[ps3] littlebigplanet (& lbp/psp) impressions...

[Bullwinkle]

Any word on whether the new patch addresses the 1080i scaling issue?

I didn't see anything on that.  It did add a LBP Store to the menus, though, letting you buy stuff without going to the PSN Store.

Isn't the 1080i thing an issue with the PS3 overall?

[maccwerk]

It is, but Sony left it up to the software developers to implement 1080i scaling, without mandating it. Most games work fine and there have been several games that have been patched to include it...unfortunately LBP is not one of them...yet...I heard that MM was "looking into it", and I'm hopeful that they'll patch it soon, as it's a crime to have this game downscale to 480p, given the eyecandy of the levels. 

[Turtle]

New info on the Paintinator (aka Paint of the Patriots ).  It works much like the jetpack, in that, when you touch it, it becomes attached to you and alters how the Sackboy controls.  You can no longer grab while you have the paintinator, probably because the R1 grab button is now the shoot button.  I assume you shake your controller to get rid of it.

Hopefully, they add more things that work like that.  I'd love to see jump boots or something so designers can make levels with higher platforms.

[TheMissingLink]

Yeah, I was scared that this MGS dealio would be like their festive pack - but they are going all out.

Include their recent restructuring of how you search for levels (which went from horrible to omgawesome), and the better multiplayer lag (unplayable for weeks after release, just now stabilizing), and MM is doing a great job of keeping LBP relevant and interesting.

Shame it isn't as much of a commercial success as it is critically, but whatever.

[Turtle]

It's too early to say it's not a commercial success, it sold very well on release and will probably continue to sell well for a long time.  A lot of things in this industry are release day oriented, but many of Sony games are long term games.

With DLC packs like this that add functionality for everyone, not just people who buy the pack, and new levels coming out all the time, the game will always be fresh.

[The Grue]

Finally got around to beating all the levels that came with the game.  The Indian-themed stuff was probably my favorite in the game.  I have been putting off trying to create my own stuff, but I think I will take a shot at it soon.

[Bullwinkle]

Finally got around to beating all the levels that came with the game.  The Indian-themed stuff was probably my favorite in the game.  I have been putting off trying to create my own stuff, but I think I will take a shot at it soon.

I've tried to get through one of the last Collector levels at least a dozen times. 

Spoiler for Hiden:

The one with the wheel of doom.  Ugh.

I will say that creation, for as big as a pain in the ass as it is, is very satisfying when it comes together.

[Turtle]

I hate that wheel as a player.  I love it as a creator.  I think I'll try to make one that's much easier to play.

Perhaps I can make it so you can control the spin of the wheel using a series of proximity switches.  I'm not sure how to handle multiple players though.

I do know I'm going to use the Paintinator in my steampunk levels, there'll probably be a segment where you have to shoot down clockwork flying machines before they destroy your airship.

[The Grue]

Finally got around to beating all the levels that came with the game.  The Indian-themed stuff was probably my favorite in the game.  I have been putting off trying to create my own stuff, but I think I will take a shot at it soon.

I've tried to get through one of the last Collector levels at least a dozen times. 

Spoiler for Hiden:

The one with the wheel of doom.  Ugh.

I will say that creation, for as big as a pain in the ass as it is, is very satisfying when it comes together.

You'll hate me, but I didn't have that much trouble with it.  I think I made it through the level the first time I tried.

[Bullwinkle]

Finally got around to beating all the levels that came with the game.  The Indian-themed stuff was probably my favorite in the game.  I have been putting off trying to create my own stuff, but I think I will take a shot at it soon.

I've tried to get through one of the last Collector levels at least a dozen times. 

Spoiler for Hiden:

The one with the wheel of doom.  Ugh.

I will say that creation, for as big as a pain in the ass as it is, is very satisfying when it comes together.

You'll hate me, but I didn't have that much trouble with it.  I think I made it through the level the first time I tried.

I hate you.

Although I figured out one of the tricks which is, on the final section, instead of barely-controllable running and jumping, you more or less stay in place and jump.  It clicked when I started doing that.  Still didn't get it in one, but I see completion on the horizon.

I will say that level highlights a lot of the control frustrations I have with the game.  The conveyor belt is harder than it should be because it is not a smooth change to go from one direction to the other, for example.

