A new pattern
The LittleBigPlanet franchise has been around a long time. Most people know it as the create-your-own-game title with wonky jump physics. The first game was novel, but since then it has failed to capture the mindshare of most gamers. Still,Sackboy is such a wonderful character that it feels like a crime he hasn’t really caught on. Sony appears to have recognized that with their PlayStation 5 launch title Sackboy: A Big Adventure. Stripping out the learning curve of creating levels or finding one’s own fun, this simple platformer finally gives the character a chance to shine based on his charm and shine it does.
The story revolves around Sackboy on an adventure to rescue his kidnapped friends. For this quest Sackboy employs the help of the Knitted Knights in order to stop an evil villain named Vex. Vex has kidnapped his friends in order to unleash a device known as the TopsyTurver, which will corrupt the innocent. If the names of these items and characters aren’t enough of a giveaway, this is all very charming and whimsical. The game does a nice job of pushing players along in order to feel like they are progressing against the bad guys. I enjoyed it, but it won’t win any awards.
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: PS5 (reviewed), PS4
Price I’d Pay: $49.99
While Sackboy is not new to the gaming scene, he has seen numerous developers since inception at MediaMolecule. This time around Sumo Sheffield has taken the reins and nails down what makes the series what it is. The music, the voice acting, and the visual aesthetic are all perfect. The sound of the pops when collecting items, it all just works.
What makes this game different is that it is truly just a platformer at heart. The customization is there, but players will not be building their own levels, or attempting to sort through a ton of garbage to find the gems. Instead it feels more akin to Super Mario 3D World with its overworld style hub and bite-sized levels chock full of platforming and puzzles. The controls feel good. Sackboy feels familiar, but not as floaty as before. This makes precision jumps easier to handle. The game is also very forgiving in every aspect. As if the developers knew this is a game that players would be playing with their kids.
Every level feels expertly crafted with tons to collect. I love that it doesn’t require all the items to be found, but immediately after it showcases what was missed and makes it easy to jump back in. The game also makes great use of the activity cards on the PlayStation 5. I can grab a specific trophy I want to work towards and jump right in. These new consoles have really made quick gaming a reality. I can literally power on the PS5, pick a card, and complete it within minutes. The loading times are just ridiculously quick.
The game also supports up to four players locally and it is a blast. Sadly, there is no online support as of now, but we know it is coming early next year. The co-op specific levels are even more entertaining with friends. I really hope they get the online going soon as with the world the way it is, I have yet to play this game with four people.
Visually the game looks fantastic. Again, with new consoles we always expect graphical showcases at launch, but the real star of these new games are the attention to detail in 4K. Sackboy runs perfectly at 60fps and the new 4K resolution brings out all the little details so vibrantly. The HDR color pops off the screen and having everything load within seconds is truly mind-boggling at times. The sound is equally impressive with catchy tunes and some better-than-expected voice acting. This game feels a lot higher budget than it probably was.
Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a charming game that I was smiling while playing almost entirely. It will likely get lost amonth after the Spider-Man and Astro Bot mainstays, but this game is more than worth checking out. Especially for those looking for something to play with their family and friends. It is a whimsical adventure that finally makes me enjoy a game featuring Sackboy, and that is a win in and of itself.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
