LittleBigPlanet 2: first look at the new game

The new game retains the beautifully simple interface, which lets users easily drag and drop customisation elements into the game world.
Photograph: PR

LBP2 introduces new characters named Sackbots, who can be ‘programmed’ with simple AI attributes, and then used as enemies – or allies – in your own game creations.
Photograph: PR

A key new feature is ‘direct drive seat’ which lets you attach a control system to any object. Design a car, for example, then slap in a handling model and you can build a driving game.
Photograph: PR

Sackbots can be given a range of forms, and like everything else in the game have a lovely handycraft look. You don’t see too many wooden enemies in games these days.
Photograph: PR

As these fairy-like Sackbots reveal, LittleBigPlanet is still easily the cutest game on the PlayStation 3.
Photograph: PR

The control interface on the left is used to add attributes such as hostility and behaviour models to the Sackbots. Experimenting with AI is likely to prove one of the geekier joys of the sequel.
Photograph: PR

Players will be able to create a range of vehicles, from cars and bicycles to aircraft. These can be used to craft everything from shoot-'em-ups to flight sims.
Photograph: PR

Possibly the campest vehicle ever conceived. Yes, it’s a fluffy flying horse.
Photograph: PR

As ever, the LBP backgrounds combine a wealth of textiles with recognisable components such as circuit boards. This time round, the visual engine has been updated for a much crisper, more detailed look.
Photograph: PR

For the first time, LBP players will also be able to create story sequences, so their games have proper narrative elements.
Photograph: PR

Have we mentioned it’s quite cute?
Photograph: PR