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Little Big Planet, whats the big deal?

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Unkillable Cat
Paperboy
Posts: 50
Joined: 25 Jun 2008

OK I dont own a PS3, but Ive seen a fair bit about little big planet. So far everyone seems to be going nuts over the game, but Im struggling to see why. I know it has great graphics, ut other than that I cant see anything overly ground breaking from the trailers and previews. To me (and I know I could be wrong) it looks like a cross between mario and lemmings, where you have to make half the game yourself.
What is it about the game that has everyone so excited?

Lukeje
Pulitzer Laureate
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Tattaglia
Press Junketeer
Posts: 416
Joined: 12 Aug 2008

Unkillable Cat:
OK I dont own a PS3, but Ive seen a fair bit about little big planet. So far everyone seems to be going nuts over the game, but Im struggling to see why. I know it has great graphics, ut other than that I cant see anything overly ground breaking from the trailers and previews. To me (and I know I could be wrong) it looks like a cross between mario and lemmings, where you have to make half the game yourself.
What is it about the game that has everyone so excited?

I think we're the only two people in the world that think the same thing. I've seen previews, trailers, FAQs on it, everything. I see the appeal, I just don't think I'd enjoy it like everyone else would.

TsunamiWombat
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1525
Joined: 6 Sep 2008

The strength of the design tools. It's one of those games that will definatly be uburer as time goes on. I don't have a ps3 and I won't be getting one, but it's definatly a neat game.

TheBadass
Infamous Scribbler
Posts: 559
Joined: 27 Aug 2008

http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/ps3/littlebigplanet?q=littlebigplanet

Going there and getting professional opinions is probably a good idea, but it doesn't have a score of 96 because reviewers were feeling generous.

Just sayin'.

"We're just happy to see a flagship game for a modern system that's about running from left to right and jumping over things. New ideas are great, great old ideas are better, and LittleBigPlanet has both: it's the future and the past of videogames, rolled into one."

I like that one.

OverlordSteve
Infamous Scribbler
Posts: 641
Joined: 8 Jul 2008

TsunamiWombat:
The strength of the design tools. It's one of those games that will definatly be uburer as time goes on. I don't have a ps3 and I won't be getting one, but it's definatly a neat game.

I'm holding my breath for a PSP version.

Unkillable Cat
Paperboy
Posts: 50
Joined: 25 Jun 2008

So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

Lukeje
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 794
Joined: 6 Feb 2008

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

There's also a 'cute' main character.

Unkillable Cat
Paperboy
Posts: 50
Joined: 25 Jun 2008

Lukeje:
There's also a 'cute' main character.

True cute does seem to be cropping up in a lot of what im reading.

TheBadass
Infamous Scribbler
Posts: 559
Joined: 27 Aug 2008

Lukeje:

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

There's also a 'cute' main character.

I'm sensing a smidgen of doubt here. I'd say go read the Escapist's preview and then come back, but I'd be repeating a post I'd already made. And that'd be irritating, right?

Seriously though, there's a reason it's so popular. It's more than what you're makin' it out to be, and this is from someone who normally doesn't even like platformers.

Lukeje
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 794
Joined: 6 Feb 2008

TheBadass:

Lukeje:

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

There's also a 'cute' main character.

I'm sensing a smidgen of doubt here. I'd say go read the Escapist's preview and then come back, but I'd be repeating a post I'd already made. And that'd be irritating.

There's a link to the Escapist preview... its the second post...
Edit: I also know that there's probably more to it than that, but I don't really think its worth getting a PS3 for. Especially since a game as good as its being made out to be deserves to be on PC.

Russia208
Copy Clerk
Posts: 120
Joined: 10 Aug 2008

Trust me, it's a big deal, its a littlebig deal, It's unique in so many ways, you may think "oh big deal, you can build your own levels" BUT, not only that, you can build your own cars, tanks, airplanes, skateboards, you name it, and you can integrate it into your level, AND not only that, you can build levels with your friends together!!! Up to 4, which is insane because you and your friend may have 2 totally different ideas and put them together to create a insane level. OH about the creating your own stuff thing, you can take someone else's creation and put it into your own level. People already created crazy stuff in the BETA like shadow of the colosses level, mario level, and i just saw a MIRRORS EDGE LEVEL!!! just imagine what they will be creating when the Actual game comes out, and imagine what levels will become 1,2,3 years from now...absolutely amazing.

Jumplion
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2944
Joined: 10 Mar 2008

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

Never has there been such an extensive type of editors for consoles. This is like a modder's dream in some cases.

I vowed to defend LBP to the end, but it's getting tireing defending the same claims that "it's just a level editor" or "it's a stupid 2D platformer!".

The "big deal" about this game is the sheer amount of custimization and edibility this game has. Every single level in the single-player portion of the game has been made with exactly the same tools that you are given.

You can edit the terrain, obstacles, camera angles, pistons, pivots, wheels, speed of the wheels, scenery, foliage, proporties, and so many other things. And while it may seem like a huge handful to work with and that it would be overly-complex, the beauty of that is that it's so easy to use all of them.

