littlebigplanet

LittleBigPlanet 2: Redefining replay value

After a minor delay that pushed it out of the holiday release window, LittleBigPlanet 2 is finally among us, offering up a clever story mode, robust level creation tools, and a fleshed-out online community that ensures that players see the best of the best when it comes to user level design.

Jeff: LittleBigPlanet 2 redefines replay value. Sure, the same thing could be said for its predecessor, but LittleBigPlanet 2 is so many light-years ahead of its younger brother in terms of potential, it's like rediscovering the concept of user-generated content for the first time.

What separates the first game from the sequel is the ability to create a variety of games within the LittleBigPlanet universe. Gone are the limitations of linear level design; LittleBigPlanet 2 allows gamers to create shooters, button-mashers, matching games, and more.

At first, game and level design is a bit intimidating--we'd recommend sitting through the various tutorials--but soon enough we found ourselves appreciating a whole new understanding of game design.

The story mode is well crafted and definitely worth a play-through--especially if your heart is set on level design. The expert creativity here surely can't be taught, but it serves as an excellent source of inspiration for would-be game and level designers.… Read more

preGame 36: LittleBigPlanet 2

preGame is starting 2011 off with a bang, bringing LittleBigPlanet 2 to the show an entire week before it's released. Join us as we demo a few early levels of the game and discuss some of the newest features to hit the franchise.

But first, Mark and Jeff recap CES 2011 with talk about the highly anticipated portable console from Nintendo, the 3DS. Jeff had some hands-on with the 3D glasses-less device in Las Vegas, so tune in to hear his impressions and thoughts.

Want to be a part of our live taping? Make sure you head to http://cnet.com/live/pregame … Read more

preGAME 14: Alan Wake

This week on preGAME, we shine a light through the creepy forest to bring you a live demo of Alan Wake a week before it hits stores. The game tells the story of an author who travels to a small mountain town on vacation only to be confronted by a terrifying dark force.

But before we venture into the depths with Alan Wake, we'll bring you three brand-new trailers for a trio of games we're really excited for. Tune in and watch as we screen new videos for Enslaved, Singularity, and LittleBigPlanet 2.

Then, it's onto this … Read more

PSP game lineup announced: Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and more

Gran Turismo, launching October 1 with the PSP Go, was the headlining PSP game during Tuesday's E3 Sony press conference. It wasn't the only ammo Sony had. However, it seems like the biggest in terms of holiday 2009 impact. Polyphony Digital announced a "full game" with 800 cars, 35 tracks, 60 track layouts, and four-player play over local ad-hoc along with car trading, almost like Pokemon.

The other big announcment, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, was called a "true sequel" to the Metal Gear Solid series by Hideo Kojima, who appeared onstage to show … Read more

More Web 2.0 in video games: The 'LittleBigPlanet' workshop

For a little over a week now PlayStation 3 owners have been creating thousand of levels in LittleBigPlanet, a platformer where creativity is both encouraged and rewarded using an ever-expanding level making tool set. The only problem is that these tools are relegated to the game, meaning if you're away from your console there's nothing more than a pen and paper for you to design your next masterpiece.

Media Molecule, the creators of LBP are attempting to change that, with new online tools that let you get your creative juices flowing right in the browser. Using simple drag … Read more

The 404 218: Where Wilson's Halloween costume totally sucks

On today's Halloween episode, Jeff and I don our spookiest masks and berate Wilson for his awful costume. Tune in to find out the travesty that is Halloween at the Tang's. We also talk about our love/hate relationship with Chipotle and discuss Superman and other weak-sauce superheroes. And on the second half of the show, we welcome Alex Armour from Sony Computer Entertainment of America (SCEA) to talk about some of its most popular video game titles.

Be sure to check out the second half of the show, Alex Armour, a rep from Sony Computer Entertainment of America comes on and answers our pressing SCEA video game questions. If you like smashing things with cars, we recommend checking out Motorstorm: Pacific Rift, an off-road racing game that takes place on a tropical island. We also get Alex's take on the whole LittleBigPlanet soundtrack fiasco and I break some unfortunate news about Jeff's recently inflated paychecks. Finally, we also get a sneak peak about the upcoming Resistance 2, a sequel to the popular first-person shooter Resistance: Fall of Man. Even more exciting is Alex's Halloween costume for this year; it's Jack Burton from Big Trouble in Little China! It's one of my favorite movies and I can't wait to see what he looks like in that mullet wig and tank top, don't forget to send us pictures tomorrow Alex! Also, check out the video below for Jeff's countdown of the top 7 scariest video games of all time! Have a very happy and safe Halloween everyone!

Episode 218 Download today's podcast … Read more