To Play Or Create, This Game Is Great

Sun Herald

Sunday November 2, 2008

ELIOT FISH

LittleBigPlanet

Platform PS3

Publisher Sony Computer Entertainment

Price $109.95

Rating G

VERDICT 5/5

LITTLEBIGPLANET is the ace up the sleeve for Sony's PS3 this Christmas. Both a game and a game-creation tool, it's tricky to pigeonhole but will surely turn heads.

On one hand it's a fun platform romp that is laced with inventive physics-based puzzles, humorous Monty Python-inspired artwork and hidden rewards for perceptive and dedicated players. On the other, it's a set of world-building tools that can be used to create games, interactive art pieces or virtual toys - all which can be shared with other users on the PlayStation Network.

The master stroke is that you don't need to learn how to use a complex editor - you build what you want by browsing a simple thought-bubble-style menu that appears over your "Sackboy" character's head. Objects are simply dropped and dragged into place and you can even work co-operatively with a friend on a project. If you own a PlayStation EYE camera, your photos can be imported to further customise your creation.

The game's Story Mode is just as compelling, if you're not keen on creating your own content. Simply making it to the end of each surreal level is an adventure full of Impossible Machine-style contraptions, item hunts and tricky jumps.

© 2008 Sun Herald

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