Hey there fellow gamers. I realize it's been a while since my last article. I've been having issues running around in life, but I've finally managed to take time out of my day to research and write a new article. Little Big Planet 2 is very well on its way folks! Be prepared to lead Sackboy on yet another adventure filled with random stickers, outrageous levels, and ridiculous scenarios. The first installment was a HUGE success in the gaming market, and it also became a benchmark for future games. First, a recap of the Little Big Planet, the first one.
Little Big Planet is very intriguing in its gameplay. It revolves around platformed puzzle-solving, and situations created by a third party. Whilst the game is a side-scroller, it is in no way outdated. It should be noted this side scrolling game makes use of 3D aspects. You can move to the forefront, middle, or background of the platform. Sackboy, our wondrously small hero, embarks on an epic quest to collect stickers, find important people, and do battle with a lonely "Collector."Although the atmosphere may feel a little childish, it feels a lot more happy than immature. In fact, playing the game always seemed to brighten my days significantly. One of the main reasons Little Big Planet was able to garnish such positive reviews was because of its utilization of third party aspects. More specifically, other gamers. Media Molecule, the developers of LBP, granted power to gamers by allowing them to create levels. This became a large aspect of the game: to create your own levels, and enjoy the works of others. Little Big Planet managed to set the standards for games on the PS3 platform.
I'm afraid I must begin with some bad news. Most, if not all of you probably already know, LBP 2 has been delayed to January of 2011 *insert sadface here*. Probably one of the biggest things to look forward to is more, yes even more, variety. Players will now have even more control of the levels they create. This, in turn, means more creative, expansive levels created by the very gamers who enjoy the game. An added feature to the level-creating system allows the player to create genres inside of LBP. For example, you can create a racing level, or role-playing levels. Creators can choose to manipulate the camera, add in cutscenes (okay, now THAT is utterly BADASS!!!!), record personal sound effects, put in their favorite music, and connect multiple levels together to create a marathon. More chances to make Sackboy look the way you want him too as well. Heck, make him a ninja! Talk about power to the gamers!
To be honest, there really isn't too much information on LBP 2. It appears that Media Molecule is really trying to push the third-party level creation aspect that was such a hit with the first title. Little Big Planet set the bar very high with customization, and it plans to set it even higher with the second. This game seems to appeal more towards people who 1) enjoys the creativity of others -and/or- 2) enjoys creating exciting new challengers. So LBP gamers: get creating!
Here's a nice little trailer for you guys as well!
Why hello there again. Every gamer from about 5 to 10 years ago knows about the success and popularity that Legend of Zelda achieved through the game Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. Since then, the game has been constantly reformatted, such as for the Gamecube (Master Quest/Collector's Edition) and Wii (Virtual Download). But the fan base of the Legend of Zelda titles didn't begin there. The very first Legend of Zelda (2D sidescrolling ftw!) was a sensation amongst gamers. Almost all games under the name Legend of Zelda have managed to achieve a favorable recognition. Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be the newest console game, being released for the Nintendo Wii. But before we talk about the new one, a recap of some of my favorite titles from the series is in order.
The first Legend of Zelda game I was exposed to was Ocarina of Time, on the N64. And from the beginning, I was utterly enticed. The storyline, gameplay, graphics, and many other aspects of the game were leagues ahead of most other games I've played prior to that point. In fact, the storyline is what really did me in. Majora's Mask was quite enjoyable as well. Most people complained about the time limit that the game imposed on the player, but I found it to help. I felt rushed, and more in to trying to get things done in a swift manner. Wind Waker was a sensation for me. Exploring a new aspect of the Legend of Zelda series, sea travel, while still maintaining that musical aspect had me hooked on the game for a long time. The cell-shaded graphics were easy on the eyes, although some may disagree. Essentially, I really enjoyed the console games, but the handheld ones were entertaining as well. Oracle of Ages and Seasons were challenging, albeit their relatively bland storylines (to me, anyways).
As of right now, not much information has been released for Skyward Sword. However, it appears as though Miyamoto is pouring his heart and soul into creating a riveting experience for the gamers. In fact, Miyamoto is so ready to make the game a success, Skyward Sword will feature real, orchestrated music! The game attempts to harness the motion/free-wielding feature to its fullest extent. The player will have almost full access to the movements of the sword. Remember when Twilight Princess was released for the Wii? At some points, you may move your controller side-to-side, but Link, our silent hero, would react with a vertical slash (lolwut?). This time around, the Zelda team gives Link the ability to actually abide by the movements of the player. Meaning, when you move your sword horizontally, Link will ACTUALLY do the same! The nunchuck will also have a crucial role, other than moving link around. When certain items require two hands for Link, the item will also require two hands for the gamer. Like the bow and arrow! The nunchuck will also act as Link's shield. Whatever you do with the controller, Link does with his shield as well. Booyah! It's like that very first step into virtual reality gaming.
