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LittleBigPlanet getting online create mode on Nov. 30

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 27th 2009 at 9:30AM }

Since the game's launch, LittleBigPlanet fans have only been able to create new levels offline. Over a year after initially promising a patch, Media Molecule is finally ready to unveil its online Create mode. Coming in the 1.21 "Leerdammer" patch, online Create works exactly as expected: you'll be able to invite friends to your Pod and work collaboratively on new levels. The most important improvement over the offline Create mode is the camera: each player gets his or her own camera, allowing them to work on different parts of the level simultaneously. For veteran creators, this should speed up the process quite significantly.

In addition to the online Create mode, "Leerdammer" also rewrites LBP''s network code for improved performance and smarter matchmaking. The LBP save system has also been revamped, allowing players to store more community items than ever before. Finally, a slew of minor tweaks are also included in the patch, which you can read about after the break.

[Thanks, Pumapayam!]

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LittleBigPlanet PSP accessory pack on sale at Best Buy

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 24th 2009 at 6:31PM }

Just in time for the release of LittleBigPlanet on PSP, Best Buy is selling a $20 accessory pack that includes an LBP-themed case, cleaning cloth, screen protector and a sticker sheet with various Sackboys and Sackgirls. It also includes an elusive Sackboy plushy -- albeit one with slightly deformed proportions.

NAYIN wrote a very exciting review for the bundle on the Best Buy website, which we've helpfully reprinted for you here:

"WELL, I REALLY LIKE LBP BECAUSE ITS AN EXCELLENT GAME FOR THE PS3 AND I REALLY THING I AM GOING TO ENJOY IT NOW WHERE EVER I TAKE IT. SO TO KEEP THE FUN WHY NOT DEMONSTRATED WITH THIS PARTICULAR DESIGNED CASE THAT LIKE I SAID THE CAFE-BROWN COLOR IS SUPER IN FOR THIS SEASON."

So not only will you be showing your dedication to LBP with this accessory pack, you'll be SUPER FASHIONABLE. Thanks, NAYIN!

LittleBigPlanet PSP coming out on PSN tomorrow, patch available now

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 23rd 2009 at 6:20PM }

This past week has been one long LittleBigDisappointment for early PSP Go adopters due to unforeseen technical snafus which prevented SCE Studio Cambridge's adorable platformer from jumping onto the PSN. Fortunately, the latest "Sack it to Me" news update brings word that the game will finally be available to download tomorrow, Tuesday, Nov. 24.

Perhaps even more newsworthy than that is the fact that the studio has already launched a patch for the title which "will improve the performance of some of the physics and tools in the Create mode." To download the game-specific update -- a fairly new feature on the handheld -- make sure you're connected to the internet, select the game's icon on the XMB, press Triangle, and select "Update." Now, sit back, and prepare to witness unthinkable technowizardry in the palm of your hand. Or hands, should you still be using the original double-wide PSP.

Gobble up this LittleBigPlanet Turkey costume before it's gone

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 23rd 2009 at 5:15PM }

Perhaps you've been playing an online session of LittleBigPlanet and seen a Sackboy (or Sackgirl) with his (or her) head stuck inside of a turkey. You're probably curious as to how this bold fashion statement came to pass. Were they searching for a lost meat thermometer? Had they been the victim of a cruel practical joke? Were they afflicted with the rare, but deadly Meleagris Oblongatus virus?

As it turns out, the real source of these turkeyheaded individuals isn't really that scintillating. Media Molecule handed them out free of charge last Thanksgiving -- and, according to a recent post on PlayStation.Blog, the offer stands this year as well. Hop onto LBP to get your fowl chapeau from the LittleBigStore, but act quick -- it'll only be available for "a limited time."

ESA partners with Microsoft & Sony for STEM initiative, launches game creation competitions

by Ben Gilbert { Nov 23rd 2009 at 12:40PM }

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the game industry lobby group, today announced two new game creation contests meant to support President Obama's STEM initiative (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math studies). A partnership between the ESA, Microsoft, Sony, the Information Technology Industry Council (ITIC), and the MacArthur Foundation will help to fund and run a series of STEM-related game design competitions.

