Media Molecule toyed with full 3D level design in first LittleBigPlanet
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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.
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.
Reader Comments (16)
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 4:05PM TraceurRyuk Prepping for LBP2 said
I honestly much prefer 2D to 3D. I am so glad they didn't decide to go that route.
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 4:15PM Themoreyouknow said
@Acosta02
That plane hop did get annoying in certain areas.
Reply
That plane hop did get annoying in certain areas.
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 4:16PM Parkerr said
"so when we go 3D, and I'm assuming at some point we will go 3D"
Please, don't.
Please, don't.
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 4:31PM Parkerr said
@Grey I'm more against a 3D story mode, than I am the creation mode.. Infact, I would like a 3D creation mode.. but I think 2D fits the LBP universe really well.. I just can't see it working in a 3D universe. Just my opinion, I understand that others will want a 3D universe, I'm just not one of those people..
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Posted: Aug 19th 2010 8:07PM Macy11 said
@Parkerr I agree completely, I just can't them manage to keep the lbp charm if they made it 3D. Even with lbp 2, they are sacrificing some if the original charm to expand the game. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, I just don't want them to do anymore than what's planned for lbp2.
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Posted: Aug 19th 2010 4:35PM Ryuk said
There are full 3D game creators, like Kodu on Xbox Live Indie Games, and that's a fun little tool. I could really see it working for Sackboy, especially with all the tools at his disposal in LBP2 like the grapple hook
Think about what the community would make, Legend of Zelda temple remakes, banjo kazooie levels. It'd be outstanding, and I think the creating community could handle it considering what i've seen in LBP1
Think about what the community would make, Legend of Zelda temple remakes, banjo kazooie levels. It'd be outstanding, and I think the creating community could handle it considering what i've seen in LBP1
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 5:03PM shadowhowl1900 said
it dont matter cause im not exactly in the mood, or have the money, to buy a brand new tv set just for 3d. Well not until the price of it drops.
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 5:55PM Themoreyouknow said
@shadowhowl1900
You didn't do your homework. And by homework I mean "read at least the first 2 sentences of the article before replying"
fail
Reply
You didn't do your homework. And by homework I mean "read at least the first 2 sentences of the article before replying"
fail
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 6:14PM gevenstaines said
please read at least the entire headline
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 7:07PM Inspace2020 said
I
Posted: Aug 19th 2010 7:08PM Inspace2020 said
I heart Media Molecule!
Posted: Aug 20th 2010 11:13AM KirbyCommando said
Please go 3D, but don't make it a Littlebigplanet. make a new "Play, Create, Share" franchise.








