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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]

LittleBigWorkshop reveals a handful of LBP PSP costumes

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 23rd 2009 at 12:15PM }

Though LittleBigPlanet's customizable protagonist, Sackboy, may have lost a bit of his highfalutin' texture rendering in the jump over to the PSP, he's managed to retain all of his original adorability factor. This unbridled cuteness can be seen in a recent LittleBigWorkshop blog post, which includes a batch of images previewing a few of Mr. Sack's new garments.

The most intriguing of these duds are referenced in a section of the post discussing "preorder incentives and upcoming DLC packs" -- a moon buggy and a tank, seen above. We imagine these are just articles of clothing and not actual vehicles (a "moon buggy belt", if you will), but if you think that makes us less interested in them, then you must not know us very well.

Three more tunes coming to LittleBigPlanet in Music Pack 1

by Griffin McElroy { Oct 5th 2009 at 4:15PM }

Is your brain plagued by the infinitely catchy songs in LittleBigPlanet? Do you frequently annoy your friends with your incessant humming of The Go! Team's unofficial LBP theme song? Oh, did we just re-stick in your head? Sorry, we should've thought that out before we laid it on you like that.

Maybe all you need to do is add a bit of variation to your LBP soundtrack -- an option which will be made available this Thursday with the release of the "Mm Music Pack 1." The DLC pack will add three original, interactive tracks to the game: "Wise Owl," an ambient electronica song, "Well Trained," a blues-inspired ditty, and "Tea By the Sea," which is undefinable, yet funky. Get a preview of these three tracks in the video after the jump, then decide if they're worth the $2.99 price tag.

[Thanks, Chris!]

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LittleBigPlanet PSP's littlebiglaunch set for Nov. 17

by Alexander Sliwinski { Oct 5th 2009 at 10:40AM }

The Sackboys and girls will go portable when LittleBigPlanet PSP popits into retail November 17. The new travel-size adventure will bring the intuitive level-creation of its PS3 cousin, but it's a strictly solo escapade.

For a fuller LBP experience this fall, there's always the "Game of the Year edition" on PS3.

Gallery: LittleBigPlanet (PSP)

TGS 2009: The Recap Post

by Xav de Matos { Oct 2nd 2009 at 10:10PM }

Last week, the Tokyo Game Show brought in over 100 posts worth of news, previews, interviews, galleries, and videos. Clearly, a lot happened. If you're looking for a comprehensive list of all the goings-on during TGS 2009, Joystiq has you covered -- and organized!

Click on a platform below to scan the highlights:

(On the far right: that's "News" and "Culture" on the top and bottom, respectively)

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Watchmen DLC adds Moore to LittleBigPlanet

by Andrew Yoon { Sep 28th 2009 at 7:00AM }

It's been a while since the release of the last high-profile LittleBigPlanet DLC. DC's going to rectify that with its upcoming costume and sticker pack, inspired by the classic graphic novel Watchmen. As commenters on Media Molecule's official blog pointed out, it appears that Dr. Manhattan is missing from the pack -- but that might make sense considering the character's penchant for walking around naked with his bits showing. That doesn't sound appropriate for a kid-friendly game!

Of course, somehow a Sackboy version of Rorschach is, though ...