The first LittleBigPlanet game revolutionised the platforming genre by allowing players to create their own levels and share them with the world for free.

This meant that even once you finished the 50 levels that came on the disc, you and up to four friends could go online and choose from over 3 million free community-created levels to extend your LBP experience.

The game also gave Sony its own loveable mascot -- Sackboy, much like Nintendo has Mario and Sega has Sonic.

Now developers Media Molecule are back with a sequel, and one that improves upon the original in numerous ways and gives level creators more tools and creative freedom than ever before.

The author's an avid gaming enthusiast.

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While the creation tools are much easier to use this time around and possess near endless potential, many of us may not have the time, patience or inclination to create our own levels.

For those people, there's LBP2's story mode, which takes you through different planets, each with 5 to 7 story levels and more optional side levels or multi-player levels.

Each world follows a theme, with its own unique style and theme. For example, one level is made completely of cake, chocolate and other dessert.

The whole game can be played co-operatively by up to four players locally or online, and that is the best way to play it.

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LBP2 is more cinematic as well, with voiced cut-scenes and use of multiple camera angles. The narrative itself is fairly basic though, and the humour isn't always spot-on.

Controls and physics are almost unchanged since the first game, so the physics are still floaty, which was one of the biggest criticisms of the first game. But Media Molecule has added several more layers to the gameplay. The first of these is the power-ups and weapons, which you won't have all the time.

You'll occasionally be given special abilities, from lifting and throwing objects to a water gun than can put out fires and take out flaming foes. These pick-ups add more variety to the gameplay and the levels that use them are also designed with them in mind.

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You also now have vehicles in the form of robots to get you through a level. Each robot has its own unique abilities, and they all control differently than Sackboy. Like the weapons, they bring more variety to the game by changing the way you play.

The game also introduces Sackbots, confused and directionless robots whom you must guide. They can help you through tricky areas and attack enemies, but it's up to you to guide them to freedom.

LBP2 is a beautiful game. The levels are bright and cheery and the game looks amazing in both artistic and technical areas. From the aforementioned dessert level to lush jungle environments, LBP2 is constantly throwing up new scenery. A catchy soundtrack, and Stephen Fry Returns brilliantly support the visuals as the game's narrator.

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The story mode will take you about seven hours to complete, but that is only the beginning. Then it's over to the LBP community. Thanks to the improved create mode and new tools you can expect level creators to churn out some great content. But even without that, LittleBigPlanet 2 is a great game. It offers fun for all ages and lets the whole family play together. It's a title every PS3 owner must pick up.

Title: LittleBigPlanet 2
Price: Rs 2,499
Publisher: Sony
Developer: Media Molecule
Age rating: 3+
Platform: PS3
Game Rating: 4.5/5

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