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LittleBigPlanet tutorial level video and information
ConfusedCartman over at LittleBigPlanet Central got some decent game time in (1.5 hours split up into five 15-20 minute intervals) with the upcoming PS3 exclusive over at Comic Con. There's a whole heap of information on LittleBigPlanet: character customization (Tron suits, Killzone helmets, stickers and magic wands!), the level editor (menu setup, vehicles, event triggers and how to set things on fire!), emoting (SIXAXIS controls your head and hips, leading to hula dancing!) and a level called the Construction Yard ("I stood on the sponge with a friend while another guy dragged it across, and right before we got there I slapped my friend off so I could have the stuff to myself."). ConfusedCartman even filmed a part of the tutorial level for us, after the jump. Or check out the entire article here.
Check out this Solid Snake sackboy papercraft, make one too
Remember that sackboy papercraft thing from awhile back? How did you do? Did you make an awesome creation? Did you make sure to send a picture of your creative work to the Media Molecule guys? Because, if you did, they may have featured your work on their blog.It seems the internets has lots of creative people as many have sent in their final designs. Our favorite is this Solid Snake sackboy by Nessen (pictured); it even comes with matching Mk.II. Just have a look at the different designs posted on the Media Molecule blog to see what other things people came up with. Even better yet, some of these designs have PDFs for you to download, cut out, and make your own! Yes, even Snake. So get-a-stepping and make a Solid Snake sackboy papercraft.
Sackboy knight rescues his princess in LittleBigPlanet trailer
Sackboy wants to be a hero. In this infuriatingly cute trailer (yes, we're so bombarded by cuteness we're angry) you see the regular sackboy dreaming about becoming a knight rescuing his princess. It's another trailer showing how free you are to create your worlds and this is another success in our eyes, even if sackboy doesn't get his kiss. It's also got a great musical number going on in the background. October cannot arrive soon enough!
SCEE: LittleBigPlanet user-generated content 'free at launch'
Those of you who are thinking of using LittleBigPlanet as your ticket to champagne wishes and caviar dreams after reading our last post might want to rethink your plans. "SCEE and Media Molecule can guarantee that all consumer-generated content will be free at launch. We know how important this is to the LBP community and what we want most is for people to enjoy playing, creating and sharing their content," SCEE told Eurogamer after being notified of David Reeves' statements. They emphasized that Reeves "was talking about how user-generated content could potentially evolve in the long term" and that any future direction of LBP "will include the community and focus purely on enhancing the user experience." Adding to the confusion, last month at GDC Paris during a keynote presentation, Media Molecule co-founder Mark Healey said "that's a fantastic idea" in response to a question of whether LBP user-generated content can be sold. We think having the option of selling user-generated content, if implemented correctly, can be positive for the community. So did Reeves reveal something he wasn't suppose to yet? Can we kiss charging for LBP content good-bye? [Thanks, raj!]
Get your first look at a LittleBigPlanet boss
When it was first announced that LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy would be going fisticuffs with all manner of textile-based baddies, we were perplexed as to how these throwdowns would be executed. After all, Sackboy doesn't exactly look like a fearsome opponent -- though we suppose the same could be said for overweight plumbers, oddly-hued rodents, and most other 2D platforming superstars.However, this recent gameplay clip from Media Molecule shows off how everyone's favorite ambulatory sack will tussle with one of the game's bosses -- by using a moving platform to bounce his own exploding barrels back at him. It looks pretty fun, though not incredibly deep. Perhaps that's a good thing -- if bosses can be this simple, will we perhaps be able to create our own? We'll have to wait until October to find out.[Via PS3F]
Watch LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy battle a boss
There hasn't been too many continuous gameplay videos of LittleBigPlanet, but here's one that's getting us even more excited for this upcoming PS3 exclusive. The video starts with Sackboy jumping over some obstacles and platforms, but soon encounters a small boss battle. Machines attempt to attack Sackboy with what appears to be bombs. In addtion to avoiding the explosives, Sackboy uses a contraption that bounces the bomb back at the machine when timed correctly. We get the vibe of an awesome Genesis-era Sonic boss battle from the video, but how about you guys watch it and tell us your thoughts. [Thanks, GhostViper!]
Official LittleBigPlanet website comes online
The LittleBigPlanet website just went live! And it's adorable too! You have Sackboy asking you to choose what country you are located to start. That brings us to our planet and the moon, where you can choose between Game Info and Downloads. The music sounds a bit like an old-school dot-matrix printer though ... Under Downloads you can check out wallpapers and trailers for your PC or PSP. Under Info there's some good information on the game, but nothing new if you've been following the game closely like we have. There's also trailers you can watch directly online. Not much yet, but more is sure to come as the game inches closer to its release date later this year. [Thanks, Danny and Jay!] %Gallery-3199%
Stephen Fry makes LittleBigPlanet sound even better
Media Molecule's Alex Evans announced at an E3 press briefing that British comedian/actor Stephen Fry has been chosen as the narrator for LittleBigPlanet. Fry is most famous in the United States as a reader for audio books such as the Harry Potter series and Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, though he appeared in movies such as V for Vendetta and MirrorMask. We really didn't think anything could make game sound any better, but we think this news just did!
