Well, LBP is on the horizon and I'm very excited.

This game has been on my radar since it was first announce, at the time I was intrigued more for the fact it wasn't gritty and grey rather then the gameplay, but since then, this game has made it to the top of my most anticipated games of 2008 (Gears placed 2nd, Resistance 3rd and Fallout 4th).

But one thing I've began to notice is that many people, including sony's own and the PS3 fans here, claim this game to be the bridge that connects casual and hardcore for the PS3, bringing in new customers. While it might share some characteristics with other popular casual titles on the system (non-gore, colourful and with "cute" characters), it may not be the bridge after all. Why?

Well, we've all seen the impressive video's of the building stages component of the game, but this is the part that worries me. Those 4-5 minute video's are obviously sped up, so in reality creating a decent map may take more than half an hour possibly stretching into the hours to perfect it. As the Wii has proven, casual games attract casual gamers because they can spend quick game sessions with them and feel like they've accomplished something. It seems like to be truly satisfied with a created map (the point where it all clicks and works perfectly) may take some time and I'm not sure if the casual gamers would sit around fiddling until they've accomplished that. You certainly don't need that much time to make an accomplishment on Buzz or Singstar.

Another popular "casual" game, in fact THE MOST popular, is The Sims. That involves building up a family and surrounding area, which is obviously time consuming. What differentiates The Sims from LBP though, is that once you've set up the foundations (which can take hours at times) the game starts to "take care of itself" and it only requires minimal input. LBP isn't like that, it requires you to build a successful map, play through it and then build another.

LBP doesn't have characteristics of either of those two casual game types (pick up and play OR build something that self-sustains).

Another issue is the menus, if any of you take the time to look at the menus when the player chooses parts to place onto the stage, you'll notice you have ALOT of choice. This seems like it'd be very daunting for someone who a) doesn't play games oftenly or b) doesn't want to make time to sift through these menus.

The most obvious spanner to throw into my works is of course the fact that you can just download and play through maps created by users, which'll definitely attract more people to the game, but doesn't that completely cut off half the game from these casual gamers? Why would they invest in a PS3 for one game when the Wii offers the pickup and play style that they've gotten used to? The Wii also offers boom blox, another much more simpler physics based game.

As a MS supporter owning a PS3, I only care that this game will be good(and it looks to be), sales of the PS3 doesn't concern me at all, only the PS3 fans. But because the casual market may be a big factor in determining this games sales success, this is a pretty interesting issue for those concerned with PS3 sales

So is LBP truly the bridge between casual and core Sony so desperately want on their system?

Discuss.

Off Topic: Careful.. you might get a talking bird in here flaming you for having your own opinions...

On Topic: My favorite thing about LBP is that its Sony's biggest game this fall and yet its a game that doesn't need the power of Cell and that could of been done on any other next gen system..

I find that ironic

while you do bring up some valid points you miss the grander scale of things. LBP's level creater is the Hardcore side of the game. The levels being the Casual side.
Casual players want something quick and easy to play. Hardcore Gamers want sophistication and to never get bored with a game, customization will keep them occupied.

You make it sound as if LBP won't have any standard levels already on the disc or something. The game will come with over 50 levels to tread through from the start. Then once the casual player has finished that he/she can download free new levels to go through from more experienced players off line. This will then get the Casual players pumped, and make them want to try it out for themselves. This in turn leads to Casual Gamers becoming Hardcore Gamers.

 Well with all the bashing of the game the OP has done of course he will come n here to defend it! How dare anyone not immediatly recognize it to be the best game ever thought of.

you are right, Sony HAS showed that they can make games that are AAA WITHOUT using the cell's full specs. Just imagine what will happen when they do get a game that uses the FULL specs? Oh that day will be one to behold in deed.....

The game offers a lot of options for various kinds of gamers, and it is cute enough for everyone to like it!

But of course, we will have to wait and see what actually ends up happening when the game is released, but there is a lot of positive buzz surrounding the game, so I am optimistic. Early looks at the game have been very positive as well.

I think its depend on the player how they see the game.
For me i feel although it may need more than half an hour possibly stretching into the hours to create your own game, But this is also the part i enjoy it. you design your own idea and enjoy it with you family or friends.
By right, the game will probably had some pre set levels when you buy it.

Exactly. Look at games like Echochrome or Counterstrike or Unreal Tournament. In all those games, there's a few end users creating levels, which in turn leads to a very excited much larger user base who just plays the levels. Of course all the games I mentioned are "hardcore" games, but where LBP differentiates itself is in the relatively simple platforming gameplay that anyone can recognize from the original Super Mario games. It's that recognizable gameplay and charismatic cutesy sackboys and girls that will draw in the casuals, not the level creation. 

Not probably. The game WILL have a 50 level story mode.

I don't think this will be as much of a bridge to casual PS3 users because there are not many casual PS3 users.

This title is innovative with its editor -- but creating levels is a "harcore" feature not a "casual" one.

It looks like fun ... but it is generally a 2.5D platformer. The level editor will give it great reviews. But it may not give it great sales.

Mike from Morgantown