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LittleBigPlanet 'Amphibious' Contraption Challenge winner revealed
Media Molecule's latest exercise in LittleBigPlanet creativity -- a Contraption Challenge in which players had to build clever water-traversing vehicles -- has borne some pretty delicious fruits. The six finalists' creations can be seen in the video above, but first place (a title that comes with a copy of LittleBigPlanet PSP and a PSP Go) went to Asbestos101's "Crouching Boat, Hidden Car." We can't wait to see what the next LBP challenge will require from its players -- perhaps an AI construct built from simple switches and levers that's capable of love?
We leprechaun't believe this week's LittleBigPlanet DLC
No globally-recognized holiday can escape attention from Media Molecule's DIY platformer, LittleBigPlanet, don't ya know? This week, the PS3 version of the game will receive a free St. Patrick's Day-themed costume, which turns your adorable sack-vatar into a reddish-orange-bearded leprechaun. That's really exciting news if you're a fan of Lucky Charms -- but really terrifying news if you're familiar with Warwick Davis' acclaimed psychological thriller series. We hate to derail this post's train of thought, but we've been absorbed by the rich mythos of Leprechaun after reading that Wikipedia entry. Did you guys know there have been six installments in the Leprechaun franchise? It's true: Leprechaun, Leprechaun 2, Leprechaun 3, Leprechaun 4: In Space, Leprechaun: In the Hood and Leprechaun: Back to tha Hood. This is not a joke. Those are all real movies, which real people really made.
Media Molecule wants to share PS3 memory tool with devs
Media Molecule lead architect Paul Holden said he would like to make a proprietary memory monitoring tool his company developed for the PlayStation 3 available to other studios. Speaking at the Montreal Game Summit, as reported by Develop, Holden said the tool helps map and control memory usage in games, which became necessary during the development of LittleBigPlanet. "It would be great if we could release it for people to use," Holden told the crowd during a Q&A session following his keynote address. "We could definitely get it released to PS3 developers with little difficulty." The tool, named HeapMon, allows software to make and manage numerous requests of the PS3's hardware memory. However, before Media Molecule is able to hand the "very simple tool" off to other development teams, Holden clarified that Sony would first need to approve the decision. We suspect an online petition is in the works, because they work.
Review: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
The PSP version of LittleBigPlanet is two shoulder buttons and an analog stick away from being one of the greatest games on Sony's portable platform. There were plenty of things I loved in the original LBP -- frantic multiplayer, outstanding artistic and musical design, and an endless pool of community-generated content, to name a few -- but all of the game's delightful components relied heavily upon the strength of its creation engine, and the aforementioned community's willingness to master the tools they've been provided. While the PSP version of the game does an adequate job of transplanting these tools onto a portable console, a surprisingly large amount of that power and ease of use was sacrificed in the process. The level creation engine is functional, but doesn't come close to the standard set by the original game. That's partially because of the marginal changes that were made to how these tools function -- though, more than anything, the PSP's inherent lack of buttons plays the biggest role in the game's diminished accessibility. %Gallery-64980%
LittleBigPlanet PSP's littlebiglaunch set for Nov. 17
The Sackboys and girls will go portable when LittleBigPlanet PSP popits into retail November 17. The new travel-size adventure will bring the intuitive level-creation of its PS3 cousin, but it's a strictly solo escapade.For a fuller LBP experience this fall, there's always the "Game of the Year edition" on PS3.%Gallery-64980%
Media Molecule taking beta applications for LittleBigWater
We only have so much anticipation that we can distribute between this year's big titles -- however, we've had to move a considerable portion over to an unexpected release: The addition of water to LittleBigPlanet. We know, it's not even a game so much as a new game mechanic, but it should breathe new life into the title's million-level-strong homebrew community.Fortunately, we might not have to wait much longer for this digital precipitation to accumulate -- Media Molecule is now taking applications for a beta version of the water-infused LBP kit. You better believe we'll be there with bells on -- only, you probably won't hear them, because bells have an awfully hard time ringing underwater.
LittleBigPlanet PSP loses multiplayer, and maybe its soul
Like a child with all the world's toys at his disposal but no one to play with, Sackboy drifts lonesomely across the 2D plane. At first glance, the confines of LittleBigPlanet PSP appear to be punishment for the heaps of joy he carelessly reaped with his now missing friends -- even with complete strangers -- as they indulged in orgies of pure fun in the PS3 version. Had he taken these spontaneous acts of foolishness and delight for granted, Sackboy wondered."The one thing we've lost is multiplayer," senior producer Mark Green explained of LBP PSP to Eurogamer at GamesCom this week. "The system is physically capable of doing multiplayer, but perhaps not with the full physics system. On the technical side of things you lose a third of the processing power or a third of the system memory just to do multiplayer at all. With those limitations we couldn't achieve it." Couldn't achieve what? Joy?Green did clarify that the PSP game will feature "full" level creation and sharing (online/ad-hoc) modes. Additionally, further tweaks to LBP PSP include downsizing the game field to one 2D plane (no foreground and background planes) and so-called improvement upon the original's floaty jump mechanic. Did we also mention there's ... no multiplayer?
LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year edition coming Sep. 8, $59.99
Looks like the reports and retailer listings were accurate: LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition exists and it's coming to stores on September 8 for the same ol' $59.99 you can currently find the non-GOTY variant at. So what does your ... well, just your waiting get you above and beyond the existing release? Media Molecule has hand-picked 18 "extraordinary" level creators to each build a level "specifically for the GOTY edition." Not enough? Perhaps seven "packs" from the PlayStation Store – including the Metal Gear Solid Level Pack and Costumes Pack – would be enough to entice you? Says here that's "nearly a $30 value." Still not biting, eh? Lastly, a "limited supply" of LBP: GOTY discs will include a voucher granting you access to the ModNation Racers online beta, the next game in Sony's "Play, Create, Share" series. If you're still not convinced, we don't think the trailer after the break is going to change your mind, but we still think you should watch it. Sackboy ... he's just so cute.
LittleBigPlanet pod replica making eBay a bit more adorable
This seems like one of those things that, when a Sony representative sees it, it elicits a sharp forehead smack, accompanied by the following exclamation: "Why didn't I think of that?" A clever eBay user known as "thegroovygamer" recently put a lovingly crafted LittleBigPlanet pod replica on the virtual auction block. Of course, it wouldn't be an exact replica without two additional items: A DualShock 3 controller, and a little Sackboy to inhabit it.We would have bought an armful of these bundles had Sony released them in the thick of LittleBigPlanet fever last fall. Oh, heck -- we'd buy an armful now. Just throw in a few sticker sheets, and we'll get out our checkbooks.[Thanks, Corey!]
Media Molecule details the LBP History Kit
Media Molecule has officially spilled the beans on the upcoming History Kit that was recently revealed on the Japanese LittleBigPlanet site. In addition to the cutesy, historical costumes seen above, the History Kit will come packed with new objects, decorations, stickers (140 of 'em), sounds, music and a background, all available on August 13 for $3.99 / €3.99 / £3.19.Check out a trailer for the History Kit, and a list of its contents -- politely cribbed from Media Molecule -- after the break.
LittleBigPlanet PSP 'purchased levels' section spotted
When was the last time you paid for new levels in LittleBigPlanet? There are only three answers to that question -- "never," "when I originally bought the game" or "when I bought the Metal Gear Solid pack." Despite almost weekly DLC packs since LittleBigPlanet's October release, players continue to clamor for more levels. With only one level pack having been released, it's an understandable request -- after all, in the same timeframe players have amassed over one million levels themselves. If a "purchased levels" section of the PSP version -- discovered at a recent Sony event by Siliconera -- is to be believed, we could be seeing plenty more level packs coming in the future. To the PSP version, at least. You wouldn't have a dedicated section built in without some content to fill it with, right?
inFamous costume hitting LittleBigPlanet on August 6
inFamous may be two months old at this point, but it's never too late to reignite the flame with some LittleBigPlanet downloadable content. That's exactly what you'll be seeing next week, August 6, when two new costumes will be made available on the PSN store. Both of the costumes allow you to recreate the likeness of inFamous' Cole MacGrath though, just like in the game, you'll be able to decide whether your Sackboy will be good or evil. You can check out the good costume after the break. With this DLC already having been pushed back, it doesn't look like we'll be getting any new LBP content this week. There's also no pricing info for this inFamous costume, but we're expecting it to cost as much as other similar packs.
Ghostbusters LittleBigPlanet DLC coming this week
As the Japanese website suggested, the Ghostbusters LittleBigPlanet DLC will be available this week. As you can see above, the costumes have been fully revealed. They, along with the accompanying stickers, will be available on Thursday during the normal PSN update. The pack will cost you $5.99, or you can grab individual costumes for $1.99. They're great costumes, but we're still hankering for some more levels. It's been over six months since the MGS4 pack came out, you know.
Alex Evans wants LittleBigPlanet 2 with backwards compatible levels
Media Molecule's Alex Evans told GamesIndustry.biz recently that he would "love there to be a sequel" to LittleBigPlanet. "If you look at online distribution for LBP, when the sequel comes along, what do we do with all that content? We can give [consumers] backwards compatibility with those levels." It looks like Evans sees a sequel as inevitable, though he's keen to say that currently everyone at Mm is still working on LBP. Evans also mentions that a demo for LittleBigPlanet will be released soon, allowing people who still haven't picked it up a chance to try it out. It's unclear whether any of the almost 2 million user generated levels will be playable in the demo, but it should "capture [the game's] essence." More additions to the game are also on the way, such as one that was originally planned for the game, but axed along the way -- sharing objects in a similar way to sharing levels. More features -- "changing the tools themselves, and changing how you share -- are coming."
