REVIEW: ‘LittleBigPlanet 2′ first of its kind, changes relationship between gamer, game

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“LittleBigPlanet 2” could spark a revolution in video games.

Whenever a game’s creators claim it will “revolutionize the platforming genre,” which likely peaked in 1990 with “Super Mario Bros. 3,” cynicism should be applied.

“LittleBigPlanet,” released in 2008 from developer Media Molecule, took rock-solid platforming gameplay, added in physics-based puzzles and massive customizability options and came as close to that high-water mark as any other game has.

Its sequel, however, does not try to one-up the first game or any other platformer. “LittleBigPlanet2” is on an entirely different level.

The story mode in “LittleBigPlanet” was more like a warm-up for creating custom levels and playing the levels others created.

While that rings true for the second game, it is clear from the 50 story-mode levels that things here are different. Though traditional platforming gameplay of traversing obstacles from the left side of the level to the right is there, the gameplay is blown wide open.

The player will pilot vehicles, solve puzzles and play everything from side-scrolling space-shooters to racing games. Unlike most titles that take the kitchen-sink approach to gameplay, “LBP2” does everything well, and the game is never not fun.

And that is only the beginning.

The game’s creation features are where it opens up and becomes something special. The first “LittleBigPlanet’s” customization feature allowed the players to create platforming levels. “LBP2” allows players to create entire games — sports games, racers, even role-playing games.

There are so many tools and options available that the possibilities are quite literally endless. The player can customize the rules, game mechanics, and even the heads-up display. The impressive part is that it never seems overwhelming — the tools used to create levels and games are accessible and easy to use.

Of course, creating more complex games can be involving and time-consuming. However, the most rewarding part is taking your creation online, sharing and playing it with others.

This game changes, on a fundamental level, the nature of the relationship between a video game and its players.

“LittleBigPlanet 2” is both a top-tier game and one of the most powerful and user-friendly game-creation tools ever released on consoles.

Packed full of cleverness and charm, it is impossible not to love. It is like an adorable puppy — if that puppy was able to do trigonometry.