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Nariko Sackgirl is Play.com's LittleBigPlanet preorder bonus
Europe, rejoice! You're not being left out in the cold. Those amazing LittleBigPlanet preorder bonuses will be available on both sides of the Atlantic. So far, we've spotted Nariko hanging out over at Play.com, but there's no sign of any of the others. At least, not yet. The Nariko Sackgirl (who is actually a Sackboy playing dress up, but don't let that put you off) is downloadable via the PlayStation Network. Instructions will be sent out during the week of release, according to Play.com, so don't expect to be playing with your new heavenly pal on launch day. Now, where's that Kratos Sackboy got to? We're sure he's hiding around here somewhere.
Producer says LittleBigPlanet will have 'global server'
We're confused, Mr. Pete Smith, producer of upcoming platform-a-thon LittleBigPlanet. When we spoke to you during today's LittleBigPlanet breakdown session you said that "the game will have a global server." Now we hear that you told CVG something a little different. User generated content will be region locked? Normally we'd say "we're not sure who to believe" at this point, but seeing as both statements come from the same person, we're doubly confused. Maybe you meant that the gameplay servers would be global. But what good is that if the people playing with each other can't access the same content? Will we be limited to playing with our foreign friends in one of the 50ish levels included on the game disc? Kind of defeats the point of the game, doesn't it? Sadly, we're not able to find out for sure until after the weekend, but rest assured we're actively looking to get confirmation either way.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Come see Trophies unlocked in LittleBigPlanet
It's been known for some time now that LittleBigPlanet will have Trophies, but we haven't actually seen them yet ... well, until now that is. The video after the cut witnesses the reluctant unlocking of four Bronze Trophies and a Silver one during a gameplay demonstration at Leipzig. For all the unduly converted Trophy junkies out there, these Trophies are titled: Forager, Sticky Fingers, Treasure Hunter, 2x Multiplier, and Booty Master (this is the silver one). Personally, Booty Master takes the trophy naming prize for us. Is there a Trophy we can give to a Trophy? Anyway, knowing that the game is due out by the end of October, this little bit of info comes as a pleasant early taste of a fresh new accolade hunt that's soon to come. Check out the video, after the cut. [Thanks, Farmer_Steve!]
GameCrazy LittleBigPlanet preorder details
What? You mean you don't want a Kratos sackboy from GameStop? Oh, you want something physical you can hold in your hands? Then we'd recommend the LittleBigPlanet pouch. The pouch is designed to fit a PS3 Blu-ray case. If you are interested, pick up one of these by preordering your copy of LittleBigPlanet from GameCrazy. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like there is an online option, which means you'll have to head to a physical GameCrazy location. Check out the nearest one in your area with this store locator. [Thanks, Henry E.!]
GC 2008: LittleBigPlanet coming to Europe Oct. 29
Just one day earlier than their Japanese brethren (and a week or so later than the North Americans), the Europeans will get to sink their classy, Yorkie-Bar-eating teeth into LittleBigPlanet as it launches there on Oct. 29, according to the latest word from Sony at the Leipzig Games Convention.Start the timer now, Europeans: You only have around 70 days to design the very best penis-shaped level you can, if you want to beat the penis-level rush.
LittleBigPlanet European release date set in stone [Update]
It's been quite a long wait for LittleBigPlanet, but that wait is soon to be no longer. At Sony's press conference in Leipzig today, it was announced that the create-it-yourself platformer would be available to gamers in Europe by October 29. While Europeans across the continent mark their calendars, North Americans will have to keep their eyes peeled for a future announcement. Update: Now updated with new trailer!%Gallery-3199%
LittleBigPlanet pre-orders: Canada and EU
Apparently, those LittleBigPlanet pre-order bonuses were specifically only for the United States. Canadians will have to keep watch on a separate, slightly different pre-order campaign. Only two out of the four announced items will be up for grabs in Canada, namely Kratos Sackboy and Nariko Sackgirl in-game items. Like the US, Canadians can get Kratos from EB Games/Gamestop, while there is still no information on the Nariko code yet. As for all of you across the Atlantic, European pre-order items will be "announced shortly." While you wait for that, have a gander at the UK box art posted above. Isn't it beautiful?
Built for Blu-ray: LittleBigPlanet won't have PSN version
Despite the fact that Sony has previously listed LittleBigPlanet as a disc-only affair, there continue to be doubters. The crew at Bits Bytes Pixels Sprites decided to end any debate as to whether or not LBP would be a BD and/or PSN release. Being in the northern bit of North America, it rang up Sony's Canadian PR crew, who replied that "The game will be available at retail. The user [generated] content will be available on the PSN." Okay, Canada's covered.We got in touch with LBP's US PR manager, Scott Goryl, who had this to say: "LittleBigPlanet is a Blu-ray Disc product exclusively for PS3," adding, "LBP will utilize much of PlayStation Network's vast functionality for online and community features, but the game will indeed be distributed as a Blu-ray Disc." Sorry folks, but you'll totally, absolutely, definitely have to tack on the price of gas to that $59.99 as you trudge down to one of those old-fashioned "game stores" to pick it up.
