LittleBigPlanet 3 is the latest game in the adorable side-scrolling series, with Sumo Digital taking over development from Media Molecule. The team did an excellent job producing a number of new side-scrolling levels and challenges that players can either finish solo or with friends.
While the game’s easy to get into, but we have a few tips that will help you along.
Say hello to your new friends
In addition to the returning Sackboy, who made quite a name for himself in previous LittleBigPlanets, three new characters join the adventure, and here’s what you need to know about them:
Oddsock: This cute dog-like creature scampers around in a hurry, using his speed to clear large gaps. In addition, you can use him to run along walls to reach high ledges. He’s ideal when it comes to moving between the foreground and background. Make sure you use him when you need to get through a stage in a hurry.
Toggle: Toggle is a unique character that transforms between a large heavy creature and a small light one, all with the push of a button. Both of these forms are quite useful, as he can push objects around when he’s big (more effectively than either Oddsock or Sackboy) and travel through tight spaces and walk along water in his smaller form.
Swoop: Finally, there’s the bird-like Swoop, who can fly to higher areas other characters cannot reach. In addition, he can carry objects and characters around, so be sure to have him on hand during a multiplayer game, in case you and your buddies can’t clear a large gap. He can also glide and swoop, allowing him to reach greater distances when the situation calls for it.
All of these characters are unlocked within the first two hours of the game’s story mode, and then they become available in both single player and multiplayer games. It never hurts to use the traditional Sackboy, though, as he can get around with ease, swing across chasms with attached ropes and bop on the heads of enemies.
Bubbles Everywhere
As with previous LittleBigPlanet games, LBP3 comes with a fair share of collectible items scattered throughout each level. These usually come in the form of bubbles with stickers inside. You’ll want to collect as many of these as you can, and use them when it comes to customizing and sharing your own levels with the LittleBigPlanet community.
Some bubbles require other characters to reach them – like higher-up stickers that Oddsock can snag with a wall bounce – but if you see them in a stage, consider them accessible. You may have to come back through a level and try to collect them again, or find a hidden jump switch.
The more bubbles you collect, the closer you’ll get to 100 percent completion. This is important, as you can earn three additional bonus stickers per stage. You’ll also earn three extra stickers for completing the level without losing any lives.
While you’re at it, keep an eye out for small jingle bells. These are scattered across each stage, and picking them up lets you visit shops that give you a chance to purchase new items for your team. Don’t hesitate to pick these up along the way – you never know what kind of outfits you’ll unlock.
Additional Weapons
In addition to your key abilities for each character, LittleBigPlanet 3 has five different weapons with their own special advantages.
First up is the Pumpinator, which unlocks during the first stage. This is an air gun that can either blow or suck objects with the press of a button. You can use these to pull or push things out of the way, or draw in stickers just out of reach.
Next is the Illuminator. This is a high-tech flashlight, but it will help you get through some of the darker levels in the game, as well as discover hidden bonuses behind strange paintings. Don’t be afraid to shine a light.
The Blink Ball is a cool gun that enables you to fire a “double” of sorts across large chasms. If they hit a certain neon blue panel (which you can easily aim at), Sackboy will regenerate in the ball’s place. This can take a bit of practice, but it’s a useful ability, especially on large levels.
While it may not be the ultimate fashion choice, the Hook Hat is an excellent way to get around. Wearing this, you’ll be able to latch onto red rails and take a ride with a simple tap of the R1 button.
Finally, if you want to get greater distances with Sackboy, you’ll need the Boost Boots. After equipping these, you’ll essentially be able to double-jump, allowing you to reach higher ground and clear larger gaps than Sackboy would on his own. You’ll find these midway through your adventure, and they’re rather useful to avoiding a quick demise.
Good luck – and don’t forget to invite your friends for co-op!
LittleBigPlanet 3 is available now for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4
Published: Nov 26, 2014 05:56 pm