- Outstanding co-op multiplayer experience
- Creative and music-synced level design
- Extensive character customization options
- Missing level editor limits creativity
- Progression-blocking bugs frustrate players
- Overpriced for delivered content quality
Emotions
Players experience frustration primarily due to technical issues, such as crashes, controller mapping bugs, and performance problems (e.g., stuttering, lag, and unplayable co-op). Gameplay mechanics, including camera angles, imprecise movement, and difficulty spikes in later levels, also contribute significantly. Multiplayer limitations, such as lack of cross-play and desync issues, further exacerbate the frustration.
The game evokes joy through its immersive visuals, catchy music, and nostalgic charm, which resonate with both new and returning players. Co-op gameplay, particularly when played with family or friends, enhances the experience by fostering bonding and shared fun. Creative level design and satisfying movement mechanics also contribute to the overall joyful experience.
Disappointment stems from unmet expectations, particularly regarding the game's lack of innovation compared to its predecessors, such as the absence of a level creation feature. Performance issues, repetitive gameplay, and a perceived lack of polish further contribute to this emotion. The high price point and mandatory Epic Games Store requirements also amplify feelings of disappointment.
Nostalgia is triggered by the game's connection to the LittleBigPlanet series, evoking memories of childhood and past gaming experiences. Players reminisce about the creativity, charm, and community-driven content of earlier titles, which the current game either references or fails to fully recapture.
Players derive enjoyment from the game's fun and visually appealing level design, particularly in co-op mode. The cute aesthetics, engaging gameplay mechanics, and smooth controls contribute to a pleasant and entertaining experience, especially when playing with friends or family.
Verdict
Mixed
Summary
Positive 66% · Negative 34%. Score: 34 / 100
Positives:
- The game excels in local and online co-op for up to 4 players, with well-designed teamwork mechanics and chaotic yet fun gameplay. Players highlight its suitability for friends, family, and partners, making it a standout feature.
- Levels are praised for their creativity, charm, and synchronization with music beats, including licensed songs (e.g., Bruno Mars). The rhythm-based mechanics and varied difficulty create a unique and engaging platforming experience.
- The game runs smoothly across platforms (including Steam Deck and 4K DLAA), with stable framerates, minimal bugs, and strong optimization. Visuals are detailed and vibrant, enhancing the overall experience.
- Players enjoy a wide range of costumes and cosmetic options, including free DLC outfits. The customization adds replayability and personalization, especially for the beloved Sackboy character.
- The game successfully blends nostalgia for previous Sackboy titles with modern mechanics and visuals. Fans appreciate the familiar charm while enjoying new creative elements and gameplay innovations.
Negatives:
- The absence of a level editor and customization tools (e.g., stickers, costumes) deviates from the franchise's 'Play. Create. Share.' philosophy, disappointing fans who valued user-generated content.
- The game is criticized for its high price ($80) relative to its repetitive level design, lack of innovation, and technical issues, making it poor value compared to competitors like *It Takes Two*.
- Game-breaking glitches (e.g., softlocks, elevator bugs) and unclear objectives force players to reload levels or abandon progress, undermining core gameplay.
- Steam users report undisclosed Epic Games account requirements for co-op, including mandatory software installation and connection errors, which frustrate players and limit accessibility.
- The difficulty curve is inconsistent, with later levels becoming excessively challenging for younger players or less-skilled co-op partners, while early levels feel too easy.
Gameplay:
- Cooperative gameplay is a standout feature, with mechanics designed to encourage teamwork, such as synchronized puzzles and shared movement.
- Some players criticize the game for repetitive level design, boss fights, or gameplay mechanics, particularly when compared to the more open-ended *LittleBigPlanet* series.
- The game is frequently compared to 3D Mario platformers, with tight controls, front-facing design, and a mix of platforming, puzzles, and rhythm-based mechanics.
- Sackboy, the iconic character from the *LittleBigPlanet* series, is central to the game, with players enjoying his movement, customization options, and costume collection.
- Players appreciate the game's straightforward but polished movement mechanics, including jumping, slapping, and using gadgets like the grappling hook.
Performance:
- Players report significant lag, stuttering, and connectivity issues in co-op mode, including FPS drops, lag spikes, and camera/positioning problems. These issues are widespread and critically impact multiplayer gameplay.
- Performance varies widely: some players experience smooth framerates on high settings, while others face stuttering, shader compilation delays, or inconsistent frame pacing, especially with ray tracing enabled.
- Steam Deck performance is unstable, with reports of crashes, multiplayer mode lockups, and mixed results after graphical adjustments. Native compatibility is praised but not universally reliable.
- The game crashes frequently on startup, after short play sessions, or during critical moments (e.g., title screen). This affects multiple platforms, including Windows, Linux, and Steam Deck.
- PS5 DualSense controllers cause lag, stuttering, or heavy processing loads. Wired connections exacerbate these problems, and input lag further disrupts gameplay timing.
Recommendations:
- The game is widely recommended for players of all ages, including children, teens, adults, and families. Its moderate difficulty and wholesome experience make it ideal for casual and co-op play.
- Highly recommended for fans of platformers, co-op play, and games like *Mario 3D* or *LittleBigPlanet*. It excels in same-room multiplayer and offers a well-crafted 3D platforming experience.
- Many reviewers suggest waiting for a discount (e.g., 70% off) due to performance issues or perceived value, deeming it worth the price only when on sale.
- Recommended as a must-play for fans of platformers or the *LittleBigPlanet* series, despite some missing features like online multiplayer or a level editor.
- While some praise its performance on Steam Deck, others advise against buying it for handheld play due to technical issues or lack of optimization.
Miscellaneous:
- Players share personal memories and sadness about the shutdown of *Little Big Planet 3*, highlighting the emotional connection to the original trilogy and its impact on their gaming experiences.
- Players test various controllers (Xbox One, PS3, XInput) and note that the DualSense/PS5 controller is advertised as the optimal way to play, enhancing immersion.
- The PC release is praised for allowing more players to experience the game, though some hesitate due to platform preferences or other commitments.
- Users express frustration over forced installations of Epic Games overlay and other software, which they perceive as intrusive or unnecessary for gameplay.
- The main story is estimated at 15-20 hours, while full completion (collectibles, costumes, and extra content) extends beyond 20 hours, appealing to players seeking depth.
