media molecule
Latest
LittleBigPlanet 2 beta takes to the skies
It may not be the most impressive standalone fighter jet game we've ever seen, but the fact that the video after the break was created using LittleBigPlanet 2's game-building tools makes it really, really impressive. Also, there are sackboys, so ... yeah, it's pretty adorable too.
LittleBigPlanet 2's Sackbots are ready to do your bidding
The PlayStation blog has posted a featurette on Sackbots, which are little AI versions of LittleBigPlanet 2's Sackboy (or girl). Sackbots allow you to add a lot more movement and intelligence to characters in LBP2's levels -- you can set them up to follow Sackboy around, interact with the environment, or, as the video shows, teach them to dance. And honestly, we're a little bit more excited about that last option. Yeah, it's nice to set up Lemmings-style puzzles or command an army of cute little blockheaded robots. But sometimes you just need backup for a dance party.
Hey, you got Portal in my LittleBigPlanet 2!
Like the passing of a particularly nerdy kind of torch – maybe one built out of Lego Technics? – the era of "But can it run Doom?" is being replaced by the era of "But can someone on the internet make Portal with it?" While we're not certain if it can run Doom yet – even money says it probably can – someone on the internet has used the now-in-beta LittleBigPlanet 2 to make a variation of Portal, replete with an Aperture Science Handheld Portal Device (aka: portal gun), a meme-required Weighted Companion Cube, and a meme-exhausted cake. Yup, it's all here folks, all you've got to bring is your weariness of Portal gags. Get your gape on with the video after the break.
Thatgamecompany's Flower recreated in LittleBigPlanet 2
We get legitimately excited when we see how beta testers are using LittleBigPlanet 2's creation tools in an ingenious way -- but sometimes, the logistics of their creations give us a wicked headache. Like, for instance, PSN user RAPHEAI's in-game recreation of Flower. It simply boggles the mind.
Second phase of LittleBigPlanet 2 beta invites next week, Bounce Pad trailer today
Look sharp, US-based Sackboy enthusiasts -- an update on PlayStation.Blog has revealed that the beta test for LittleBigPlanet 2 will be expanded next week, when a second round of invites will be sent out to a mix of "LBP contributors, DLC owners and PlayStation Plus members" worldwide. The update explains that this will be a "small phase," so if you're not one of the chosen ones, don't feel too bad about it. Just kidding, of course! You're going to feel really bad about it when you watch LBP 2's happy-go-lucky "Bounce Pad" featurette posted after the jump, because you're going to be sad that you're not playing it right now.
LittleBigPlanet 2 delayed to avoid launch-day patches, Evans says
Media Molecule delayed LittleBigPlanet 2 until next year because the developer did not want the game to be dependent on launch-day patches. Speaking with VG247, MM head Alex Evans explained the team wanted the retail disc to "perfect" and something the company could be "proud of," ensuring that folks who didn't have a PS3 connected to the internet would still receive the "full experience" without patches. "We could have shipped it and it would have been fine," Evans told the site. "However we realized that with just a couple of extra weeks we could make the game super amazing, adding the super onto the already amazing which exists today. This is something that will live forever and the delay, people will forget about." Strangely, at no point in the interview did Evans say, "Oh yes, and one more thing, the real reason we delayed LBP2 was to spite that Griffin McElroy. Muahahahahahahaha!" Seriously, poor guy hasn't stopped rocking in the corner, wracked with denial, since the delay was announced last month.
Digital Foundry compares LittleBigPlanet 2 engine to original
While we're still so totally mad at LittleBigPlanet 2 for its recently announced delay, we couldn't avoid sharing Digital Foundry's recent examination of the game's improved graphics engine. In a series of levels designed to test the game's graphical strength, the Digital Foundry team compared the fog, lighting, textures and special effects to those of LittleBigPlanet the first, concluding that ... um, the sequel looks way better. However, the comparison brought about concerns that some minor changes between the two engines, such as the draw distance of fog effects, might end up breaking some of the user-made levels from the first game. Check out the comparison photos and video over on Digital Foundry.
LittleBigPlanet 2 delayed until Jan. 2011
Sony-owned studio Media Molecule has announced that LittleBigPlanet 2 will miss its original November 2010 release date and arrive sometime during January 2011. Writing on the official website, the development team expressed disappointment, but deemed the extra time necessary to deliver "the experience that our great fans and community deserve." "We've all been working like powered-up space ninjas and we're almost there, but because we love what we've made, and we love our little sack-friends, and most of all we love all our fans out there, we couldn't let you all get together until we knew we were giving you the best experience imaginable." Considering the complexity seen in some of the game types and levels in the LBP2 beta so far, fans can clearly imagine some impressive experiences already. We'll see you next year, Sackboy. [Update: We'll see you on January 18, to be precise.]
