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Hands-on: LittleBigPlanet
Don't be surprised to see LittleBigPlanet score big time when we make our "Game of the Show" awards later this week. Best described as a social game creation experience, LittleBigPlanet left us pleasantly surprised with its charming personality and incredibly intuitive design mechanics.At GDC, the team at Media Molecule wanted to showcase the "play" element of the game. The cooperative physics-based platforming had everyone talking at the show. For E3, the team has prepared a "creation" demo for us to partake in.Up to four players (either online or off) can join in on a creation session. Making a level and its elements happens within the game's regular environment, allowing all participants to play whilst designing the level. For example, while one developer was creating a staircase, I decided to drag Chris Grant's stunned avatar, as it flailed around helplessly. Adorable? Yes. Afterwards, we saw a few blocks being created, and we were able to play with them from the moment they appeared in the game world. The instant gratification, we're reminded, allows level designers to fully understand what works and what doesn't from the moment it's made.%Gallery-3199%
Joystiq impressions: LittleBigPlanet (PS3)
Don't be surprised to see LittleBigPlanet score big time when we make our "Game of the Show" awards later this week. Best described as a social game creation experience, LittleBigPlanet left us pleasantly surprised with its charming personality and incredibly intuitive design mechanics.At GDC, the team at Media Molecule wanted to showcase the "play" element of the game. The cooperative physics-based platforming had everyone talking at the show. For E3, the team has prepared a "creation" demo for us to partake in.Up to four players (either online or off) can join in on a creation session. Making a level and its elements happens within the game's regular environment, allowing all participants to play whilst designing the level. For example, while one developer was creating a staircase, I decided to drag Chris Grant's stunned avatar, as it flailed around helplessly. Adorable? Yes. Afterwards, we saw a few blocks being created, and we were able to play with them from the moment they appeared in the game world. The instant gratification, we're reminded, allows level designers to fully understand what works and what doesn't from the moment it's made.%Gallery-1943%
Joystiq Podcast 008 - Sony Gamer's Day edition
After a short break marred by technical difficulties, Ludwig rejoins the podcast to go over the Halo 3 beta, the StarCraft 2 announcement, and Guitar Hero III. Song. By. Song. We also join up with Joystiq's Kevin Kelly who spent a couple days in San Diego at Sony's Gamer's Day event, to get the skinny on what Sony's got in store. Get the podcast: [iTunes] Subscribe to the Joystiq Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3) [RSS] Add the Joystiq Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [Digg] Like the show? Digg it. [MP3] Download the MP3 directly Hosts: Christopher Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann, and Justin McElroy Guests: Joystiq's Kevin Kelly Music: "We Weren't Put Together" by David E. Sugar Program: 0:05:10 - Halo 3 beta 0:13:41 - StarCraft 2 0:19:16 - Sony Gamer's Day 07 (see PlayStation Fancast for more detail) 0:21:08 - Little Big Planet, PlayStation Home, Pain 0:35:40 - WarHawk, Drake's Fortune, Heavenly Sword 0:44:35 - Socom Confrontation, Folklore, High Velocity Bowling 0:51:18 - Stranglehold, God of War: Chains of Olympus 0:57:58 - April NPD ("My Pokemans. Let me show you them.") 1:05:39 - PlayStation 3 1.80 1:08:44 - Guitar Hero III songs 1:22:05 - FIN
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: Little Big Parody edition
Some sketchwork from LittleBigPlanet released this week revealed some of the more oddball and potentially copyright-infringing characters you might be able to create. Will our LBP buddy designs become as much of a craze as posting our Mii characters online?Congratulations to Fanboys Online, celebrating their anniversary this week. Here are our picks for the week's best webcomics; be sure to vote for your favorite! Indisputable proof Foiled again Audible Wii and my shadow Do you believe in magic? Suggestion box Inherent bias? Spoons Virtual versus Reality Aptitude [Thanks, elmer]
LBP taunts us with Mario Sack Boy concept art
We're more than just a tad bit envious over LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule's ultra-cute, ultra-customizable platformer for the PS3; ever since the title was announced at GDC, we've been downright jealous. Videos of the game's cooperative possibilities have turned us into internet stalkers, following every online preview and press release in secret, constantly reloading LBP's MySpace page every five minutes to make sure that other guys aren't moving into our territory with flirtatious comments. So seeing that players will not only be able to create landscapes that mimic scenes from classic games (e.g. Super Mario Bros., World 1-2), but likely also dress up their characters to look like Nintendo's mustachioed mascot has inflamed within us the sort of covetous lust that Moses warned against after coming down from the mount. The Virtual Console has been a great way for us to play old classics, but seeing Sony's plans for its PlayStation Network and comparing it to what we've heard so far about original, downloadable games coming to the Wii has us feeling like chumps. [Thanks Elmer!]