[The Grue]

It's funny because there are earlier levels I had much more trouble with.  Also, the final level I had to attempt a couple of times.  I ended up getting my son in the game and he and I finished it.

[TheMissingLink]

Finally got around to beating all the levels that came with the game.  The Indian-themed stuff was probably my favorite in the game.  I have been putting off trying to create my own stuff, but I think I will take a shot at it soon.

I've tried to get through one of the last Collector levels at least a dozen times. 

Spoiler for Hiden:

The one with the wheel of doom.  Ugh.

I will say that creation, for as big as a pain in the ass as it is, is very satisfying when it comes together.

You'll hate me, but I didn't have that much trouble with it.  I think I made it through the level the first time I tried.

I envy you!  That part took me forever - the thought of acing it scares me.

[The Grue]

I envy you!  That part took me forever - the thought of acing it scares me.

Well, I didn't ace it.  I just didn't have to start the level over.

[Turtle]

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/12/22/watch-sackboy-snake-face-off-against-metal-gear-rex/

New video shows the SackSnake vs REX fight.  There's also a funny in-joke where SackSnake destroys a machine that pumps out trophy whoring levels into LBP.

I'm loving the sound the paintinator makes when it fires.  The paint switch is also seen larger scale, looks like it has a health meter that goes down as you hit it with paint.

Right now I'm working on a Kids Construction Set, basically a series of simple objects that even kids can use to assemble a playable level.  The problem with objects you get in the campaign is that they're pretty specialized, meant more to teach you how to create them, rather than to provide something like a lego set.  With this, the idea is you use them as building blocks, then change the materials as needed.  So far I've got a simple springboard, a conveyor belt, and elevator.  I'm not sure yet how to standardize the platforms.  I'm thinking either just 2-3 heights that are based on how high and far sackboy can jump, with anything extra being just objects stacked on each other.  I could use ideas for more basic building blocks for the set.

[semiconscious]

http://www.ps3fanboy.com/2008/12/22/watch-sackboy-snake-face-off-against-metal-gear-rex/

media molecule's ultimate christmas present ...

[TheMissingLink]

Honestly?  The absolutely LOVE and creativity that is going into the MGS pack for LBP is amazing...

[Turtle]

The MGS pack is out!  Downloading now!

Also, for anyone having consistent lag issues with LBP, are you using a wireless or wired connection?

There's been some testing that the wireless adapter in the PS3 is very, very slow, not sure why.  It could just be the early models, or all of them.  I was using a wireless connection and got nothing but laggy games.  I just plugged my PS3 in via cat 5 cable and the first game I got into was lag free, but that could be just a one off thing.  I'll test this more to make sure it's not just a one time deal.  Sadly, looks like I might need a new router and more cables.

[semiconscious]

just did my first run thru chapter 3. very whacked, very funny . paintinator takes some getting used to, but i was doing just fine by the time i finished. don't want to go further til i find more goodies...

so fucking cool! ...

[tripwire]

Finally got around to beating all the levels that came with the game.  The Indian-themed stuff was probably my favorite in the game.  I have been putting off trying to create my own stuff, but I think I will take a shot at it soon.

I've tried to get through one of the last Collector levels at least a dozen times. 

Spoiler for Hiden:

The one with the wheel of doom.  Ugh.

I will say that creation, for as big as a pain in the ass as it is, is very satisfying when it comes together.

You'll hate me, but I didn't have that much trouble with it.  I think I made it through the level the first time I tried.

Good going

That section had me close to tears for awhile

[semiconscious]

i'll only add - special props to the screaming mantis outfit ...

[Chaz]

I'm definitely picking up the level pack.  I'm less convinced about the costumes.  I like them, but I don't know how I feel about paying $6 for four new costumes.  Feels like I'm buying horse armor again.  Though the Mantis costume is sweet.

[Turtle]

Been playing around with the new objects.  The paintinator can be set to have limited ammo, and you can see how much you have left via the bar on the gun.  It'll refill every time you touch a new paint station, and each station can have its own set amount of paint.  Pretty cool.  I like the new plasma ball and missile hazards too.

I'm not sure how they handled the spotlight trigger, I'll have to play around with that.

The level pack is absolutely worth it.  The costumes... maybe.  I'd buy the pack at $4, but I don't think it'd go for $6, it's a small amount, but the costumes just don't add anything to gameplay, and I don't see those pieces really joining up with other stuff.