Details of the first two competitions – "Game Changers" and the less creatively titled "STEM National Video Game Competition" – are scant at the moment, though the former will involve Sony donating 1,000 PS3s and copies of LittleBigPlanet to libraries and community-based organizations in low-income districts, with plans to share the winning levels free to the gaming public. When asked, an ESA representative told Joystiq that more information would be revealed in "the coming weeks."

LittleBigPlanet getting bluer, blurrier with Sonic costume pack

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 20th 2009 at 4:30PM }

We're usually hesitant to spend real-life money on virtual clothing, but you can bet we'll spring at the chance to purchase the recently revealed Sonic the Hedgehog costume pack for LittleBigPlanet. See, if we dress ourselves up like the series' speedy, cerulean protagonist, then play one of the many, many Green Hill Zone stages crafted by the LBP community, we can pretend that we're playing a decent, current-gen Sonic platformer.

We've contacted Media Molecule to try and find out the North American release date and price for this costume pack. We shouldn't let the developer hear us say this, but we'd pay anything for that beautiful illusion.

[Via Siliconera]

European PSN releases for November 19

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 19th 2009 at 10:20AM }

As promised in last week's European PSN update, today has reversed the recent slowdown of additions to the service. There's plenty of stuff to check out in the list after the jump, including the original Metal Gear Solid, Critter Crunch, a new Beatles: Rock Band track pack and LittleBigPlanet for the PSP. Sadly, there's no ridiculously named PSP Minis to make fun of this week. (We miss you, Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam!)

Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list:

(Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)

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Sorry, Goers: LittleBigPlanet PSP still unavailable for PSN download

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 18th 2009 at 3:29PM }

When the PSP Go was first announced, Sony focused much of its promotion of the new digital distribution model on one upcoming title for the portable platform: LittleBigPlanet. Unfortunately, those who bought a Go with visions of downloadable Sackboys dancing in their heads are probably feeling awfully jilted at the moment. See, though the UMD version of the game has been available since yesterday, the customizable platformer still hasn't hopped onto the PlayStation Store.

Sony acknowledged the game's non-arrival on a PlayStation.Blog post earlier today. SCEA's Eric Levine later explained in an email to us that though the company planned on a simultaneous UMD/PSN release, unforeseen problems have delayed the game's downloadable iteration. However, Sony technicians "are working on solving that as we speak." We'll keep you updated as to when you Go-getters out there can join in the LittleBigFestivities.

Media Molecule wants to share PS3 memory tool with devs

by Xav de Matos { Nov 17th 2009 at 7:14PM }

Media Molecule lead architect Paul Holden said he would like to make a proprietary memory monitoring tool his company developed for the PlayStation 3 available to other studios. Speaking at the Montreal Game Summit, as reported by Develop, Holden said the tool helps map and control memory usage in games, which became necessary during the development of LittleBigPlanet.

"It would be great if we could release it for people to use," Holden told the crowd during a Q&A session following his keynote address. "We could definitely get it released to PS3 developers with little difficulty." The tool, named HeapMon, allows software to make and manage numerous requests of the PS3's hardware memory.

However, before Media Molecule is able to hand the "very simple tool" off to other development teams, Holden clarified that Sony would first need to approve the decision. We suspect an online petition is in the works, because they work.

Review: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

by Griffin McElroy { Nov 17th 2009 at 12:01AM }

The PSP version of LittleBigPlanet is two shoulder buttons and an analog stick away from being one of the greatest games on Sony's portable platform.

There were plenty of things I loved in the original LBP -- frantic multiplayer, outstanding artistic and musical design, and an endless pool of community-generated content, to name a few -- but all of the game's delightful components relied heavily upon the strength of its creation engine, and the aforementioned community's willingness to master the tools they've been provided.

While the PSP version of the game does an adequate job of transplanting these tools onto a portable console, a surprisingly large amount of that power and ease of use was sacrificed in the process. The level creation engine is functional, but doesn't come close to the standard set by the original game. That's partially because of the marginal changes that were made to how these tools function -- though, more than anything, the PSP's inherent lack of buttons plays the biggest role in the game's diminished accessibility.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

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Scandalous! Buzz and Sackboy romantic rendezvous in Vienna!

