Studio Cambridge could have taken the half hearted approach when making this version for PSP, however as you will see from the moment you load up the game they really have went all out. Rather than include the games original levels, the developers have replaced these with 30 new levels, while also managing to cram in the Create a Level mode, the ability to upload your own levels and download other user’s creations and also the step by step tutorials which are still voiced by the excellent Stephen Fry.

 

 

When you begin the game you start off in the story mode, there are some brand new themes here such as Down Under (an Australian themed level), The Orient and a Middle Eastern level. As with the original game there are plenty of tough obstacles to get through and also plenty of hidden objects to find, which when found give you more options for building your levels and customising your Sackboy.

 

The real beauty of these levels is that if you have played the original you will be able to pick the game up and play straight away, everything is the same, the way Sackboy moves, grabs objects, jumps and grins, everything. It really is a testament to the hard work at Studio Cambridge that this game feels so good, in fact some may even say it’s even slightly more precise jumping and swinging from platform to platform now than before.

 

Sackboy is also still as customisable as ever, therefore you can change the type of material he is made of, change his clothes and make him happy and sad. There is even the option to download new items from the store, so expect to see plenty of new costumes for him to wear once the game launches.

 

After playing the first few levels you will then unlock the My Moon, Community Moon and My Pod. The Pod simply allows you to customise your Sackboy (though you can also do this in game), change your Avatar and also read the latest news. The My Moon and Community Moon are where the game really shines though.

 

Community Moon allows you to go online and download players levels, once you have done this you will then be able to play these on the go wherever you are, unfortunately since the servers are not live yet I was unable to test this out, however I do know that there will be a ratings system in place and I have no doubt that there will be thousands upon thousands of levels to choose from once the LittleBigPlanet community get their hands on this game. As well as downloading levels LittleBigPlanet also allows you to share levels on an AdHoc basis, therefore if you know anyone nearby with a PSP and a copy of the game you will be able to swap creations.

 

My Moon allows you to create your own levels and again it’s practically identical to the original in terms of the choice on offer and how it’s played. When you first play you will sit through the excellent tutorials, voiced by Stephen Fry and he will tell you how to use certain parts in order to create your level. The tutorials are slightly different as instead of being a video, they are animated shorts, showing you step by step what you need to do, and although they are different they are just as effective at getting the message across.

 

 

Creating your level can be as simple or complex as you wish it to be, bringing up your menu will give you access to all sorts of materials such as wood, metal, cardboard, fabric, polystyrene , rubber, in fact you name it and its probably there. As before there are also plenty of other items to bring your levels to life such as music, switches, motor bolts and rockets, therefore your only real limit is your imagination, well that and your memory space. Once you have perfected your level you can then upload it for others to play, giving you the satisfaction of a job well done.

 

Unfortunately some sacrifices had to be made and in the case of LittleBigPlanet PSP it’s the online multiplayer that is posted missing, to be honest though with the ability to play others levels and create your own this isn’t really that big a miss.

 

LittleBigPlanet PSP is a wonderful title, I can’t state enough what a great job Studio Cambridge have done in converting this title to PSP. If you own a PSP then you shouldn’t let LittleBigPlanet pass you by, it really is an essential purchase for anyone who owns the system. Enough said.