Sony sees LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy as potential mascot material
Long gone are the days when Mario, Sonic, and Crash battled each other in hastily constructed plywood arenas in the dimly lit back corners of edge-of-town warehouses. Now, we've got Sonic and Mario sharing box covers while Crash ... well, at least he's still around.But don't think the marketing mavens at Sony haven't taken notice of LittleBigPlanet's lovable Sackboy who, as luck would have it, is exclusive to the PS3. "We want LittleBigPlanet to lead the charge into a new genre of gaming and turn Sackboy into the next emblematic character for the PS3," says SCEA's LBP marketing maven Mark Valledor. There are plans that include tiny billboards, exclusive pre-order Sackboys and girls (Kratos and Nariko), plushies and, one can only hope, pajamas with feet. [Eurogamer via PS3 Fanboy]
LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy is PS3's 'next emblematic character'
In an interview with Advertising Age, SCEA's product marketing manager for LittleBigPlanet Mark Valledor echoes the sentiments of associate producer Eric Fong: LittleBigPlanet will move PS3s. The marketing team aims to "increase visibility with the consumers early and gain credibility with retailers to help prolong the marketing push well into the holidays." Ultimately, Sony's goal is to "turn Sackboy into the next emblematic character for the PS3." Is the adorable little guy above Sony's answer to Mario and Master Chief?One of the ways they are advertising the game is with "LittleBig billboards" that are the size of a typical yard sign, but "will feature working lights and ladders and other high-end art and design." They'll be placed in major cities like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Sony knows the size of these boards will likely make them the target of thieves -- a spokeswoman even said if these stolen signs end up on eBay, it might add to the hype.The article concludes by interviewing several people regarding their predictions of the success of LittleBigPlanet, including Massively's Michael Zenke. All of them having nothing but praise for the potential they see in the PS3 exclusive -- Anita Frazier of NPD calls it "family-friendly" and Zenke thinks it will be "accessible to casual gamers and even non-gamers." With the hype train in full force from now to the next two months, do you think they'll be a backlash? Or will Sackboy live up to the hopes and dreams of Sony fanboys eveywhere? [Via Eurogamer]
Amazon and Gamestop LittleBigPlanet pre-order details
Last week, we reported on the various pre-order goodies for LittleBigPlanet. We now know the identity of two of the retailers you can pre-order from in order to obtain their respective bonus. If you place your order with Amazon now, you will receive a Brady Games miniguide which is "a primer for LittleBigPlanet's CREATE tools and provides users with a quick tutorial to begin developing their own levels." Click here if you want to pre-order with them.If you pre-order from GameStop, you will receive the exclusive (in North America) Kratos Sackboy costume set. Keep in mind Kratos is an in-game object that will be downloadable via a promotional code on a voucher. The costume set consists of four individual in-game items: signature Kratos skin, goatee, Blades of Athena and Kratos garments. These items are inter-changeable with your costume inventory so you can place the Kratos goatee or Blades of Athena on any Sackboy or Sackgirl. Head over to GameStop now if you want to take advantage of this.No word yet on which retailer to pre-order from to get the LittleBigPouch, LittleBigStickerBook or Nariko Sackgirl costume set, so stay tuned if you are interested in those bonuses.
LittleBigPlanet dev wants to see your redesigned logo
Calling all graphic design enthusiasts: Media Molecule is looking for your ideas on a LittleBigPlanet logo. The aptly-titled LittleBigChallenge -- the first of many to come according to the new LBP community site -- is just for fun; there is nothing to win from this and we're fairly sure your creation has no chance of becoming the official LBP logo. You can use the (tragically small) 324 pixel-width template, or go ahead and make your own from scratch. Creations are asked to be added to Flickr with a LittleBigChallenge 001 tag (as of this writing, two images have already been uploaded). We'd like to see what the Joystiq Design Community is capable of, so be sure to show off your submissions in the comments below.
LittleBigPlanet news site debuts
A LittleBigPlanet news site has just launched. With the game's release date of October approaching soon, the site aims to "keep you informed, educated and hopefully excited about" LittleBigPlanet. Two blog entries are the only real content on the site at the moment; one welcoming visitors and another listing the honors LittleBigPlanet has received so far, including an honor we bestowed upon it. You can even be creative and customize the website with 27 stickers by clicking on the sackboy in the upper right corner of the site. Check it out here.
LittleBigPlanet news and community site launches
Another cog has been added to the LittleBigPlanet this week: a website, which should help to get the potentially massive ball of kinetic users rolling after the game's "big bang" this October. For now, "LittleBigPlanet News" predictably functions as a hype machine, luring in audiences with that adorable SackBoy and his widget full of stickers (visitors can actually customize the background of the site with an extremely modest sampling of the game's content). The welcome message reveals that, eventually, the LBP site will "evolve into something much bigger and better to support our community of Players, Creators and Sharers." And who might those important sounding folk be? Why, you of course! Remember: The fate of this little, er, big? planet is in your hands. (Cue ominous music.)