Something of importance is that the graphics of the game will be somewhat cell-shaded, much like Wind Waker. However, to forsake the childish atmosphere of Wind Waker, Skyward Sword will feature an Adult Link. It's true, some will really be irked at the team for creating another cell-shaded. But considering the flow and detail of cell-shaded games, I wouldn't particularly mind another. In fact, it would be kind of refreshing considering the forlorn ambiance of Twilight Princess.
Definitely one of the favorites for veterans of the Legend of Zelda titles were the items. Some items were extremely innovative. For example, the ever-so-popular Hookshot/Longshot was so awesome, it made constant comebacks. This contraption brought things to you, brought you to things, and acted as a projectile. What more can you ask for in an item!? The charging function of the Master Sword returns, yet is utterly revamped. Instead of holding B and charging, the player can point the controller (and thus Link's sword) to the sky and charge it. This allows a beam of light to shoot from the sword. By popular demand, a gizmo from Spirit Tracks makes its way into Skyward Sword. The simplistic, yet handy whip is to be one of the most essential items in the game. Additionally, there is no more pausing, selecting item, resuming type of gameplay. A new feature allows the protagonist to change on the go to create a more accelerated type of gaming.
The gameplay takes a serious turn for the better this time around. In every previous title, any type of terrain that wasn't flat turned out to be a serious P.I.T.A. Miyamoto has decided to open an ear to the vast expanse of players, and allowed Link to be more agile and nimble. When Link encounters vines/ledges, he will no longer painstakingly struggle to overcome the obstacle. Instead, champion will finally use his physical capabilities to leap/jump. Additionally, Link will have taken swimming lessons this time around, and will now actually be swift in waters. With all these changes to graphics, gameplay, and controls, this one feels that Skyward Sword was the real Wii title, and Twilight Princess was just to keep the public busy. Don't get me wrong though. Twilight Princess was still relatively satisfying.
The Master Sword comes back to play another mystical role. In this new installment, the Master Sword acts as a "gateway," much like Ocarina of Time. The general synopsis is that Link lives in a city of clouds known as Skyloft. Upon discovering the Skyward Sword, Link ends up in the land of Hyrule, infested with evil. Link's adventure also entails a search for a lost friend. The Skyward Sword, which later becomes the Master Sword, will act as the catalyst to bring Link between the two worlds. In an artwork revealed at E3 2009, Link is seen standing with his back towards what seems to be a blue female figure. She, or rather it as Miyamoto claims it is genderless, is actually the Master Sword itself. To substitute the lack of a Navi-type figure in this game, the Master Sword acts as the guide for Link. In the artwork, it shows Link without a sword, which led many to assume that the figure is the Master Sword.
Finally, let's talk timeline. Synonymous to Legend of Zelda is its very confusing order of games. People argue that Wind Waker is the last game, Ocarina of Time is the first, yada yada. But Miyamoto and the team have revealed that Skyward Sword will be, and is, the FIRST in the timeline. No more shall gamers claim that Ocarina of Time or some other title was the beginning for the series. And to this, we owe Miyamoto for finally solving the issue. What is interesting, though, is that the head developers of the series indeed do have a "master timeline." It is a top-secret document, which even those with some authority do not have access to. The funny thing is, I'm being completely serious. It makes sense though, that they'd keep it a secret. This allows them to release games without being raged at by fans.
As with every game that I blog about, here is a trailer. This one was featured at E3 2010!
Little Big Planet is very intriguing in its gameplay. It revolves around platformed puzzle-solving, and situations created by a third party. Whilst the game is a side-scroller, it is in no way outdated. It should be noted this side scrolling game makes use of 3D aspects. You can move to the forefront, middle, or background of the platform. Sackboy, our wondrously small hero, embarks on an epic quest to collect stickers, find important people, and do battle with a lonely "Collector."Although the atmosphere may feel a little childish, it feels a lot more happy than immature. In fact, playing the game always seemed to brighten my days significantly. One of the main reasons Little Big Planet was able to garnish such positive reviews was because of its utilization of third party aspects. More specifically, other gamers. Media Molecule, the developers of LBP, granted power to gamers by allowing them to create levels. This became a large aspect of the game: to create your own levels, and enjoy the works of others. Little Big Planet managed to set the standards for games on the PS3 platform.
I'm afraid I must begin with some bad news. Most, if not all of you probably already know, LBP 2 has been delayed to January of 2011 *insert sadface here*. Probably one of the biggest things to look forward to is more, yes even more, variety. Players will now have even more control of the levels they create. This, in turn, means more creative, expansive levels created by the very gamers who enjoy the game. An added feature to the level-creating system allows the player to create genres inside of LBP. For example, you can create a racing level, or role-playing levels. Creators can choose to manipulate the camera, add in cutscenes (okay, now THAT is utterly BADASS!!!!), record personal sound effects, put in their favorite music, and connect multiple levels together to create a marathon. More chances to make Sackboy look the way you want him too as well. Heck, make him a ninja! Talk about power to the gamers!