Don't base your judgements on trailers and some gameplay footage alone, look up some articles on other people's experience, look up YouTube videos of what people made (specifically this and if you can't see what's so amazingly awesome about that, then you obviously have no appreciation for LittleBigAcomplishments (hehe)), and hell, look up the Wiki page to give you info.

I can understand if LBP isn't your "type" of game, that's fine then don't get it. I won't begrudge you. But I find it hard to believe that people can't see how big of a deal LBP is.
Of course, any game can have it's doubters. I personally don't get what's so great about Left 4 Dead but I've been to scared to openly admit it because of all the Valve-boys here.

Oh crap....

EDIT: ANd just think what those crazy Japanese will think up of once it comes to their shores!!! Oh my freakin' god!

Lukeje
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 794
Joined: 6 Feb 2008

Jumplion:
I personally don't get what's so great about Left 4 Dead but I've been to scared to openly admit it because of all the Valve-boys here.

Oh crap....

Blasphemy!

CmdrGoob
Beat Writer
Posts: 185
Joined: 5 Oct 2008

To me it looks like a charming and fun platformer with a really intelligent level creation bit with tons of depth (it's not limited to slapping out some platforms to jump on, eg. someone has already used the available mechanisms to implement a calculator in the beta!). Plus the shared levels provides tons more content. Looks like a real breath of fresh air to me, I hope they port it to the PC.

L.B. Jeffries
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1425
Joined: 29 Nov 2007

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

You know how there are all these Half-Life 2 mods that look cool but you can't be bothered to find them and download them? Or all those Oblivion custom levels and missions that you hear so much about but never play?

In Little Big Planet, there is a menu option that logs into a network where everyone posts all that stuff for the game. You can then read user reviewers, pick the high ranking ones, and then play it in a few minutes.

That is why people are saying it's going to be huge.

Indigo_Dingo
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 6469
Joined: 30 Jan 2008

OverlordSteve:

TsunamiWombat:
The strength of the design tools. It's one of those games that will definatly be uburer as time goes on. I don't have a ps3 and I won't be getting one, but it's definatly a neat game.

I'm holding my breath for a PSP version.

I'm pretty sure the Psp version is just something that allows you to play levels made on the Ps3.

TheNecroswanson
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3806
Joined: 29 Nov 2007

Q: What's the deal with LBP?
A: In the longest time, it's the only game built with the soul intent to HAVE FUN! And it's looking like it's going to do a wonderful job. it's designed for fun, and only God himself could make it unfun.

Richard Groovy Pants
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1980
Joined: 11 Oct 2008

I'm sorry but I'm a cynic and i consider everything to be shit before it can actually prove it's not,
but if you can't see the cutesy and potential of Little Big Planet, then I'm sorry but you don't know what's a good game made off.

I'm not going further into it because it's not worth it, these kinds of threads are provocations and i won't indulge you
with a construct answer on actually why it has great potential. Maybe if you wrote a new OP and gave it a new title but not like this.

Not that you offended me in any way tough, don't get me wrong.

Crazy Savage
Copy Clerk
Posts: 57
Joined: 20 Aug 2008

Though I've yet to play LBP, I must say it looks decent, not amazing, but decent. It would be a pretty fresh game for a Ps3 owner who, say, liked a game like Garry's Mod and wanted another free-ended game. I find the idea of a gamer having the ability to make a game within one himself is often exciting, but only to some people, others will just complain its a unfinished or broken game with lazy development, demanding a full fledged game. I can understand both sides of the argument usually, but as far as the "Not fully designed" in this game, I don't see it, due to what looks like an amazing amount of "tools" and accessories to screw around with.

Indigo_Dingo
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 6469
Joined: 30 Jan 2008

Lukeje:

TheBadass:

Lukeje:

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

There's also a 'cute' main character.

I'm sensing a smidgen of doubt here. I'd say go read the Escapist's preview and then come back, but I'd be repeating a post I'd already made. And that'd be irritating.

There's a link to the Escapist preview... its the second post...
Edit: I also know that there's probably more to it than that, but I don't really think its worth getting a PS3 for. Especially since a game as good as its being made out to be deserves to be on PC.

Oh, here we go, the elitists come out of the woodwork. Another sense of the appeal is the multiplayer, something that would be completely robbed with a computer.

And I'll say this - the game is great because of the sheer scope of the creativity allowed. Comparing this to Forge mode or Garys Mod is like comparing the US Military's Rods from God with a spear.

Atrer
Copy Clerk
Posts: 90
Joined: 17 Jul 2008

Maybe it's because it's trying to be different yet still fun. It'll be interesting to see if they can pull this one off.

Strafe Mcgee
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 925
Joined: 25 Jan 2008

TheBadass:

"We're just happy to see a flagship game for a modern system that's about running from left to right and jumping over things. New ideas are great, great old ideas are better, and LittleBigPlanet has both: it's the future and the past of videogames, rolled into one."

I like that one.