SGD '07: Joystiq hands-on with LittleBigPlanet
Sony's Gamer Day 2007 event in San Diego drew one of the most anticipated PS3 titles out of hiding, LittleBigPlanet. Out of everything being shown off here, this was what we were most looking forward to. They only had one demo station set up, and we couldn't shoot video of it, but ... wow.The extreme amount of detail in this game, down to the stitching on the characters and the photorealism of some of the painted cardboard backdrops is amazing. It's oddly juxtaposed with the fact that it feels like such a little kid's game ... but the kind of little kid's game you can never put down, sort of like Lite-Brite or Barrel of Monkeys.%Gallery-1943%
SGD '07: LittleBigPlanet gallery shows off creative talents
Who couldn't fall in love with the cutesy antics of stitched-up ragdolls running around a strange, side-scrolling 3-D world of their own design? We know we have and there's good reason and more proof -- just check out the gallery we've scored for LittleBigPlanet. While we aren't exactly allowed to have any shots of Home go up, let us say that LBP is a fantastic addition to an online experience that is most certainly going to change how people view consoles forever. Are we exaggerating? Let's hope not. We'll see all of you on this game once Home hits in October. We might have some level design contests, too ... Until then, check out a video after the cut.%Gallery-3199%
LittleBigPlanet -- some information and new screenshots
There is a huge entry about LittleBigPlanet over at Edge-Online, originally sourced from the Edge magazine's April edition. While we'd love to go into everything they talk about, we'd bore you to tears and force you into a nap you never expected to take. However, we're going to give you the more interesting tidbits and leave it to you to read the rest, should you deem it necessary. The SIXAXIS controls are amazingly intuitive: the D-pad selects a variety of facial features, the analog sticks act as ways to wave your arms (L2 and R2, when pressed, allow independent arm movement with the two sticks), then tilting the controller actually moves the character's head. Combining these all in a variety of ways will cause the character to move differently (dejected shuffle, happy jaunt, etc). Your character is the game's star and designer, from the article: "A button press brings up a thought-bubble menu system, and a cursor that's tethered to your character by a luminous colour-coded kite string. With this you can place objects in the world, decide their physical properties, move them, reshape them, create new ones from scratch, apply stickers, paint pictures, add sound, import photos, design costumes ..." No word on a submission process for getting these levels out there for others to play, but the possibilities are huge and there's nothing like watching some friends come over and try to play your impossible level designs. A worry is cost -- copyrighted material (like a Mario Bros. stage remade), porno plastered everywhere, etc., will really add up the cost of red tape and moderating the program. There's plenty more to read, don't get us wrong. Talk about the game's physics, implementation and more await you. We felt the above three points were pretty cool sounding and important pieces of information to consider. There are also some cool screenshots over at Edge-Online. Who else is excited for this game?
Reggie lost out to Phil on LittleBigPlanet
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Reggie_lost_out_to_Phil_on_LittleBigPlanet'; If you've been eyeing shots of LittleBigPlanet and wondering why it isn't ours, you're not alone. Even Reggie Fils-Aime thought that Media Molecule, the company behind the intriguing platformer, would be a perfect match with Nintendo. Unfortunately, Sony's Phil Harrison beat him to the punch. Reggie couldn't resist getting in a little jab, though. "That product, I think, is quite intriguing. I'm not sure how well it will do on the Sony platform, quite frankly, but I think that the product they showed was outstanding." Frankly, we're not sure how it'll do, either. After all, people need to actually own a PS3 to be able to play it, eh?Reggie's other comments might shed a little light on what's in store for Nintendo. Though he loves LittleBigPlanet, he wasn't too impressed with Playstation Home, the PS3 community. So when our Miis hit the road on some distant future day, it's probably a safe bet to assume they won't be heading for their house or trophy room.
