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LittleBigPlanet 2 trailer falls to Earth
digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/littlebigplanet-2-trailer-falls-to-earth/'; Media Molecule officially took the handmade wraps off its game-sweding suite's sequel, LittleBigPlanet 2. How do you make a full sequel to a game that's already had a sequel's worth of free content updates? Media Molecule appears to have expanded its game-making engine significantly. For example, it is now possible to add AI characters called "Sackbots," with behavior you can record or define. Levels can also be bundled to make a whole game, and those games don't have to be platformers. The trailer above gives us brief looks at racing games (one of which appears to involve players riding mice) and a Space Invaders-style shooter. You can even open use a "Direct Control Seat" to alter controls, allowing you to control objects that are not Sackboy, "and make a game that doesn't even remotely resemble" Media Molecule's foundation. This sequel will even, in a way, act as yet another upgrade to the original: all of the two-million-plus LittleBigPlanet 1 levels will still work. LittleBigPlanet 2 will be out on PlayStation 3 in Winter 2010.
Media Molecule re-confirms LittleBigPlanet 2, more details coming Monday
Though the first day of the working week is typically despised by most intelligent lifeforms -- especially Garfield -- we've got something to look forward to this coming Monday. Following information about Game Informer's feature article on LittleBigPlanet 2, Media Molecule Tweeted that the game is, in fact, real, and that we can expect "full mega details on Monday." Details supposedly culled from the Game Informer feature have already found their way online, but we think we can wait another 48 hours for the first-hand skinny. [Thanks Luis!]
LittleBigPlanet 2 revealed in June Game Informer
While Gears of War 3 may hold the cover spot of the next issue of Game Informer, the June 2010 issue will also feature a "huge feature" on LittleBigPlanet 2, Sony's not-yet-announced-but-very-real platforming sequel. Considering the numerous leaks surrounding the title, we're unsurprised that the game's existence is confirmed by an uneventful preview of a preview. If Sony shows this off at its E3 press conference, just try to act shocked, okay? [Thanks, Scuba Owl!]
LittleBigPlanet PSP 'Turbo Pack' dons its hard hat
If you've been keeping up with the upcoming content expansion for LittleBigPlanet on the PSP, you've already heard about its new stock car racing-inspired tracks and vehicles. However, a new Media Molecule dev diary has revealed the DLC will not only allow players to race, but also to create. Oh, wait. They could already do that, couldn't they? To clarify, it will give Sackpeople a whole slew of construction-based vehicles, such as forklifts, cranes and cement mixers. Check out the dev diary on PlayStation.Blog to see the building tools Media Molecule has built which you'll be able to build with after building them. We're not sure about you, but our minds just imploded.
Musician announces licensed song for LittleBigPlanet 2
It looks likely that LittleBigPlanet 2 in the works. Musician Christopher Leary (aka Ochre) announced on his Twitter that his song, "Infotain Me" has been licensed to Sony for use in LitteBigPlanet 2 on PS3. This would be the second accidental mention of a sequel to Media Molecule's platformer in under a month. First spotted by IGN, Sony refused to offer comment on the tweet, simply stating it "does not comment on rumors and speculation." Hopefully, if this sequel is real, it will provide full backwards compatibility with the original game -- something that was promised by Media Molecule's Alex Evans. Listen to the track after the break.
