Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3
Dev: Media Molecule
Pub: SCE
Release: December 14, 2010
Players: 1-2
Screen Resolution: 480p-1080p

The Move controller is most often used to manipulate the environment so that Sackboy can continue on his quest forward. Sometimes a tongue can be yanked out of a dinosaur's mouth (causing the head to shoot upward and launch Sackboy up); other times it can affect volcanoes. There are dozens of possibilities. This makes it an engaging experience when coupled with another player. The two people have to communicate and work together to get through the level. Although it's never anything super complicated, it's sure to induce some laughter and good times when you're trying to get the precise timing down.

Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves Screenshot

As we've become accustomed to with the LittleBigPlanet series, the level design and visual aesthetic are spectacular. It's a joy to romp through these levels and see what concoctions the level designers have cooked up. These sorts of theme packs offer a stark contrast to the often very eclectic nature of the proper LittleBigPlanet games, and I enjoy the change of pace.

Sony still has quite a bit of work left to do with its PlayStation Move brand though. This kind of effort won't sell peripherals. It's wonderfully adorable that Sony wanted to release this game to honor a promise they made, but outside of the LittleBigPlanet community, this effort isn't going to sate the desires of Move buyers. Millions of people have laid down a considerable sum of money on the PlayStation Move, and sooner or later Sony needs to show their consumers that they've got marquis games being developed for the system.

The backwards Move compatibility for games like Resident Evil 5 ensured that gamers would have quality Move games to play on launch day, but that time has long since passed. Sony needs to bring its fan-favorite characters and series to the system, and not just in these small packs. People who bought Move were expecting Sony to put their full force behind the system, and so far we haven't seen that happen. When Sony doesn't show off their best games for the system, it displays a lack of confidence in the product (real or imagined). And if Sony doesn't believe in the peripheral, why should we?

Whatever your feelings on the PlayStation Move, Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves is a decent, if extremely brief, little adventure. Its coop play is new and innovative, but unless you're a die-hard Sackboy fan, then you'll likely be pretty turned off by how quickly the adventure ends. Other than that, this is Sackboy as you always knew him. He's got a few tricks up his sleeve, but other than that he's still the guy we know and love.

By Andrew Groen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
The new dinosaur-ridden aesthetic is a lot of fun, but it still feels just like the first LBP.

4.0

Control
You'll need a second person to pilot the Move controls, but otherwise Sackboy controls like a dream.

4.2

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
LittleBigPlanet became well-known for its awesome soundtrack, and this game is no different.

2.5

Play Value
There's some fun to be had here, but even the most fervent LBP fan will be a little put off by how little content there is. It's a fun game, but it's over before you can blink.

3.5

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Journey back to the stone age to help Sackboy!

Play with a friend using the PlayStation Move camera and controller.

Fantastic new levels and art design full of dinosaurs and caves!