LittleBigPlanet 3 Adds Three New Friends — and Still Holds Together

LittleBigPlanet 3 brings four characters to the platforming formula that defined its predecessors, and the result is a game that feels both familiar and fresh. Developed by Media Molecule and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, the PS3 and PS4 release launched in November 2014 as a follow-up to the original LittleBigPlanet and its sequel. It carries a Metacritic aggregate score of 7.8 out of 10.

Trailer, via IGDBcom.

Four Characters, One Physics Engine

The biggest change is the addition of Sackboy’s three new friends: Symu, Hattori, and Angelpuss. Each character moves and handles differently, giving levels a new layer of variety. Symu can double-jump and glide, while Hattori can dig underground and climb walls. Angelpuss floats through the air and can stick to ceilings. This mix means a single level can ask players to switch between characters mid-run, depending on what obstacle is ahead.

The core physics system remains intact. Players still push, pull, and attach objects to build their own levels, and the ability to rip apart existing levels and rebuild them is still there. That combination of character switching and level creation is the heart of LittleBigPlanet 3, and it holds up well against the games that came before it.

Story Mode and Its Length

The campaign mode, called “The Patch,” runs through a series of themed worlds built around each character’s strengths. It’s a short journey, clocking in at around six hours, but it moves fast. The story itself is light, following Sackboy and his friends as they travel across planets to gather patches for a broken fabric. It’s not a deep narrative, but it doesn’t need to be.

What the story does well is set up the level design. Each world introduces a new mechanic tied to the current character, and the puzzles are generally fair. Some levels lean heavily on quick reactions, especially those involving Hattori’s digging, which can frustrate players used to slower, more deliberate play. The campaign never drags, and the pacing keeps players engaged throughout the six-hour run.

The Level Editor Returns

The level editor remains one of the strongest parts of LittleBigPlanet 3. Players can create and share their own stages, and the tools are powerful enough to produce elaborate contraptions. The community has already started building custom content, and the game encourages sharing by letting players rate and download other users’ creations. The editor supports multiplayer collaboration, so multiple players can work on the same level together.

The only real complaint is that the interface takes some getting used to. New players might find the menus dense at first, though the tutorial does a good job of walking them through the basics. Once players get past the initial learning curve, the editor opens up a wide range of possibilities for building and sharing levels.

Performance Across Both Consoles

LittleBigPlanet 3 runs on both PS3 and PS4, and the difference shows. The PS4 version looks sharper, with more detailed environments and smoother frame rates during busy sections. The PS3 version, while playable, suffers from occasional slowdown and lower visual fidelity. Both versions support the same features, but the PS4 is clearly the better place to experience the game.

The game’s online features also work across both systems. Players on either console can join the same multiplayer sessions, and the level-sharing system works regardless of which machine a player owns. That cross-platform support is a notable feature, even if the visual disparity is noticeable.

Multiplayer Modes

The multiplayer modes include a few options beyond the standard level racing. There’s a mode where players compete to complete challenges fastest, and another where teams race to collect items while avoiding obstacles. These modes add replay value, though they don’t offer much depth beyond the core mechanics.

The competitive modes are fun in short bursts, but they don’t feel essential. They’re best enjoyed with friends who already know the game well. The level editor also supports multiplayer collaboration, allowing groups of players to work together on custom stages.

Sound and Presentation

The soundtrack is cheerful and energetic, fitting the game’s colorful tone. Voice acting is minimal, mostly limited to brief lines during cutscenes, which keeps the focus on the gameplay. The presentation is bright and inviting, with each world having its own distinct look.

The controls are precise, and the game rarely asks players to perform actions that aren’t intuitive. That precision matters in levels where timing is tight, and the game rewards players who learn the controls well.

What Works Best

• The mix of four characters, each with a unique move set
• The level editor, which remains one of the best tools in the genre
• The campaign’s pacing, which keeps levels moving without dragging
• The cross-platform multiplayer, which brings PS3 and PS4 players together
• The community support for custom levels

Key Facts Box

• Title: LittleBigPlanet 3
• Developer: Media Molecule
• Publisher: Sony Computer Entertainment
• Release Date: November 2014
• Platforms: PS3, PS4
• Campaign Length: Around six hours
• Metacritic Aggregate: 7.8 out of 10

LittleBigPlanet 3 isn’t reinventing the wheel, but it doesn’t need to. It takes a proven formula, adds new characters, and builds on the tools that made its predecessors popular. The campaign is short, and the PS3 version shows its age, but the level editor and multiplayer modes give the game lasting appeal. For fans of the series, this is another solid entry. For newcomers, it’s a good starting point, though the learning curve with the editor can be steep.

level editor · LittleBigPlanet · Media Molecule · Platformer · PS3 · PS4