First screens of Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic
Click for high-resolution image. The brand new game Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic was announced at Sony's press conference the other day. It's a PSN title from Media Molecule, and we've got the very first screenshots of it right here. Our gallery awaits you below. Update: The game is not in development by Media Molecule.%Gallery-27901%
More LittleBigPlanet levels to look at, minus the audio
Here's another gameplay video of LittleBigPlanet. Pull up your favorite song to play alongside the video, since this footage decided to leave out any audio. It's possible there was a lot of background noise going on, so if that's the case, we're grateful for the silence. We're always impressed by the level designs that keep popping up and this video is no exception. Hopefully, you all agree!
LittleBigPlanet dev made Sony presentation in 2 days for SCEA
Following a LittleBigPlanet press briefing, we had a chance to ask Media Molecule's Alex Evans about their participation in Sony's E3 2008 press conference. (In case you missed it, a LBP level was made for the company's power point slides. We've embedded video of the level above.) According to Evans, SCEA approached the dev two days before their press conference. They spent the first day making the level and the second day tweaking. We're hoping this sets a precedent for all future press conferences. Rare, we're looking at you to show how Banjo can make Xbox sales data fun.
LittleBigPlanet devs announce new PSN title
A brand new game from the developers of LittleBigPlanet, Media Molecule, is coming for the PSN. The title is called Rag Doll Kung Fu: Fists of Plastic. It is a sequel to the PC game. There are no further details thus far.
Make Sackboy papercraft, Media Molecule shows how
Media Molecule is giving you something to do while you wait for the company's LittleBigPlanet to come out. They've suggested on their blog that you should try a hand at making some Sackboy papercraft. Yep, papercraft is one step closer to having those adorable plushies. Just one piece of advice: you can't squeeze papercraft with some TLC like you can a plushie; so be careful with your papercraft creation. Download the high-res image here and get started!
Little Big Planet beta growing, Trophies teased
We admit that we have an obsession with Little Big Planet, bordering on addiction. It's something with which we're trying our best to cope, a therapy helped somewhat by Media Molecule co-founder and technical guru David Smith. We like to think of his recent interview with Eurogamer as a kind of patch, letting information seep into our bloodstreams, taking the edge off as we pine for the game's October release. Among the number of topics discussed, Smith spoke out in support of the game's beta testing, something he noted as being "in progress," and -- contrary to earlier reports -- that "it should gradually grow to include more people." In addition, with the recent addition of Trophies, he stated that the team is "having a lot of fun working out what trophies most fit" Little Big Planet, teasing that one will involve "making your sackperson be thrown at some huge velocity." Check out the full interview for more words strung together about Little Big Planet. We'll be quietly twitching in the corner.
LittleBigPlanet director talks about trophies, mandatory install, SIXAXIS
Eurogamer moderated an interview with David Smith, Media Molecule co-founder and technical director of LittleBigPlanet, and lucky fans had the chance to send him some questions. Smith revealed some new elements of the game and confirmed some old ones; the release date is still October, with a beta trial that has already begun but Smith hopes "to have as many people as possible." Trophies were slightly elaborated upon, with creation being a big focus: an example brought up involved creating a new tool/machine that will launch a sackperson at a high speed. You can create inventions, then use a camera tool make copies of them, and give them away. A simple system of "hitting a button at any time and following a simple series of operations." will allow users to report objectionable content, including copyrighted content. Water is currently not in the game, but "it's something that would be very high on our list of priorities." Gravity change is also said be added later on. Whether install will be mandatory is unknown, but Smith simply said: "The HD install is perhaps around a gig. Perhaps more or less." LBP will run at "30fps at 720. The game uses a lot of filmic techniques like depth of field and motion blur, so this fits the game pretty well." There will be "VOIP and PS Eye support" but no further details are revealed. Finally, SIXAXIS will "let you look around, point at things and change your facial expression." For more details, read a transcript of the interview here.
