Due to circumstances beyond my control, this review of LittleBigPlanet 2 is of the single player campaign and nothing else. The PS3/Vita servers were shut off, and I didn't jump on these games soon enough to experience the community surrounding these games.
At a glance, LBP2 doesn't seem very different from the original. It's built off the original, after all. Anything you unlocked or created in LBP1 can be carried over to LBP2 automatically with no consequence, which is great. Stephen Fry's narration is still here, enveloping you like a warm blanket every time he speaks. Loading times have been shortened dramatically, which is always nice. However, it doesn't take long at all to discover all the new goodies beneath the surface.
LBP1's story mode was fairly run-of-the-mill. The whole thing mostly felt like it was working within the limitations of the engine. LBP2 introduces so many new mechanics that half the time, I couldn't believe that the inventive and unique levels were all created within the same engine that any player could pick up and use themselves. Every single stage brings something new and fun to the table, and is paced well to the point that none of the mechanics feel like they overstay their welcome. The entire story mode just flows. It's also aided by a full cast of fun characters, each with their own respective locations, and an antagonistic threat to seal the deal.
I may never experience the phenomenon that was the LittleBigPlanet community. What I can say is that it's clear to see that this game goes all in on the community aspect. The creation tools are easy to pick up, difficult to master, and flexible enough to create some crazy shit. 80% of this game's trophies are dedicated to playing online multiplayer, creating/publishing levels, and playing other users' content. MediaMolecule recognized that they had something special with the first game, and fully capitalized on the aspects of player expression for the sequel. I kinda regret not being there to experience it myself.
While it's unfortunate that the online functionality is no more (I'm holding out for some fan servers), I'm really satisfied with this game as a 2D platformer. Grab some friends locally and enjoy expressing yourself in this weird and wonderful game. Even as an offline-only experience, LittleBigPlanet 2 manages to be worth it in my eyes. If that's not the mark of a damn good game, I don't know what is.
At a glance, LBP2 doesn't seem very different from the original. It's built off the original, after all. Anything you unlocked or created in LBP1 can be carried over to LBP2 automatically with no consequence, which is great. Stephen Fry's narration is still here, enveloping you like a warm blanket every time he speaks. Loading times have been shortened dramatically, which is always nice. However, it doesn't take long at all to discover all the new goodies beneath the surface.
LBP1's story mode was fairly run-of-the-mill. The whole thing mostly felt like it was working within the limitations of the engine. LBP2 introduces so many new mechanics that half the time, I couldn't believe that the inventive and unique levels were all created within the same engine that any player could pick up and use themselves. Every single stage brings something new and fun to the table, and is paced well to the point that none of the mechanics feel like they overstay their welcome. The entire story mode just flows. It's also aided by a full cast of fun characters, each with their own respective locations, and an antagonistic threat to seal the deal.
I may never experience the phenomenon that was the LittleBigPlanet community. What I can say is that it's clear to see that this game goes all in on the community aspect. The creation tools are easy to pick up, difficult to master, and flexible enough to create some crazy shit. 80% of this game's trophies are dedicated to playing online multiplayer, creating/publishing levels, and playing other users' content. MediaMolecule recognized that they had something special with the first game, and fully capitalized on the aspects of player expression for the sequel. I kinda regret not being there to experience it myself.
While it's unfortunate that the online functionality is no more (I'm holding out for some fan servers), I'm really satisfied with this game as a 2D platformer. Grab some friends locally and enjoy expressing yourself in this weird and wonderful game. Even as an offline-only experience, LittleBigPlanet 2 manages to be worth it in my eyes. If that's not the mark of a damn good game, I don't know what is.