Official: LittleBigPlanet 2 First Details & Screens

So, LittleBigPlanet 2's not going to happen, is it? Well, despite it being a most 'counter-productive' thing to do, the oft-rumoured sequel to the Play.Create.Share platformer is officially happening, and Media Molecule is hard at work to ensure it's more than just an upgrade.

For starters, LBP2's no longer solely based on platforming. Working as more of a 'games creator' than a simple 'level creator,' players will be encouraged to build shoot-em-ups, racers, puzzlers, RPGs... you name it. The revamped creation mode even allowed Media Molecule developers to make a Command and Conquer clone.

You'll even be able to customise HUDs and control schemes - an example of the former was shown in a fighting game-style health bar, while the latter is achieved by way of "direct control seats." These new tools allow you to plop a 'seat' on an object or vehicle (say, a car or character) and allow the player to map controls to a PS3 pad for different functions. Swish.

One of the biggest complaints of LittleBigPlanet appears to be addressed as well - the floaty physics. In LBP2, if you're not happy with the default setting, you can modify the gravity and physics of the game world yourself. So those who want to replicate Mega Man-style action can go right ahead and tweak to their hearts content.

Media Molecule is really keen on opening up the floor for 8-bit and 16-bit retro remakes and homages, and in addition to physics manipulation in LBP2 the studio has also revealed that you can set custom control schemes for your characters (Yoshi's Island's flutter jump was used as an example), upload it to the community and share it with others to use in their levels too.

Advanced AI can be created now with the introduction of Sackbots, with the ability to add weak points, personality traits and specific acting routines. These Sackbots can be made larger or smaller in physical size, and can be given direct control seats for specific commands as well.

Movie editing, online profiles on LBP.me, level stringing and new gadgets such as a grappling hook only add to what sounds like an increasingly awesome sequel. All the DLC and customised levels from the original LittleBigPlanet will be compatible with LBP2, and you can even make your own cutscenes and films with the level creator. Story mode takes the player on a journey through time rather than countries.

So LBP2 then, sounds like a full-on game creation tool for the ages. Let's hope some things are made a little less complicated than in the original, eh? Thoughts? Voice 'em in the comments box below!

Source