Gameplay
It's a 3D platformer set in a colourful, vibrant, joyous world. There are 7 worlds in total, each consisting of around 8-9 levels with a boss fight at the end. Pretty standard fare, but very well done. Like Mario, you collect orbs (coins) throughout each level which add to your total score at the end. Unlike Mario, the controls have been accused of being 'floaty', though I never really found it an issue. While it is indeed floaty, it's seemingly by design as much of the platforming relies on the extra little float at the end of a jump. Works for me
In addition to the main levels, there are time trials which are actually my favourite part of the game. I'm a filthy casual so hardcore time trials generally ain't my thing. However, there's something about these ones that sucked me in. Some of them are genuinely challenging and took me 30+ attempts to crack. Each is normally around 30-45 seconds to get the gold trophy and there are 15 in total. Upon completion of all 15, a frankentrial unlocks consisting of all 15 previous trials stitched together with a 10 minute time limit for the gold. I haven't beaten this one and probably never will.
Further to the platforming, there is a big emphasis on character customisation. Like the Little Big Planet series it is derived from, you find costume pieces throughout the world and can play dress ups with your little sackling. This bit ain't for me, but it acted as bait to get the wife to play the co-op levels with me.
Story
Who cares? It's a kids' game. The story ain't the main event, but if you must know, some clown dude steals all the orbs of life or some shit and threatens the wee sacklings with death and destruction. Sackboy saves the day. Fin.
Graphics
One of the best looking games I have ever seen. Developer Sumo Digital really nailed the patchwork aesthetic and managed to recapture much of the whimsy of the original LBP series. Negligible load times and super fluid in motion with nary a stutter. Joe Biden, eat your heart out.
Music
Something I loved about the LBP games was the music. It was never an afterthought and the gameplay was often designed around the beat. Sackboy is the mostly same and there are some incredibly fun and unique levels designed around pop songs like Uptown Funk, Toxic, and an orchestral version of Material Girl. There's a kind of flow state to be found in these levels where the environment, enemy movements, and platforming are designed to match the music. Other levels introduced me to some wicked electronica that I now have saved to my Spotify list (Example 1, Example 2, Example 3). There's even a bit of Rodrigo y Gabriela thrown in there for good measure.
Summary
If you're not into this, may whichever god you worship have mercy on your cold, dead soul. Sackboy is pure joy and really brought out my inner child. Why wouldn't you want that? It's ok to like colourful whimsical non-shootybangs.