Don't Panic! LittleBigPlanet Character Creation Competition officially open
Don't Panic is an indie magazine based in the United Kingdom with branches in Europe, Asia, Australia and even South America. Why do we suddenly care? They are in collaboration with SCEE in a Character Creation Competition for LittleBigPlanet, that's why. Those of you who enjoyed the previous sackboy we posted but thinks they've got a cooler idea can now contribute their own, and if chosen, will appear in the final game. We can't believe how awesome this is. Anyone from amateurs to artists and everyone in between can participate in this by downloading a template in PDF, EPS or JPG. Let those creative juices flow. Then head over to their website, read all the rules, cross your fingers and submit your work. If you lack talent like this blogger, head over anyway to take a look some of the already submitted entries. Voting begins on July 14th so make you sure you submit your design before that. A little piece of advice: be original. We already saw 2 different Superman sackboys submitted -- call it a hunch, but we don't think either of them are going to be chosen. [Via Maxconsole]
Media Molecule co-founders talk about LittleBigPlanet at GDC Paris
Alex Evans and Mark Healey, co-founders of Media Molecule, revealed some information on the development of LittleBigPlanet and how the idea came to fruition at a keynote at the Game Developers Conference in Paris. Healey remarks on how he doesn't believe one needs a team of 200 or more people to make a "great, fresh and successful" game, naming Brain Age for the DS as such an example. Profits from games, Healey believes, will be increased by adopting a model of "user-generated content and a willingness to release early and often, combined with people accepting change, accepting patches." Server access to LPB was also revealed to be free and it was even hinted that gamers can potentially sell self-generated content. Later, Evans sat down for an interview with Gamesindustry.biz and said influences on LBP were drawn from "this interesting timeline of user-generated content" such as the God game genre and games like Shoot-'em-up Construction Kit. Evans was "amazed" that people in the industry resonated with their idea of "creative gaming", commenting that Media Molecule had a "much more open and transparent process with the publisher (Sony)" and this was for them, "defining features of the development process." Currently, the LBP team at the stage of "improving the quality and the polish" and promoting LBP; the pressure on them is a double-edged sword -- driving them forward at the same time while putting a large weight on their shoulders, especially with their relatively small team of about 30 people. Finally, the co-founder sounded rather modest about LBP being seen as a lead title on the PS3, claiming he had "no expectation(s)" in the beginning and it was "just ... ambition ... we didn't know we'd succeed", and that the "ultimate test" is "when the game is shipped, that's the best time to judge it."
PS Nation Podcast 066 - Metal Gear Molecule
Torgo prepared this special episode of the PS Nation podcast early. Why? Because it features the complete 40 minute interview with Media Molecule's Mark Healey. But that's not all! There's not just one ... but two discussions on Metal Gear Solid 4. The latter (featured at the end of the episode) is for those of you that finished the game. Yep, a spoiler-rific discussion about the game. Geek out.[iTunes] Subscribe to the PS Nation Podcast directly in iTunes (MP3) [RSS] Add the PS Nation Podcast feed to your RSS aggregator [MP3] Download the MP3 directlyVisit the VGEvo.com forums to chat with other podcast fans.
LittleBigPlanet dev chats about story mode, adult content, and Sackboy plushies
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/LittleBigPlanet_on_story_mode_adult_content_sackboy_dolls'; For the latest episode of the PS Nation podcast, we chatted with Media Molecule founder, Mark Healey. He previously worked on Rag Doll Kung Fu, before moving onto the hotly anticipated PS3 exclusive, LittleBigPlanet. In our 40 minute chat, we covered a number of topics. For example, did you know LittleBigPlanet will have a story mode? Did you know that you'll be able to share "risque" levels privately amongst your friends? Finally, we have confirmation that Sackboy plushies are being made. Yes! Read on.LittleBigPlanet has been evolving at every show. For example, enemies were introduced in the most recent build. How is Media Molecule staggering these features? What's the schedule and why are certain things only being shown at certain times?To be honest, because we showed the game at GDC originally, so early on in the development process. Really, we've been showing things as they go into the game. People have been seeing the game evolve. Quite often, people show the game much nearer the end and are very careful about what they show and what they don't show. It's literally as we're designing the game that we're showing things. There wasn't one big master plan. At some point, we decided "we need enemies," so we put enemies. And then it was shown to people.YouTube video uploading has been discussed for games like PixelJunk Eden and an educational title in Japan. Is it something that's being considered for the game?We haven't made any plans to do that yet. But, like we've always said. We really want to listen to the community. Really, whatever they're most hungry for, we'll make every effort to feed them with what they're hungry for. Like the fluid, with YouTube -- I'm taking a guess, but those are going to be high up on that list. I don't really know what the logistics are, who you have to talk to at YouTube. If there's a huge desire for it, and it's possible, then I'm sure we'll have a go at doing it.
LittleBigPlanet: Story mode, private level sharing, PS Eye use and Sackboy Plushies confirmed
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playstation/LittleBigPlanet_on_story_mode_adult_content_sackboy_dolls'; Media Molecule's Mark Healey has given our friends at PS3 Fanboy quite the news-splosion. In the latest PS Nation podcast, Healey let loose on LittleBigPlanet details, including: There's "a whole heap" of levels that come with the game. "They are strung together in the form of a story," said Healey. "A very loose story, but incredibly funny at certain points." You can make private levels and give keys to friends. In terms of riskier, user-made content, Healey said there is a post-grievance system involving sending screenshots to the powers that be. He declined further on what that might mean for the sure-fire controversial level, LittleBigPenis. Sackboy plushies confirmed! Said SCEA PR Brandon, "It's on the way. Details will be emerging shortly." PlayStation Eye support confirmed. "For example," said Heley, "you can wear a cardboard box and put a sticker of yourself there. And presto, you have a little creepy version of yourself walking around in the game. So yes, you can absolutely do that." The full audio interview can be found in tomorrow's PS Nation podcast, but for now, you can check out a text transcript of the highlights.%Gallery-1943%
