Why is it that companies allow the public to beta test products that aren't fully ready yet? Is it because they enjoy the risk? Is it because they need the feedback? Or is it because they know they've created an absolute masterpeice and want to show it off?

In the case of the LittleBigPlanet beta, it must've been the last one. The first and second ones too, but mainly the last - because, and I'm not overstating here, LBP is a work of art in every single sense of the word.

If anyone is struggling to remember or does not know what LittleBigPlanet is, then shame on you. However, due to the fact that I need you to read this, I will attempt to explain. LittleBigPlanet is a platformer in which you are a small 'Sackboy', who has to make the perilous journey through a world that is made of all the dreams we've ever thought up. Cool, huh?

'Yeah, right', I hear you say, sarcastically rolling your eyes before going back to your hyper-realistic shooters. But wait, oh ye of little faith - and don't roll your eyes as I say - LittleBigPlanet is one of the best games you will ever see.

Gameplay-wise, LBP can't be faulted. Response-times are really quick, the controls are intuitive and easy to pick-up, and the platformey/arcadey vibes it has going are spot on - it really feels like a well-rounded game.

Graphically, LBP is really good - but not excellent. The best graphics have to be in the pod, with the giant Sixaxis controller, but in game there is a little pixelation and the renders are a tiny bit squared. It isn't enough to put you off, though, and the HD textures should make up for lost ground in other graphical departments.

Online is where LBP comes into it's own - and I will nick the 'recycling' slogan here - the possibilities are endless. The beta included just under four pages - and the pages are bloody big - of user-created levels, as well as the pre-developed levels on the campaign mode. Of the levels I played, the fashion was to go for downhill races, but some were absolutely original - MusterBuster's [of the EU PlayStation forums] pinball level was absolutely amazing.

If the beta test was anything to go by, LittleBigPlanet is going to be the biggest gaming event this side of the PlayStation4 - it really is absolutely breathtakingly fantastic.

Welcome, my friends, to the PlayStation revolution.

Linford

Labels: LBP, LittleBigPlanet

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