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 16th 2009 at 6:00PM }

It looks like some romance may be happening at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Two popular PlayStation mascots were seen on a date in Vienna. In this shocking video (after the break), you'll see Sackboy and Buzz shamelessly holding hands, eating lunch together, and riding the wiener risenrad.

We're disgusted by Buzz's actions here. Yes, Sackboy is adorable -- but he's only one year old. Just because you're a video game celebrity doesn't mean you can get away with this kind of sickening pedophilia.

[Via @Media_Molecule; design inspired by TMZ.com]

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Media Molecule talks up DLC, shoots down LittleBigPlanet sequel

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 5th 2009 at 1:27PM }

Twelve months, one million community levels, and a PSP spin-off later, some are wondering if it's time for Media Molecule to begin working on an honest-to-goodness sequel to PS3 platformer LittleBigPlanet. The answer seems to be a very clear no. "We'd never want to do that," level designer told Danny Leaver told Critical Gamer. "That'd be the most counterproductive thing you could do I think."

Certainly, the release of a sequel would splinter one of PlayStation's most dedicated online communities. Would user-created levels be compatible with a future game? Would DLC costumes carry across into a new title? These questions, thankfully, won't need to be addressed. Instead, Media Molecule plans on supporting LBP with additional downloadable content. "I think what you've seen so far from LittleBigPlanet, that's the way it's going to continue." said producer Martin Lynagh. We already know of two major patches: water and support for the PlayStation Motion Controller. However, Lynagh explains that there's much more to expect, especially in 2010. "We have a lot of stuff coming out, especially next year. We can't really talk about specifics for a lot of it at the moment, because a lot of it hasn't been announced."

One of Media Molecule's unannounced expansions may be similar in execution to the Metal Gear Solid pack from earlier this year. "We're looking forward to some really good original content, and some really strong brands we're working with," Lynagh teased.

Pre-order LittleBigPlanet PSP for a tank costume

by JC Fletcher { Nov 3rd 2009 at 12:20PM }

Ready to start collecting Sackboy costumes all over again? Pre-ordering LittleBigPlanet for PSP at GameStop seems to be a good way to get a headstart on building a respectable LittleBigCloset. The retailer is offering a series of six outfits based on popular PlayStation franchises, including two each from Uncharted 2, MotorStorm and Killzone 2. The costumes will be e-mailed with online orders or handed out on cards with in-store purchases.

One of the Killzone costumes is the tank revealed recently by LittleBigWorkshop. Hopefully, it'll be accessible for non-GameStop buyers, because we'd be heartbroken if every LBP player didn't get to run around in a lil' tank.

[Thanks, Kevin!]

LittleBigPlanet celebrates its birthday with free costumes

by Andrew Yoon { Nov 2nd 2009 at 7:00PM }

With LittleBigPlanet's first birthday coming up, it won't be long until Sackboy grows up and turns into acne-riddled, smelly, moody Sackteen. Before he joins Myspace and listens to Linkin Park, enjoy these precious moments by grabbing a free birthday cake costume from the PlayStation Store this Thursday, November 5th.

If Sackboy's edible outfit wasn't good enough for you (selfish!), Media Molecule has upped the ante just a little bit: the launch-exclusive Spacesuit costume will also be made free for all this week. The spacesuit will certainly come in handy when traveling underwater in the new LBP levels that are coming up.

[Thanks, Pumapayam!]

Pumpkin Head mask returning to LBP in time for Halloween

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 26th 2009 at 1:45PM }

If you missed your chance to grab the LittleBigPlanet Pumpkin Head mask, which was offered as a free Halloween promotion last year, don't fret -- Media Molecule is bringing the complimentary costume piece back to the game this Thursday. We're not certain how long the wearable gourd will be available to download, so make sure you act quickly, lest you be forced to wait another year before you get your Sleepy Hollow Sackboy on.

[Via VG247]