It has been just over two weeks since I excitedly began downloading the LittleBigPlanet 2 beta. Since then I have proved (yet again) that I’m not the most creative person but, not being one to shirk my beta responsibilities, I have played the game to death and filed my share of bug reports.
My personal lack of creativity doesn’t stop me absolutely loving other people’s creations though, and thanks to the enhanced range of tools available to creators in this sequel, the published levels are more wonderful and varied than ever.
We’ve already had a peek at the jaw-dropping ‘Sackro Machines 2’ which pays tremendous homage to the Micro Machines games of the ’90s and, it turns out that top-down racing action is just the tip of the iceberg.
Here is a collection of the levels which have caught my eye during my time with the beta:
- Vietnam FPS (First Person Shooter)
Probably the best example of the variety of genres that are possible in LBP2. As you can see, the new controlinator is put to good use along with a good example of using different cameras to add cinematic effect, like with the helicopter landing. Oh, and watch out for the exploding barrels.
- Here’s JONNY!
With all these added features you may be wondering just what genre of game you’re going to be playing next. Well how about not playing a game at all but watching a short film? Sackboy loses his cuteness and comes over all sinister in this atmospheric, cinematic set-piece which, again shows just what is possible with the new camera tools.
- RPG Concept
This is just a concept for now but I’ve been avidly following its development since the first upload showed the inventory system. The latest update has added a turn-based combat mechanism. One can only dream how this is going to develop given enough time.
- Capture The Flag
Reminiscent of the PSN title Crash Commando, this looks to be a fine example of the sort of multiplayer mayhem that will be possible when LBP2 is finally released.
- Geometery Wars
If there’s one thing digital stores aren’t short of it’s twin-stick shooters but this is different – it’s inside LittleBigPlanet, which makes it awesome.
- FlOw
I know I said this was going to be a top 5 but a coming together of ThatGameCompany’s brilliant FlOw and LBP2 is just too much to resist.
It turns out that even with a bonus entry to the Top 5 there have been some awesome levels missed. So, if your favourite isn’t here then let us know in the comments below and we’ll endeavour to do another round-up later in the week.
STILLCANTTHINKOFAGOODPSNNAME
how about a top 50 beta levels
Oh and CAN I HAZ BETAZ
Charmed_Fanatic
wow … just wow
DJ-Katy
Right, I hate to be the party pooper here. There is no doubt the creation tools in LBP2 are beyond those seen in a game before, and the beta testers have come up with some epic creations.. I was truly impressed watching the videos.
BUT
Am I not the only one who thinks that playing what will basically be a bunch of ingeniously-crafted but ultimately short and half-assed games will be fun for about 5 minutes, til you realise that it is actually much better to just go and play a proper fps, RPG or buy a copy of fl0w? Sure, it has the novelty wow factor, but once that wears off, are you really going to prefer this to cheap PSN title equivalents that are less clunky and awkward? Are you, really?
cc_star
No, even as a platformer sackboy leaves a lot to be desired – but very few titles can you just put the disc in go online play a quick game of Micro Machines with a friend (offline or online) then quit out, go on an adventure, then quit out and do some shooting, puzzling, platforming etc and etc.
Half the fun with LBP was experiencing the level – the Dead Space one in LBP is a sight to behold and real fun to play through, was the fan made level as good as Dead Space? no, was the platforming action as good as Sonic 1? no, but it just works, and once you’re done with 5mins of fun in a rudimentary RPG or shooter, you just download another one for another 5mins of fun.
ps You doing SIIG review?
DJ-Katy
Point taken, but that only works if the levels work properly, and with LBP2 we are also going to have to learn a new control scheme with some of the levels, which you’re only gonna play once or twice anyway.
I played the Dead Space level in LBP and lots of others, ofc it was good, but a lot of the time you were sifting through garbage to find something decent with your friends.
Sure I can do SIIG, nobody has confirmed it with me.
MXZ
Things like this already exist in the Beta? thats insane.
hell just the RPG concept warents a purchase.
they are some creative people in this world, and LBP2 is going to reveal them
2011 shall be Sonys greatest year.
Rob92
Actually stunned.
I’ll never be able to make these kind of levels but its gonna be amazing playing others and seeing what people come up with.
LBP2 looks incredible. Well done MM
Shakugan
FPS kinda looks…well not fun, but RPG and flOw looked good!
BalramRules
well i nvr imagined da rpg mode, not ever ONCE!
i was lik, lbp+rpg????
naaah, it’ll nvr happen, but well, u no, it just did XO
gazzagb
Wow, if this is what people have made in the Beta, there’s going to be some truly amazing stuff in the full release. Well done to MM for making such a brilliant game.
Alex_Assassin_08
HOLY SHIT THE RPG
BalramRules
blak ops and lbp 2 are certainly both no. 1 on my wish list XD
shields_t
Gutted, I appear to have been overlooked for the beta this time.