LittleBigPlanet 3
Publisher:
Sony
Developer:
XDev, Turn 10 Studios, Sumo Digital
Platforms:
PS3, PS4
Genre:Platformer
Release Date:November 2014
LittleBigPlanet 3 is an upcoming and highly anticipated 2.5D puzzle platforming adventure game that is currently being developed by the Sheffield, United Kingdom based independent development studio, Sumo Digital who are currently working jointly with Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios to port Forza Horizon 2 to the Xbox 360.
The Liverpool based Sony Computer Entertainment team, XDev are assisting with developing in Europe, they previously helped with LittleBigPlanet and Buzz. Despite not leading the development of the game, previous developers Media Molecule are also helping with development, however at this time their involvement with the project has not been detailed.
Set to be the third entry into the main line LittleBigPlanet series, LittleBigPlanet 3 is set to be published by Sony Computer Entertainment exclusively on their home consoles. Currently slated to be released some time in November of 2014, LittleBigPlanet will be available on the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, it will be available at retail on Blu-ray disc and via digital download.
Development
LittleBigPlanet 3 appeared at E3 2014 when it was revealed as a surprise game that was in development with XDev, Sumo Digital and Media Molecule (to an undisclosed extent). LittleBigPlanet 3 will be retaining the 2.5D gameplay style that made it a success on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable.
A feature that was received well by the community was the inclusion of a carry over mechanic that has yet to be seen in action. The carry over mechanic will allow players to make use of any levels that they had created in LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2. This backwards compatibility surprisingly doesn’t hinder the implementation of old user created levels, in fact it enhances them. Any levels or stages brought across to Little Big Planet 3 will be rendered in the game with it’s new engine and new textures, thus increasing overall graphical fidelity.
The inclusion of new characters has also put a new focus on cooperative multiplayer, with players taking on different roles in the stage depending on specific character traits.
Gameplay
Gameplay remains largely unchanged given the simple nature and appeal of the LittleBigPlanet series, however in depth gameplay details are yet to be revealed. The primary differences in the game are the characters that focus on working together with cooperative team mates. The activation of pressure sensitive plates returns as does the depth movement from the foreground and background.
The game also introduces new gameplay mechanics like power ups which equip the player with certain unique abilities that can be used to influence gameplay. Player level creation is still an important feature of the game, allowing players to play in levels that were designed by the LittleBigPlanet community.
Players creating these stages can even choose which two characters that the player can switch between to better facilitate level design. Stages created in LittleBigPlanet and LittleBigPlanet 2 can be imported into LittleBigPlanet 3 where they will benefit from significant graphical upgrades.
Players that purchased costume packs in previous LittleBigPlanet games can also transfer them to LittleBigPlanet 3, whether or not these receive any graphical upgrades has not been confirmed.
Characters
Sackboy – The series mascot Sackboy returns in LittleBigPlanet 3.
Oddsock – Oddsock is a new addition to the cast, Oddsock is a dog like character that quickly runs about on all fours.
Swoop – Another new character on the roster, Swoop is a flying bird like creature that gets all the benefits one might come to expect of flight.
Big Toggle / Little Toggle – The Big and Little Toggle characters are one in the same, only being differentiated by name and size.
Note: This wiki will be updated once we have more information about the game.