That's because Eurogamer know what they're talking about and probably write the best reviews on the web. In response to the OP, LBP's causing a huge fuss because it's infinitely charming, has the potential to last forever, has one of the most complex physics engines around and is a new, original, beautiful, 2D platforming game!

How long's it been since we saw one of those? That's part of the reason why I'm so excited about it, even though I don't have a PS3. It shows that 2D platforming is still viable for major publishers to develop and hopefully, God, Allah and any other deities willing, it just might bring back the 2D platformer to an extent.

I don't think anything would make me more happy than to see more next-gen platforming games being developed. Apart from System Shock 3 being announced.

Unkillable Cat
Paperboy
Posts: 50
Joined: 25 Jun 2008

After reading the replies to the thread, all I can say is fair enough you have me convinced. If anything I should be glad that a game thats not inspired entirely by guns, boobs, and ultra high rez graphics is getting attention like this.
Dont get me worng Im not a fully fledged convert to the LBP clan but can see why other people are anticipating it so much.

TheNecroswanson
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 3806
Joined: 29 Nov 2007

Indigo_Dingo:

Lukeje:

TheBadass:

Lukeje:

Unkillable Cat:
So its just down to the editors? There have been games and software for making your own platform games for years, is that really all there is to it? If it is then Im suprised since it seem that even the most ardent console kiddy* that needs to explode things every five seconds seems to be going crazy over the idea.

*Disclaimer, Im not saying all console gamers are raving foaming lunatics with a low IQ and attention span

There's also a 'cute' main character.

I'm sensing a smidgen of doubt here. I'd say go read the Escapist's preview and then come back, but I'd be repeating a post I'd already made. And that'd be irritating.

There's a link to the Escapist preview... its the second post...
Edit: I also know that there's probably more to it than that, but I don't really think its worth getting a PS3 for. Especially since a game as good as its being made out to be deserves to be on PC.

Oh, here we go, the elitists come out of the woodwork. Another sense of the appeal is the multiplayer, something that would be completely robbed with a computer.

And I'll say this - the game is great because of the sheer scope of the creativity allowed. Comparing this to Forge mode or Garys Mod is like comparing the US Military's Rods from God with a spear.

Agreed. Gmod is great, but you're still VERY limited in it. LBP is like the game PHUN, only with eight million more options, and player interactivity!
Which means when you build a working gun, you can make your sackboy pull the trigger.
And what's with this, "if it's so good it should be on computer" business?

ElArabDeMagnifico
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 2953
Joined: 20 Dec 2007

ANOTHER person who is asking "WTF IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT LBP?!"

Here is a trailer that I'm going to show and I HOPE it will give you some insight but I don't think I can preach LBP to high heaven anymore.

Here, a randomly plucked LBP trailer from GT, that has explosions and cool stuff.

GloatingSwine
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1182
Joined: 10 Nov 2007

The problem with selling LBP as the second coming of user created content is that most users won't create any content. They'll get as far as making a penis, then get bored because anything else is too much effort.

Indigo_Dingo
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 6469
Joined: 30 Jan 2008

GloatingSwine:
The problem with selling LBP as the second coming of user created content is that most users won't create any content. They'll get as far as making a penis, then get bored because anything else is too much effort.

The sheer scope of levels made with the admittedly small pool of users in the Beta disagrees with you entirely. Strike one.

And thats another reason why its superior to all of the other Level editors - level editing itself is actually fun.

TheBadass
Infamous Scribbler
Posts: 559
Joined: 27 Aug 2008

GloatingSwine:
The problem with selling LBP as the second coming of user created content is that most users won't create any content. They'll get as far as making a penis, then get bored because anything else is too much effort.

There's something like nine-hundred good levels in the beta, when about ten/twenty thousand were let in. Now just imagine when this thing's selling millions.

Richard Groovy Pants
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1980
Joined: 11 Oct 2008

GloatingSwine:
The problem with selling LBP as the second coming of user created content is that most users won't create any content. They'll get as far as making a penis, then get bored because anything else is too much effort.

Heh, speculation is overrated.

Let's not confuse SPORE with Little Big Planet now shall we?

GloatingSwine
Gone Gonzo
Posts: 1182
Joined: 10 Nov 2007

Beta users are not your average gamer. They're people that are really into games and post on gaming forums and the like.

Frankly, if the kind of user created content that is supposed to be LBP's USP was going to really work, the general reaction of the world to Spore wouldn't have been "meh".

Content creation and collaborative content creation is a really niche part of gaming, most people view gaming as a restaurant (or more likely burger joint) not a kitchen.

Programmed_For_Damage
Pulitzer Laureate
Posts: 885
Joined: 26 Mar 2008

After checking out all the media and stuff on LBP it is now my front runner for what I think will be Game Of The Year.

In a way it reminds me a bit of Braid, which is awesome BTW, where it takes simple ideas, improves and expands upon them. It also has a unique, bold graphical style, like Viva Pinata, Okami and Braid. Add to that a level editor that sounds mint and you have a potentially (I haven't yet played it)_brilliant game.
Bravo to the developers on this one.

While it won't make me go out and get a PS3 for