The tools make for some interesting gameplay changes, and add some great ‘Eureka’ moments when you figure out how to use each upon playing through past levels to reach previously impossible levels, but the real rejuvenation of the basic story gameplay mechanics comes from the new characters. These allow you to navigate the environment in a way that’s fundamentally different from previous versions of the game, keeping things fresh despite the fact that the basics, including physics and your existing ability to push/pull, run jump etc. This lets you carry an inventory, which includes boots for high jumping, a helmet for zip lining, and a vacuum/air blaster for manipulating certain objects. This sequel includes a pocket for your character, as opposed to the creator’s pocket that’s been around since the beginning. There are now special tools available to your Sackperson, as well as three entirely new characters you can use instead of your basic stuffed protagonist to navigate the levels, both original and home-made. This time, the developers have also paid attention to outfitting you, the player, with additional abilities that you can use in-game to interact with those level and game world building blocks. LittleBigPlanet has always been focused on building the experience by adding to what the world around you could do, and what was possible with the tools available for level and game creation. Overall, this is a solid addition to the PlayStation 4 software library, and the user-generated content angle of the game feels more inclusive than ever. The platformer doesn’t stretch itself far from its winning formula, but it does add enough to make this game feel like it’s a new experience, and the ramshackle, crafty aesthetic looks great on next-gen hardware.

Sony’s exclusives are strong, and the PlayStation 4 sequel to its popular LittleBigPlanet series is no exception.

Little big planet levels