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Sackboy hopes to give gamers a merry Christmas
Mark Prigg, Technology Correspondent15 Oct 2008
HE is just a few inches high, and made of discarded sack.
Yet Sony hopes Sackboy, pictured below, the star of its new computer game Little Big Planet, could help the firm win the games console war.
Experts say the game, one of the most eagerly awaited for Sony's Playstation console, could see the company taking a lead over rival Microsoft who make the Xbox.
"This is a hugely important game for Sony, and is crucial to their future success," said Katherine Hannaford, of gadget magazine T3. "However, it does seem that the game will appeal to both hardcore games players and families, and looks set to do very well.
"I certainly don't see that Microsoft has anything similar, and it could even see Sony winning players from Nintendo, whose Wii console has traditionally been a favourite for non-gamers."
Sony is already preparing a host of Sackboy merchandise amid plans to make the character as recognisable as Mario and Sonic. "We know Sony have big plans for Sackboy, and even we have been amazed by how popular he seems to be becoming," said David Smith, one of the games programmers.
A team of 30 programmers at Guildford-based company Media Molecule have been working on LBP for two and a half years.
Little Big Planet is, at its heart, a simple platform/puzzle game, which sees players controlling the very cute Sackboy. However, this is all done with some of the most impressive graphics and programming you're likely to see. The key to the game is its physics programming everything works exactly, and looks exactly as it would in the real world. The cartoon characters really do appear to be made of fabric, and items in the world react as they would jump on a skateboard, for instance, and it will move, grab onto a spinning gear and it will throw you into the air.
The animation is superb, and captures the cartoon, yet strangely organic feel of the game perfectly.
Control is easy, and once you've completed beginner levels, complete with Stephen Fry voiceover, there are thousands of online levels.
And it is the online capabilities that really set LBP apart. Players can build levels and upload them. It's quite complicated, but you can simply play the thousands of levels others have uploaded.
You can also play online with other people. Some multiplayer levels require one player to stand on a button, while another pulls a lever, so teamwork is essential.
Overall, LBP is a huge step forward and really does live up to the hype. Sony has created a game that will sell consoles and appeal to people who don't usually play games.
Little Big Planet is released 24 October, priced £44.99.
Reader views (5)
I was part of the Beta and must admit it exceeded my expectations and those were pretty high.
I loved the game and being able to play other peoples creations is insane!
- Kevin, Toronto, Canada, 17/10/2008 16:01
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I too was also in the beta test and I had a blast. Day one purchase!
With a simple interface and cute characters the game can be VERY deep. Well, as deep as you would like it to be.
I do take small issue with the following though: "Players can build levels and upload them. It's quite complicated, but you can simply play the thousands of levels others have uploaded."
The funny thing is its not very complicated. Its as simple as your first sentence. Once you build your level its just single button push. Click "Publish" and thats it. Wanna play an uploaded level? The main menu sits you right in front of the rest of the worlds levels.
- Jack, Los Angeles, CA, 16/10/2008 17:42
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The beta was amazing, I can hardly wait for the games release!
- D, USA, 16/10/2008 17:39
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As one of the lucky few that was able to test the beta version (pre release version published for testing), I can say the game is amazing, and the cute characters and theme is not a reason for grown up people to enjoy, It is a fun game for people of any age
- Robert, Caracas, Venezuela, 16/10/2008 00:53
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Very good article, lets hope the game gives Sony the boost it deserves.
- Sangor, Wakefield, UK, 15/10/2008 23:28
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