LittleBigPlanet
New LittleBigPlanet 2 Trailer
I think LittleBigPlanet was a good idea that needed some work. I didn’t make it through half the levels that came with the game due to problems with the planes of depth glitching. My time in level creator was spent messing with physics and making simple cars because making a decent level took too much time. However, if you hopped into the community levels you would see thousands of amazing creations showing LBP’s true potential.
LittleBigPlanet 2 is improving on the recipe making it easier to create levels with things like direct control of vehicles and objects and AI bots, but I think what has me most excited about the sequel is the gadgets featured in the trailer. I’m not sure when a grappling hook doesn’t make anything more awesome; the creatinator, which will allow you to shoot out building materials, will allow for amazing puzzles; and the power glove will finally fix that sometimes annoying fact of the Sackboy’s limited ability to affect the environment (only being able to slightly tug on things). I can’t wait to see how creators incorporate these tools into new levels (ultimate Batman level, anyone?)
Is it Worth it: Metal Gear Solid LBP Level Pack
The Metal Gear Solid Level Pack for LittleBigPlanet introduces a new costume, 5 new story levels, a new challenge level, along with tons of new stickers and gadgets to enjoy.
The story levels bring a totally new feel to LittleBigPlanet with a the help of the Paintinator. Instead of the usual jump, drag, swing, and hope not to die, the gun allows you to shoot switches and enemies you would normally have to jump on to defeat. The Metal Gear Solid levels rely more on paintinator and cover to provide action shooters rather then the standard platform levels.
Though I finished all the levels pretty quickly, I had a lot of fun playing them. From the first level, which played more like a LBP cutscene then an actual level, to the final boss I couldn’t get enough. These levels produced my first adrenaline filled moments in LittleBigPlanet. “The Mission” was my favorite level of all 5. It felt more like playing the first contra game then MGS, so much so that I couldn’t resist taking on the elevator with a friend.
While the levels are fun, the goodies are best reason to invest in this DLC. The new gadgets will provide creators with a lot more possibilities far beyond the platform genre. I’ve already seen several well designed levels within the first hours of release and am expecting to see many more once people have a chance to build their masterpieces.
The question is the Metal Gear Solid Level Pack worth the $6 price tag?
The new tools, stickers, and music will defiantly please any LBP creators. For those of us who are too lazy to build our own levels, the costume and levels bring enough new gameplay and replay value that won’t leave you regretting the christmas present to yourself. Overall, with all the new content, the level pack is well worth its $6 price tag. Though if you still aren’t sold and want to check things out before you buy, remember you can still join a game hosted by someone who has the level pack to play any of the story levels and can play any level published that uses the new tools on your own.
For more information on the Level Pack, check out the Playstation Blog.