Web-based LittleBigPlanet level-sharing portal coming soon
In an interview with 1UP at the Nordic Games Convention, Alex Evans revealed that a LittleBigPlanet level sharing portal will be released at some point in the near future. The portal will collect everyone's levels together, allowing players to share their levels with others by linking to an individual level page. It will also allow levels to be "queued" so that the next time you load up LittleBigPlanet, they will be displayed for easy access. Basically, the portal is going to revolutionize how you'll find levels -- and you'll never even have to touch the Search menu again.The portal will also have its own API, allowing third-party applications to be created for the service. Both the portal and API are currently being beta tested and will be out "as soon as possible." Evans also stated that a beta test group will be set up, with a small number of fans being able to give feedback on game features before they go live. Sounds to us like there's plenty more LittleBigPlanet content and features in the pipeline. We're looking forward to them.
Free Sackboys for UK LBP YouTube channel subscribers
Residents of the UK can count themselves lucky today as their geographic location permits them a free, official wool Sackboy, courtesy of the LittleBigPlanet YouTube channel. It's easy to get your hands on yours, simply subscribe to the channel and either email or private message (via YouTube) your name and address. Sackboys will be sent out on a weekly basis, so it won't be long before you'll find yours sliding through your letterbox.The giveaway will end on July 1 and there are enough Sackboys for the first 5000 subscribers who send over their details. We're interested to see what these woolen Sackboys actually look like and whether they'll be available for purchase at a later date. Customizable, perhaps? We can only hope.[Thanks, James]
LittleBigPlanet April DLC revealed, Cornish Yarg dated
Another catalog of LittleBigPlanet DLC has been revealed via the PlayStation Blog today. Some stuff has been pushed back and switched around, but mostly there's a whole bunch of new content, including some mythology-based mini-packs and a Rag Doll Kung Fu pack.Patch 1.12 -- otherwise known as Cornish Yarg -- will be available on April 16th. Barring unforeseen circumstances, that is. Check out the Media Molecule website for the full list of what's contained within both the patch and the upcoming "Creator Pack." Here's the DLC timetable for the next month or so: April 9: Rag Doll Kung Fu mini-pack ($5.99) April 9 (Europe): Patapon costume pack ($1.99) April 16: Monkey King costume (free) April 16 (tentative date): Cornish Yarg patch (free) April 23 (tentative date): Creator pack 1 (free) April 23: Heavenly Sword mini-pack ($2.99) April 30: Egyptian Mythology mini-pack ($2.99) May 7: Norse Mythology mini-pack ($2.99)
Sony launches official LittleBigPlanet YouTube page
Sackboys have invaded YouTube. The official LittleBigPlanet UK YouTube page has launched today in conjunction with a new competition -- Around The World In 80 Sackboys. A video -- shamelessly parodying the Where The Hell Is Matt? viral series -- will introduce you to the competition at the top of the page. In order to take part, simply create a level based on any geographic location on the planet. Other users will vote on the best and the winner, chosen by Media Molecule, will win a pair of round-the-world tickets, 14 nights accommodation and £1000 spending money.The YouTube page will be constantly updated with a "favourites section, featured users, tutorials from Media Molecule themselves, cultural collaborations, challenges, event promotions and footage." Hopefully, it won't be too long before Media Molecule add YouTube uploading to LittleBigPlanet via a patch, making entering this competition and having your LBP videos favorited much easier.
Design LittleBigPlanet golf course, capture glory
In celebration of Sackboy's jump to Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds, Media Molecule is holding a LittleBigChallenge to name the official LittleBigPlanet golf course.The challenge is for users to get their creative juices flowing and design, create and share their vision of what a LittleBigPlanet golf course would include. Players will publish their concepts within LittleBigPlanet and Media Molecule will select nine holes from North America and nine from Europe to help make their picks. The prize, you ask? Glory. Oh, and winners will get the ultra-rare crown item... if that's your thing. Entries are being accepted until 3am ET on April 14. Check out the official post for detailed instructions on how to post your entry into the LBP Golf Course Challenge.
Maggie Wang strikes again: More custom Sackboys
It's been another busy month for Maggie Wang, expert craftswoman and friend to Sackboys. Last month we fell in love with her Prince of Persia Sackboy, but now Maggie has outdone herself. The image above shows her latest creation, a Sackboy in the image of Reno the Turk from Final Fantasy VII, complete with removable goggles. Adorable.Other creations this month include Ulala from Space Channel 5, the Fruit Brute cereal mascot and Michael J Fox' Teen Wolf character. Check out Maggie's website for more pics. We can't wait to see what she makes next.[Via Tomopop; Thanks Daniel!]