Pac-Man, Micro Machines, Air Hockey created in LittleBigPlanet 2 beta
We have no earthly way of knowing who YouTube user TheFinalBurst is, but we're pretty sure the mystery creator's series of videos from the LittleBigPlanet 2 beta could serve as more effective marketing for the game than any ad campaign Sony could put together. Over the past week, TheFinalBurst's managed to create some mind-bogglingly intricate games using LBP 2's tool set -- games like Pac-Man, Micro Machines, an air hockey mini-game and even a first-person shooter, which we're still trying to wrap our heads around. Check out a few of our favorite selections after the jump, or visit TheFinalBurst's YouTube page to check out all of this homebrew designer's brilliant creations. Those beta invites can't arrive soon enough. Update: A few of our commenters have pointed out that TheFinalBurst wasn't the author of all of the levels posted in his YouTube channel. We apologize to the original creators for not giving credit where credit was due.
LittleBigPlanet 2 'Sackzan' featurette is a swinging good time
What level could better demonstrate the practical applications of LittleBigPlanet 2's grappling hook than one based on Tarzan, the O.G. of using swinging as a form of locomotion? Check out Media Molecule's "Sackzan" featurette below, and imagine how you'll incorporate the new toy in your own levels.
LittleBigPlanet 2 beta invites going to 'really active' LBP users
Want an early sneak peek at LittleBigPlanet 2's fancy new features? Beta invitations will be going out this week, but they will be reserved for "users who've been really active in LittleBigPlanet," according to a post on PlayStation Europe's forums. If you haven't been playing, sharing and creating lately, you may be out of luck. "Unfortunately we are not able to recruit any further Beta Testers at present."
Media Molecule toyed with full 3D level design in first LittleBigPlanet
The original LittleBigPlanet was billed as a platform for platformers -- but what about those gamers whose favorite entries into that particular genre include Kazooies, Ratchets and Bandicoots? Media Molecule co-founder Alex Evans recently revealed to Joystiq at Gamescom that an early build of the original LittleBigPlanet allowed for that kind of 3D gameplay, explaining, "LBP 1 had free depth and completely moving cameras, and the gameplay engine wasn't layered fundamentally." Evans added that while the developer "used to make levels that could travel into the screen," this feature was ultimately removed from the game. "It's really unconstrained in 3D. It's really hard -- I mean creatively unconstrained, it's really difficult to have something to push off," Evans explained. "We found our level designers wasted tons of time in 3D land, so we iteratively reduced it, first of all we reduced the scope, then we added the layers, and with each restriction we did, it improved the quality." According to Evans, the lack of 3D platforming wasn't due to a technical snafu, but rather, "entirely a game design decision." He added, "so when we go 3D, and I'm assuming at some point we will go 3D, the challenge we will have, and any other user-generated content company -- you know, I want to be one-upped, I'd love to see a fully-3D creation game. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm saying we haven't cracked it yet." Keep an eye out for our full interview with Evans in the coming days.
Media Molecule reveals LittleBigPlanet 2's more-than-just-music sequencer
The demo of LittleBigPlanet 2 that was shown at Cologne's Gamescom this week was similar to the build shown off to great effect at E3 a few months ago. But there was one significant level-editing feature that was being demonstrated for the first time here: a music sequencer that's also quite a bit more. LittleBigPlanet 2 Technical Director Alex Evans demonstrated the sequencer, which lets you arrange notes on a four-measure grid with the beat at the bottom and multiple octaves of notes running vertically. You choose from a selection of instrument samples including a honky tonk piano, acoustic guitar, drum kit, beatbox, and roughly 30 more that were shown in the demo (more are expected for the final game, Evans said). Notes can be built into samples, which can then be repeated and mixed further via a larger timeline object in the level creation screen.
LittleBigPlanet 2 Gamescom trailer makes beautiful, beautiful music
We know you just got that Passion Pit song from LittleBigPlanet 2's debut trailer out of your head, so we apologize for the video posted just after the break. Sony's Gamescom 2010 press conference offered its crowded attendees a look at even more of the customizable sequel's creation tools, such as the music editor and cutscene direction process. It also shows off more of the main campaign's multitude of colorful backdrops -- all set to the infinitely brain-adhering "Sleepyhead." Check out the new video after the jump -- and keep your fingers crossed for a chance to get in the upcoming LittleBigPlanet 2 closed beta test.
