIGPlanet 2 (Special Edition)

*Note: Photos in this post are scanned or are screenshots

*Online mode is not included in my review

LittleBIGPlanet 2 is the direct sequel of LittleBIGPlanet. In LBP 2, Sackboy faces a deadlier enemy called Negativitron whose goal is to suck up all the inhabitants and creations of Craftworld. Sackboy almost became one of these casualties but he was saved in time by Larry Da Vinci, a member of the Alliance. The Alliance is a group dedicated to fighting the Negativitron to save Craftworld. In order to fight him however, Sackboy and Larry Da Vinci will need the help of the other members. But Victoria Von Bathysphere, Clive Handforth, Avalon Centrifuge, Dr. Herbert Higginbotham, and Eve Silva Paragorica have problems of their own. Sackboy must help them first before they can gather up strength for a final assault against Negativitron and his Meanies and guard turkeys. Sackboy is trained in using machines and gathers the Sackbots for the Alliance along the way.

From left: Avalon Centrifuge,  Victoria Von Bathysphere, Eve Silva Paragorica and Larry Da Vinci

Negativitron

LBP 2 also has an online community like the previous game plus a bonus level called Sackboy's prehistoric Moves. This level needs a PlayStation Move and two players.

The Story Mode consists of 50 levels. Twenty of these are mini games. There are six areas to get to as the story progresses and six bosses as well. The Story Mode is worth replaying. It's definitely fun and addictive especially if you want to collect all the items. Some collectibles can be reached using 2 or more players like in the previous game.

There are obstacles along the way are tricky but Sackboy is given some cool tools. One is the Grappling Hook which is used to swing from one object to another (provided you can grab them). Another is the Creatinator which can fire projectiles. It has many uses. You can use it to put out fire or make a stand for unreachable ledges. Meanwhile, the Grabinator lets you pick up and throw objects. There's  also a scuba gear that lets Sackboy swim underwater. 

There are more possibilities in Create Mode. You can now create levels like role-playing, racing, shooters and puzzles more easily. You will see some examples of these in the Story Mode. One of the unforgettable features of the first game is the music. LBP 2 has not disappointed and has even leveled up. You can exercise your music creativity in level designs. Plus you can make cutscenes, link different levels for easier transition, and create AIs easier like the Sackbots. Most importantly, there's the Controlinator. You'll see this first in the Story Mode where Sackboy drives some vehicles.

LBP 2 is a lot of fun whether you just want to play the Story Mode or spend more time in the Create Mode. Just playing through all the levels is not a waste of time even if you're not thinking of getting all the items. There are levels in LBP (Bunker) that are more difficult than LBP 2 but some obstacles in the latter are tricky. With so much possibilities offered by Create Mode, it can be time-consuming but that is one of the best features of this game.

If you enjoyed LBP, LBP 2 isn't something you should miss. The Story Mode is fun and full of cute characters and tricky levels and the Create Mode will bring out the artist in you.

Rating: 9.5 out of 10