Rumor: inFAMOUS, LBP GOTY and others joining Greatest Hits
According to a recent Walmart ad dug up by NeoGAF user ghostmind, a whole slew of new PS3 titles will soon be added to the $29.99 Greatest Hits collection. Featured on the ad are five games which will apparently get the red box treatment: LittleBigPlanet: Game of the Year Edition, Killzone 2, inFAMOUS, Resistance 2 and UFC 2009 Undisputed. Actually, according to the flyer, the games are being offered for $29.83. That, dear readers, is the Walmart difference. We've contacted Sony America to find out if the Walmart ad is authentic, but we have no reason to believe it's a mock-up. We mean, all those games are "hits," and they're all pretty "great," right? [Via 1UP]
The Incredibles powering their way into LittleBigPlanet
How adorable is this? Just when you thought you might be done Sackboying around, they find a way to suck you right back in. This time it's a Disney/Pixar inspired Incredibles costume and level packs coming on April 8th. According to the PlayStation blog, "This huge pack features NINE costumes: all of The Incredibles family (including a "Retro" Mr. Incredible sporting his classic blue costume), their allies Frozone and Edna Mode, and their arch nemesis, Syndrome." You'll be able to purchase individual costumes as well, and download the Incredibles Level Kit that includes locations from the movie, and all the materials used to make it. Pixar may not have given us a sequel to The Incredibles yet, but now you can make your own. We can't wait to see what Syndrome looks like. Is Disney going to move their entire universe into LBP some day? Pirates of the Caribbean vs. The Incredibles, here we come. Dibs on Dash. [Thanks, Conor]
Sony Benelux brand manager casually mentions 'LittleBigPlanet 2'
In a video interview posted by Game-Vid and reported by Dutch tech site Tweakers, a kind of nervous-sounding Folkert Langeveld, PlayStation marketing manager for Sony Benelux, appears to have outed LittleBigPlanet 2. His Dutch-language speech about the PlayStation Move hits all the familiar bullet points: support for downloadable games like Hustle Kings, new games like The Shoot, and major releases like SOCOM 4. The thing is, he also name-drops a "LittleBigPlanet Twee" -- or, in English, "LittleBigPlanet Two." (See the video interview after the break.) While it makes sense on a base level for Sony to release a sequel to one of its flagship games, we're leaving the possibility open that Langeveld simply misspoke, for a couple of reasons: First, Sony has made repeated reference to Move support for the original LittleBigPlanet, something that Langeveld didn't mention; and second, Media Molecule level designer Danny Leaver once said that a sequel would be "the most counterproductive thing you could do I think." Of course, Leaver may have been overruled by Media Molecule's Alex Evans, who said last year that he would "love there to be a sequel" -- and overruled by Sony, which owns the studio now.
Sonic the Hedgehog pack coming to LittleBigPlanet this week for $5.99
Tired of making replica 1-1 levels from Super Mario Bros. in LittleBigPlanet? Well, it's time to explore the other retro gaming classics. Sonic the Hedgehog is coming to LittleBigPlanet this week with a new sticker and costume pack for $5.99. Unfortunately, this isn't a level pack akin to Metal Gear Solid 4 or Pirates of the Caribbean, so don't expect any high-speed game modifiers. Instead, this pack is solely for Sonic fans that want to play as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Dr. Robotnik, and yes ... the Werehog. In addition to the costumes, the DLC will introduce new Sonic-themed stickers, making it even easier to make real Sonic-themed levels, a la "Sonic the Hedgehog: Greenhill Zone" from Kiminiski. You can check out a video after the break.
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?
European PSN releases for March 18
Though there's not much on the "new game front" in this week's European PSN update, there's plenty of new stuff for the games you already know and love. There's the release of Dragon Age: Origins: Awakening, new cars for Need For Speed: Shift, some LittleBigPlanet PSP love, the arrival of Patchwork Heroes and, of course, the Gaga-ization of the Rock Band Music Store. Check out the full list of releases after the jump! Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
The PlayStation Move games (we know of)
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/The_PlayStation_Move_games_we_know_of_Joystiq'; According to the block of info posted on European PlayStation Blog, there are a lot more PlayStation Move games out there to be seen than tonight's press release let on. Beyond the already revealed support for Move in SOCOM 4, LittleBigPlanet and EyePet, a whole mess of games were shown off at Sony's GDC event, from Move Party (um, a party game) to Slider (Mirror's Edge meets Pain?) to a Western shooter in The Shoot. (We've dropped a screen of Sports Champion above -- a game we think looks particularly fantastic.) Oh, and the Euro Blog's mention of "DUKES" is just another name for that Motion Fighter game, which was mentioned onstage during this evening's press event -- so cool your heels and put the Jump to Conclusion mat back away. (We do rather like the name "Dukes," we'll admit; though we've been told it's a regional thing, and us North Americans are likely stuck with "Motion Fighter" instead.) We've yet to confirm which studios are developing which games, but you can be sure we'll ask Sony just as soon as we can. Here's the complete list of PlayStation Move titles that we know of, though, for now: Sports Champion The Shoot Slider TV Superstars Move Party Motion Fighter
SOCOM 4 to support PlayStation Move
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/SOCOM_4_to_support_PlayStation_Move_Joystiq'; During its GDC 2010 conference Sony has revealed that Zipper Interactive's upcoming shooter SOCOM 4 will support the (just officially named) PlayStation Move motion controller. Controlling the shooter requires the PlayStation Move and its optional secondary device known as the Move "Sub-controller" -- a wand like device which sports an analog stick. During Sony's Game Developer's Conference keynote SOCOM 4 was demoed using the precise motion-control scheme to varying accuracy success. PlayStation Move support was also showcased in a demo for LittleBigPlanet (originally shown at TGS 2009) where PlayStation Move players could interact with the environment around Sackboy (or Sackgirl!). Sony also featured a handful of mini-games for an upcoming compilation title titled Sports Champions, including a gladiator-style fighter and table tennis. The PlayStation Move will release later this year in a variety of bundles.