Sony thinks LittleBigPlanet will sell PS3s
Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz at Comic Con, LittleBigPlanet's associate producer, Eric Fong, made it clear that Sony are expecting the game to shift consoles when it finally releases this October. When it does so, it will have been over a year and a half since we first heard about it at GDC 2007 and every time we've seen it since it has improved impressively. "It's going to be a hardware seller. Not only do you have the platforming experience that a lot of other games will have, you have this creativity that really is exclusive to LittleBigPlanet," Fong told GI.biz. Though, the problem with the game is that it's quite difficult to describe. It really does take a short play session to understand the appeal of the title, so marketing it is going to be quite difficult. Especially when it's released during a time when plenty of mindless blow-em-up-athons are unleashed unto the masses. We're hoping LittleBigPlanet sells as well as it deserves to, and shifts some PS3s in the process.
Five LittleBigPre-order bonuses, including Kratos Sackboy
The God of War himself will soon find himself under new employment as Super Awesome Sackboy Superstar. The official US PlayStation blog has revealed that there are plans for five separate LittleBigPlanet pre-order bonuses in North America, depending upon where you reserve the game (a key detail that has yet to be revealed). Here are the bonuses: The Official "LittleBigPlanet Creator" MiniGuide by Brady Games A LittleBigStickerBook, which is -- shocker -- a sticker book LittleBigPouch, a burlap sack reportedly big enough to at least fit a copy of LBP An exclusive Nariko (of Heavenly Sword fame) SackGirl Exclusive Kratos (God of War) SackBoy Sure, the exclusive SackPeople are nice, but we're willing to bet those will eventually arrive as premium downloadable content or recreated/shared via the LBP community. We'll take two pre-orders for the decidedly more tangible LittleBigPouch, wherever that reserve bonus may end up.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
LittleBigPlanet pre-order bonuses are terrifyingly awesome
When it comes to LittleBigPlanet, we're a spoiled bunch. Not only will the game feature a full story mode, as well as a level editor, which is playable online with up to three of your friends, but now there are a set of pre-order bonus goodies which have our minds reeling from the choice. From the looks of things, these five bonus items will be available from separate retailers. More details on the how, whys and wherefores are yet to come, but what we do know is that choosing between any of them is going to be incredibly difficult.First up are three physical items relating to the game. A "LittleBigPlanet Creator miniguide" from BradyGames, a sticker book and a burlap sack to keep your game box safe inside. We don't like to think how many Sackboys were killed to make each one, but we're still desperate to get our hands on it. Additionally, there are two downloadable bonuses in the form of Kratos (from God of War) and Nariko (from Heavenly Sword) in Sackboy form. You can see KratosBoy above, and can find images of all the bonus items on the PlayStation Blog. It all looks so awesome, how could we possibly choose? It looks like we'll be preordering multiple copies of this one ...
Media Molecule teases new LittleBigPlanet reveal
The place: Game Developer's Conference, San Francisco. The date: March 2007. LittleBigPlanet was revealed to the world, some nineteen months before its eventual October 2008 release date. We'll be honest: we count ourselves among that group of people that Media Molecule developer Alex Evans says "didn't see it coming." Sony's knockout PS3 exclusive still excites us, and Evans, remembering that initial reveal, tells Eurogamer, "I want to do another LittleBigPlanet reveal that people don't see coming." Oh, you tease! Give us something!Evans elaborated, "It's still LittleBigPlanet, but people will be saying, 'I thought it was this - now you're telling me it's this as well?!'" So, we thought LBP was this – namely, an uncommonly creative console game with an unprecedented level of user-generated functionality – but Evans wants to tell us it's something else as well? A time machine perhaps? The alchemical secret to transmutating lead into gold? LittleBigPlanet PSP? What?%Gallery-1943%
LittleBigPlanet coming to Japan Oct. 30
Big news: The Japanese part of the Planet is going to get a little Littler this October, as Sony's Japanese press site brings word that LittleBigPlanet is coming to the country on Oct. 30 for 5980 yen ($56). Still no word on when the game will come to other parts of the planet, but this official Japanese date seems to line up with the rumored 10/21 U.S. release date hinted at by a Target reservation card.[Via MCV]
LittleBigPlanet dated on official Japanese site
On the official Japanese PlayStation site, "PlayStation 3's New Superstar!", as LittleBigPlanet is dubbed above, was given a release date of October 30th and a price of 5980 yen ($57 USD). No word yet on a US or PAL release date. Let's hope it's before the Japanese date, considering the game is developed by the UK based Media Molecule.[Via videogaming247]%Gallery-3199%
