Review by JAY YEAPLE,
Commonwealth Connections Academy
Some readers might remember my review of “LittleBigPlanet,” which ran several months ago. Like the first game, the sequel, “LittleBigPlanet 2,” stays with the basic idea of platforming and sharing your own creations with the world. The big attraction of this game is how vastly it expands on its precursor’s dynamics. The first game focuses on levels, but the second allows users to create entire games.
The layout in “LittleBigPlanet 2” is similar to that of the first game, with a story mode that allows players access to new materials and clothing items. This mode can be played with up to three other players and is coupled with a way to search the ever-growing number of community levels that other players have published.
Game play and level creation have been enhanced from the previous game. Running, jumping and grabbing is combined with new tools, such as a grappling hook, bounce pads — which can send the player flying — and ways to link the levels to make longer and connected storylines. Tools also include new forms of logic that can be used to program robots, record the player’s motions and replay them, and a largely improved music system that allows for full compositions that can be played during games.
All levels that were published in the previous installment can still be accessed through “LittleBigPlanet 2.” Player profiles can also be synced to carry over all items and materials from the previous game. Overall, this game is everything that made the previous game so popular, but much larger and with countless new possibilities.