Atari project goes beyond Game 3.0
Sony's PlayStation Home service may still be months from release, but it's already sooo 5 minutes ago. Or at least Atari says its upcoming online game creation project will make it seem that way.Atari Online Entertainment senior VP Chris Bergstresser slapped Sony with his virtual glove in a MCV report this morning, saying that Atari's as-of-now PC-only game creation portal would "give people the tools to do whatever the hell they want." (Presumably you'll be able to keep that sort of strong language out of your games.)The Berginator also said that he appreciated Phil Harrison's Game 3.0 keynote, claiming that it lent legitimacy to Atari's upcoming effort, which "goes further" than Sony's offerings like Home and LittleBigPlanet. Oh, snap!The unnamed service is due out in summer and is currently US-only. Further details are scant enough to make this just another Web 2.0/Game 3.0 promise on the pile for now, rather than a contender for the user-generated content throne.
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: little big edition
There's somewhat of a correlation between using the descriptive little and the premise of big, enormous landscapes of creativity. Of course, LittleBigPlanet is one prime example. Recall even Little Nemo, an old children's book which spawned a decent licensed video game, The Dream Master. (We wouldn't mind seeing that on the Virtual Console, Capcom.) And we find Mario Galaxy so strangely familiar because the concept of jumping between a vast array of mini-planets is a concept we remember from Le Petit Prince (The Little Prince).This has nothing to do with webcomics; here are our picks for the best gaming comics. Be sure to vote for your favorite, and let us know of any gems we missed this week! Juice, that was a good one Hey! Listen! Devil May Cry, but Fanboys Cry Louder Really more just guidelines Old rivalries Your consoles are off (for context) While supplies last Gaming Scientific log (10,000) = 4 Q4 FTW
Readers pick best webcomic, how ironic
It takes guts to admit something good about a company who you've lost faith in so long ago. That's just what the Penny Arcade crew tackled in their strip relating to the recent PlayStation 3 announcements, winning best game-related webcomic of the week. Special thanks to Jerry "Tycho" Holkins, who was kind enough to stop for a quick chat at GDC last week. Second place goes to the comic we were most tipped off to, the Perry Bible Fellowship, and third place was claimed by Extra Life. A note about Tip of the Sword. While we thought the MMO joke was funny, we really loved the Halo gag more. Unfortunately, we were of the mindset that we picked that strip last week -- blame it on the jet lag from GDC. Apologies to Auker for not using the comic he submitted. Still, we thought the MMO one was funny.Thanks to everyone who voted, and be sure to let us know of any gaming comics you stumble upon this week!
The Joystiq weekend: March 9 - 11, 2007
Normally relegated to a strict schedule, the Joystiq recap missed its Friday appointment due to flights and / or jet lag by our usually hard working and insomnia-suffering staff. Enjoy this screenshot of LittleBigPlanet, one of the most pleasant surprises from GDC this year, and check out the highlights for this very long weekend:GDC CoverageAlienware shows off developer PCsA numerical history, and future, of flOw dev That Game CompanyCliffy B reveals the secrets of the universe LittleBigPlanet developer on dealing with publishersMaking LocoRoco players smilePajitnov, with needle and thread, wins Game Design ChallengePoking around with Virtually Jenna JamesonThe difficulty of contact in game sexWhat's broken with MMOs and their combat?Writers and blocks in the industrySXSW CoverageSXSW: Joystiq is here!SXSW: ARG! The Attack of the Alternate Reality GamesSXSW: The Inside Scoop - how to get a job in the game industryJoystiqueryOff the Grid: The Metagame at GDCPoll results: Wii, PS3, 360 playing habitsToday's most therapeutic video: Simpsons 'GTA Parody'Today's queueiest game video: Miyamoto keynote lineWeekly Webcomic Wrapup: now in Cockney!NewsMicrosoft on the hunt for originality with Xbox Live ArcadeWant a free copy of TMNT for the Wii? Hecker: Sorry, the Wii isn't crap'Whirled' casual MMOG from Puzzle Pirates studioCastle Crashers likely due 2008, receiving more contentPenumbra indie horror adventure makes its 'Overture'Behold: CryENGINE2 GDC demosLocoRoco spotted in PS Home trophy casePandemic working on Wii game for wee onesFlOw almost was a Wii titleTHQ, EA, others recruiting at GDCid Software CEO: piracy pushed us multiplatformNo PSP redesign planned, but more colors proposedDJ Max Portable 2 spotted at GDCDisney's High School Musical for Wii, PS2 and DSShivering Isles on March 27, $30 (2400 Microsoft Points)Mario + Disney = Mushroom Kingdom HeartsNew Mii commercialsJack Thompson suing Take-Two -- 2007 EditionDrip, drip, drip Nintendo Q2 releasesMark Rein apologizes for Epic's lawyers attacking artistAutoFire 2007 shooter competition results announcedFancy Pants Adventures creator Brad Borne interviewedRumors & SpeculationRumor: The Wii-mic ... and Harry Potter will use itCommunity & CultureReuters and the misleading PS3 chip-drop headlineFor game addicts, bad games are more addictiveE3 invites, what's the logic?
