I wasn't really a big fan of LBP games. I still am not, but I might become one. Because I played the demo of LBP2 today, and I didn't find it bad. Very addictive jump'n'run gameplay, especially Tower of Woop (not least because of the classic-funk music, which was a nice surprise despite being slightly different than the funk I like).
The grappling hook feature is nothing like JC2, but still nice.
Plus when I have read that the editor allows you to use your own sound, audio and video (!) files, I was like: Wow. A new milestone in terms of level editing on consoles? I don't know. I'm pretty certain it won't surpass Cube's given editing opportunities. But will it surpass all the stuff on consoles? Can anyone who has got LBP2 confirm that the editor is good? If that is the case, I'm in.
Graphics are good on this, and despite I usually don't like the pseudo-3D-styled gameplay like in those Qwark minigames in R&C 3, I must say the creators of LBP have done their job quite well.
The thing I probably don't like the most is the game's atmosphere. When I saw the introductory sequence, or the interface, I got the total impression that the game is meant to be only for children and nobody else. I do understand it's meant to be unique, but it's slightly too childish at some points. In my opinion.
But despite that I think it's not bad at all.
First, the grapple hook. I think of all the gadgets like it in the game, it works the worst. I was hoping for something like R&C's swingshot, but this one doesn't carry momentum like I'd like it to. Just my opinion on that.
Second, speaking of Qwark minigames, I played a remade version of the metropolis level from the Qwark Vid comics, it wasn't so great, but it was a fairly accurate remake and surprisingly was made in LBP 1. (which means it could be way better in 2. )
Yes, you can make your own music. I was like "Damn!" when I found it. I haven't really gotten into any music making programs, but if I do, I want them to work like this. Tons of different sounds to work with and you can adjust the pitch to get even more out of each. It's difficult to explain it without making it seem super complex. Even me and my not amazing self made a decent little tune in about 20 minutes. Would you believe it was techno?
As for the overall editing possibilities, nearly endless. In about 45 minutes I had a vehicle working so I could've made a ton down racer with it. You can have the levels change the lighting, water, fog, all kinds of stuff on the fly. There are tons of logic bits I haven't even looked at yet, I think I'll play through the tutorials before I have a go at them though. Anyway, the tutorials explain things nicely and most of it is pretty self explanatory. (you'll want to hit the "skip all tutorials" button as soon as you can though, it'll let you get at all the stuff right away and you can go back to them as needed.
Should you run out of space in a level, you can link it to another and have it take right into it as a continuation of the first part. Copy-pasting, undo/redo, grid alignment, co-op editing, it's all here. You can also capture and save any object or objects and place them later on, in other levels, or even give them to friends. Given Cube 2's and LBP2's capabilities and the fact that one is 2D/suedo3D and the other if fully 3D. I'd say if Cube 2 were 2D like LBP, LBP you have more options and may even be easier to get into.
I think it's fine that it's sort of childish. That doesn't limit what you can do really. Unless of course you want to make a total gore-fest of a level, in which case you can set it to private and it won't get taken down.
LBP1 did some amazing things when it comes to the editing possibilities. The sequel just went nuts with what you can do.
I still have yet to make a full level on LBP 2. I end up playing with my brother and I make something that shoots rockets in all directions while making animal sounds at high volumes.