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 becomes a wholly-owned Sony first-party studio
A lot of developers have earned publishing deals with Sony this generation, but only a small handful have managed to deliver a real "blockbuster." (Sorry, Lair and Heavenly Sword.) Three million copies, two million levels, and one Game of the Year edition later, Sony Computer Entertainment has decided to purchase LittleBigPlanet developer Media Molecule. The Guildford-based studio will join the ranks of other SCEE teams, such as London Studio, Guerrilla Games and Evolution Studios. While Media Molecule is no longer an independent studio, Michael Denny, Senior VP of Sony Worldwide Studios promised to continue supporting the team: "Media Molecule will simply continue to make great games. Welcoming Media Molecule into the PlayStation family will allow us to better support their future titles and ambitions." The acquisition likely guarantees that Media Molecule will continue to work on the LittleBigPlanet "platform" for years to come -- although we hope SCEE allows the team to explore creating new franchises as well. Of course, considering the ambitious plans the team has for LBP, it seems Media Molecule will have their hands full for quite a long time.
LittleBigPlanet reaches two million user created levels
digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/LittleBigPlanet_Reaches_2_Million_User_Created_Levels'; You may not be checking LittleBigPlanet for new levels as obsessively as you once were, but that doesn't mean that junior designers aren't still out there trying to perfect Super Mario Bros. 1-1 or trying to recreate the myth of Sisyphus. The game's community has just reached another big milestone: Two million available levels. It took them nine months to get the first million in late July of 2009, meaning that development isn't slowing down. In fact, it would appear to be speeding up. It's inspired us to dust off our LittleBigPlanet disc and ... oh, wait.
Age determines PSP Go buyers' free game option: LBP or Assassin's Creed
The "choice" between a free digital copy of LittleBigPlanet or Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines that new PSP Go owners will receive as part of an ongoing promotion is based on their ages. That's the key detail Joystiq confirmed after following up with Sony, which said, "The game sent to consumers is determined by age, once the user creates/logs into their PlayStation Network account." (Check out Sony's full statement after the break.) This means that if your PSN account indicates you as age 17 or older, you'll receive Assassin's Creed: Bloodlines -- whether you like it or not. Similarly, minors will be automatically booked for a trip to LittleBigPlanet. We'd say that consumers should cry foul for being robbed of a true choice, but new owners of the UMD-less PSP should probably get used to that feeling anyway. [Thanks to Talton W and everyone else!]
Make Philadelphia in LittleBigPlanet, win a PSP Go
Geekadelphia, arguably the best Philadelphia-centric tech and entertainment blog around, is hosting a pretty clever contest. The site is giving away a PSP Go and a $50 PSN card to the amateur engineer who can create the best representation of the City of Brotherly Love in LittleBigPlanet. Geekadelphia is accepting entries (limit one per person) until March 10 -- three days later, the site will reveal the winner at a chiptunes dance party at Philly's Studio 34. Check out Geek's announcement for more information about the contest. Get a move on, though -- we've already started crafting our auto-play music level of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air intro.
Create a LittleBigPlanet contraption, win a PSP Go
Want to flex your LittleBigPlanet creative muscle? Want to a win a prize doing so? Sony Computer Entertainment Europe is giving away a PSP Go system to one ingenious inventor that is able to create a specific "contraption": a vehicle that can operate on both land and water. To enter, log onto LittleBigPlanet (PS3 only) and find the level "CC10 - Template." Copy the level to your Moon, and create a contraption within it. Once you're done, publish your creation with the prefix CC10 in the level title. One winner be selected to win a PSP Go. You'll have to hurry, though: The competition ends on February 28th. Good luck!
A whole mess of LittleBigPlanet Valentine's DLC coming this week
The world of LittleBigPlanet is scheduled to become a much more loving place this Thursday, when a few Valentine's Day-themed content packs arrive on the PlayStation Store. The PSP iteration of the game is getting a free costume (the one on the left in the above image), as well as the "Luvre Theme Pack," which adds four costumes and 15 romantically-inclined stickers for $2.99. The PS3 version of the game will see the return of last year's Valentine's Day Mini-Pack, which adds a Cupid costume and a few new materials and stickers to the game for $2.99. Oh, Media Molecule is also making the free Chinese New Year costume pack available until February 25. Just imagine: You can finally fuse Valentine's Day and the Chinese New Year into the single, unstoppable uber-holiday they were meant to become.