PSP Fanboy Theatre: Volume 10
Note: This edition was delayed due to an internet outage. PSP Fanboy offers the latest and greatest movie and game trailers, formatted for the PSP in this new weekly feature. Check it out every Saturday. PSP owners can download files wirelessly via m.pspfanboy.com. Instructions: Save all movie and thumbnail files to MP_ROOT/101ANV01/. Requires firmware 2.00 or above. Do NOT place in "VIDEO" folder. Firmware 2.80 or above do not need to download thumbnails. LittleBigPlanet [PS3] Download MP4 (25.5MB) | Download THM The following videos are featured after the break: Warhawk [PS3], fl0w [PS3], Home [PS3], Heavenly Sword [PS3]
LittleBigPlanet developer on dealing with publishers
When gaming journalists violently collided in the hallways of San Francisco's Moscone center, a common topic of conversation, besides their universally poor navigational skills, was the PlayStation 3's physics-driven platformer, LittleBigPlanet. The game quickly became somewhat of a critical darling after its unveiling, prompting us to attend a presentation by Media Molecule, the company behind it and Rag Doll Kung Fu. A GDC session held on Wednesday was presented by Mark Healey and Alex Evans who both spoke very candidly about their company's origins and their approach to dealing with publishers (the "bad guy" as far as many developers at GDC are concerned)."We're jumping into the abyss with rockets strapped on our back," said Evans in reference to Media Molecule's enthusiastic approach to game development. Part of this attitude reflects in their relationship with publishers, who Healy insisted are best dealt with by being as upfront and communicative as possible. "Everybody has good ideas," added Evans, but the trick is communicating these ideas. Giving the publisher as much information as you can is key in gaining publisher backing, with visual and playable examples being particularly effective -- Evans called it "the power of prototyping."A video of a LittleBigPlanet prototype was shown during the session, depicting a brightly colored and two-dimensional character waving his arms about, grabbing onto objects and striding up stairs in a decidedly awkward manner. Despite its early state, the physics technology and the control method immediately shone through, a fact which ultimately played a large role in Sony's eagerness to pluck the game up. It seems a similar approach would be just as effective on gamers -- forget the feature bullet-points and dry press releases. Just show us why your game is fun!
Sony unveils cooperative platformer, LittleBigPlanet
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Sony_unveils_cooperative_platformer_LittleBigPlanet/'; Sony today announced a rather unexpected and terrifyingly adorable new game, LittleBigPlanet. Officially labeled as a "community-based" game, LittleBigPlanet is essentially a physics-based platformer, though such a description fails miserably at capturing the sheer amount of scrambling, swinging and holding-on-for-dear-life going on in the gameplay footage. Developed by Rag Doll Kung Fu masters, Media Molecule, the game encourages players to help each other over obstacles, interact with objects (often fruit-like in nature) and grab onto everything -- including each other. Four-player pushing and pulling aside, LittleBigPlanet also highlights user-created content, allowing players to design characters, objects and levels to share online. Given the grab-happy, emergent gameplay, downloadable custom levels should enable players to constantly discover new ways to aid or injure their pudgy little avatars. An earlier Sony presentation demonstrated some intuitive controls, with the manipulation of analog sticks and motion controls resulting in all manner of jumping, wiggling and waving."Quirky" and "endearing" are not two adjectives that have recently been linked to Sony, but it's good to see the opportunity to do so finally presenting itself. LittleBigPlanet's stunning graphics, charming characters and strong online component make it a great example of what the PS3 is really capable of. And it's got a 2-D perspective (that's half the Ds the system is capable of) to boot!A trial version of LittleBigPlanet is expected to arrive on the PlayStation Network this fall, with the full version following in early 2008.%Gallery-1943%