Get an early glimpse at LittleBigPlanet's Marvel Costume Pack 4
On August 17, Marvel Costume Pack 4 -- the final Marvel costume pack for LittleBigPlanet -- will be available for download. Included in this pack are an eclectic mixture of Marvel's best and worst, including The Hulk, Storm, The Punisher, Green Goblin and, as you can see above this text, the master of magnetism himself, Magneto. Feel free to smash into our gallery below and check out each new Super Sackboy. %Gallery-99423%
LittleBigPlanet 2 beta announced, starting 'soon'
Between the grappling hooks, AI Sackboys and gigantic, "Everlong"-sized hand attachments, we couldn't blame you for wanting to get your hands on LittleBigPlanet 2 before its release. You're in luck -- Media Molecule community guru Spaff recently announced on the game's official forums that, much like its predecessor, the game would undergo a beta process "soon." Spaff didn't deliver any specifics about when it would begin, but did mention that information how recruitment will go down will also surface "soon." We'd imagine he means "sooner" than the actual beta kicks off -- in that instance, the actual time table for the beta test is "soon, but not the soonest," or, in simpler terms, "soonish."
LittleBigPlanet 2 'Adventure' trailer fits like a Power Glove
There is plenty for LittleBigPlanet fans to soak up in the newest trailer for the customizable platformer's upcoming sequel. The most tantalizing clips offer a look at some of the new tools Sackboy will have at his disposal, including the Grappling Hook, Creatinator (used as a Shadow Complex-esque Foam Gun in this particular video) and the Power Gloves, which appear to allow Sackboy to lift enemies and objects and toss them at other things, Super Mario Bros. 2 style. The PlayStation.Blog post revealing the trailer also gives a few hints about the game's plot, which sees Sackboy protecting "Craftworld" from the nefarious, vacuum cleaner-shaped Negativatron in an "epic adventure through time and space." Check out the video below the jump, and, as is the case with most of Media Molecule's marketing videos, get your tapping toe ready for a workout.
LittleBigPlanet's Sackboy gets stuck in Limbo
Can't be bothered to pony up the $15 entry fee for Limbo? Don't fret, miser -- just check out PSN user bra2008's take on the Summer of Arcade title in the PS3 platformer platform, LittleBigPlanet. As seen in the video below, the level does a nice job of capturing the aesthetic of its inspiration.
LittleBigPlanet 2 grabs onto Nov. 16 release date; Collector's Edition and pre-order bonuses detailed
Here's that LittleBigPlanet 2 release date you were looking for: November 16. That's just under four months away, which leaves you just enough time to make some tough decisions. Here are your choices: you can either pre-order the game from select retailers to score a number of special costumes -- as seen in our gallery below -- or you can opt for the $80 Collector's Edition, which is also a limited edition, by virtue of actually being limited. Pre-orders from Amazon will net you both Ratchet and Clank costumes, along with four new "Animals" costumes for a grand total of six. Order from BestBuy and grab, claw-style, the Toy Story Alien costume along with, you guessed it, the four Animals costumes. Lastly, order from GameStop and get a Tron suit along with the same four Animals costumes. There's also a Gonzo costume, but Sony's not saying which retailer that's tied to. If all this pre-ordering sounds hard, why not just do it the American way? Throw money at the problem! 80 bucks nabs you a copy of the game, a 7-inch Sackboy plushie (cute!), LittleBigPlanet 2 bookends, all the above mentioned costumes, and exclusive Jak and Daxter costumes. Not bad for a $20 premium. The catch: This Collector's Edition is actually a limited edition, "so you better pre-order soon to ensure you get one," Sony says. %Gallery-98081%
Marvel costumes (finally) coming to LittleBigPlanet July 7
Media Molecule knows you've been waiting in agony for those Marvel-themed LittleBigPlanet costumes revealed at Comic-Con last year, but the studio has come up with a solid way of making amends: Starting the week of July 7 and then on every other following week, the game will receive four Marvel costume packs, each of which include the outfits of five different characters from the Marvel universe. Click past the jump for all of the heroes and villains you can expect. In addition, Media Molecule announced the Marvel Level Kit, which includes a pre-made adventure that has you battling against Magneto, who has virtually zero power over sackcloth. While toppling Magneto's reign, players will be able to collect "Marvel-themed music, objects, materials, stickers, and a special 'Rooftop' background." This is all great news -- now, about those Final Fantasy VII costumes ...