Oh, and I've been using a SackVader costume using the astronaut costume painted black along with the roman cape, also painted black.

[semiconscious]

as i've already mentioned, i have no problem supporting media molecule with a few bucks here'n'there - not expecting everyone to do the same, but i can (not that i'm loaded or anything), & feel it's for a good cause (ie, adopt a small developer)...

of course, i also grabbed the disgaea 3 stuff ...

[denoginizer]

Santa Claus was nice enough to put this in my stocking.

My wife and I played through about 10 of the story levels co-op last night.  Despite my general aversion to platformers we had alot of fun with it.  I think the game will get steady play for a while in short bursts.  I doubt I will mess with the creation tools, but once we finish the premade levels I'll probably try out some DLC. 

[depward]

Played through all of the MGS levels yesterday (while trying out the costume pack; the screaming mantis one is awesome).  Man, the premise is absolutely hilarious - shut down the machine that's pumping out trophy whoring levels.

The Paintinator weapon is well done - works exactly as advertised.

[The Grue]

Man, the premise is absolutely hilarious - shut down the machine that's pumping out trophy whoring levels.

Yes, I laughed my ass off.  My son just stared at me and I had to explain it to him.

[msduncan]

I just got this for Christmas.    What a completely brilliant game.

[mikeg]

I just got this for Christmas.    What a completely brilliant game.

I would probably grab this if there wasn't so much that requires coop with someone.  I would never get those parts completed and hate having to. 

Other than that, and the fact it is never on sale, I would grab it I think.  Like what I see in it. 

[Chaz]

Amazon has had it for $40 several times in the past few weeks.  Also, the co-op parts are entirely optional.

[Bullwinkle]

Amazon has had it for $40 several times in the past few weeks.  Also, the co-op parts are entirely optional.

Optional if you don't mind not collecting everything.  And there are some that require 4 players!  That bummed me out.

On an unrelated note, has anyone tried my level?

[The Grue]

Amazon has had it for $40 several times in the past few weeks.  Also, the co-op parts are entirely optional.

Optional if you don't mind not collecting everything.  And there are some that require 4 players!  That bummed me out.

You could always play online with people to get those extras.

[depward]

Amazon has had it for $40 several times in the past few weeks.  Also, the co-op parts are entirely optional.

Optional if you don't mind not collecting everything.  And there are some that require 4 players!  That bummed me out.

On an unrelated note, has anyone tried my level?

I have some time today.  I'll make sure to search and play your level 

[Bullwinkle]

Amazon has had it for $40 several times in the past few weeks.  Also, the co-op parts are entirely optional.

Optional if you don't mind not collecting everything.  And there are some that require 4 players!  That bummed me out.

You could always play online with people to get those extras.

You know, I keep forgetting that.  Shows that I really think of LBP (and platformers in general) as single player affairs.

[Turtle]

I played your level.  The genericness consumed my soul.

[msduncan]

I haven't read back in the thread -- are there some must-have user created levels I need to search for in-game?    Maybe I should look back in the thread.

[TheMissingLink]

The MGS levels are absolutely brilliant!

[Turtle]

You can check out the LBP news in-game for some level recommendations.  We actually don't have a big list of must plays.  However, I've been going through and hearting levels that are pretty good, same for others.

Also, you can check other sites like neogaf, they have pretty good lists of levels.

Right now I've been working on acing each level and collecting everything.  I actually aced the last level of LBP which got me a really, really cool costume.  Acing the Jalapeno explosives based levels were a pain, especially the Serpent Temple since there's the boss fight at the end.

I'll start checking the levels more often and make sure to heart only the good stuff.

[mikeg]

If it's been $40 I have missed it each time.  Every time I go on to look for it I can never find it on sale.   It will some day.  $29.99 is my magic amount for this game.  That would be heavenly.

[msduncan]

This game is worth more than $60 in my opinion.   It's sheer brilliance.

Btw -- there is an ocean level and one based on Dead Space that are awesome.

Btw2 --  my gamertag for the PS3 is msduncan.     Please add me and we'll hook up in LBP and also be able to see each others' hearted levels.

[TheMissingLink]

Yeah, the Dead Space one is in-freakin-credible for recreating Dead Space.  It's pretty amazing.