is lbp still worth buying?

[kn]

Dryden said:

kn said:
I have the same question. I've been watching LBP and really wanted it along the way, but it doesn't sound like single player, non-online has a whole lot to it. I don't do multiplayer online and I certainly don't let my daughter play online so we stick with local stuff. Is there enough "content" that can be downloaded that I know is E for Everyone rated? I know there are a lot of folks making "strange" levels and I don't need any "holy crap, where's the remote to turn it off!" moments when playing it here at the house... It looks like it wreaks of awesomeness, but I'd need to get super-mario-galaxy like hours out of it to justify the $60... clue me in...

Forgetting all the online capabilities for a moment, there is at least 20-30 hours worth of gameplay to be had from LBP just in the single player modes. 20-30, minimum. I picked up LBP two weeks ago -- I have completed every level, completed every mini-game/challenge, and essentially wore out the single-player game. Yet I STILL play it every night with my eight year old son, because there are so many more "bubbles" and "upgrades" to collect, many of which require 2 players, some that even require 3 or 4 players. There are some costumes and accessories that can only be had by collecting everything else in the level, then others that require beating the level without dying. Many of the "stickers" you'll try to collect require other stickers from other levels to even get. So, you may play an early level and find its not possible to do everything until after you've gotten some other prize from a much later level.

There's just so much incentive to replay levels, even after beating them once, and virtually all of them are well designed enough, or charming enough that you'll gladly do it. Now, I don't know the exact number, but I'd venture a guess that at least two-thirds of the two-dozen built-in levels require a minimum two players to complete, so I think you'll see tremendous replay value from it in that everyone in your family will play through this individually as time allows, and then everyone will play through it again as a group.

The online with LBP has been talked about so much, but I consider it a bonus. The single-player story aspect of the game, despite not having that feeling of epic depth of a Mario title, is still great, and just as immersive. The true magic of LBP is in its offline, local co-op though. If you have children and enjoy sharing gaming time with them, LBP is a must-buy.

Mm has caught lightning in a bottle. It's simply a remarkable game. I have not been this awed and engrossed with a platformer since Mario 64, which is the last time I remember playing a single player platformer level, beating it, then wanting to play it again immediately simply to admire the level design, the music, and the beauty of the games' design.

As for my eight year old son, he LOVES Mario Galaxy; plays it just about every Saturday morning before I kick him off the big TV to watch college football. Since getting LBP, Mario Galaxy is dead to us.

Thanks for your non-fanboy perspective.  I'll try to pick it up this weekend.  Thanks!