Little Big Planet Karting PlayStation 3 Review

Handling is what really makes or break a racer for me, not only does a karting game need to be accessible for a younger audience, but it also needs a little refinement and skill to master for those that love a bit of competitive multiplayer. The main line LBP series is known for its loose and accessible controls, there is none of the speed and precision found in other platform titles like Mario or Sonic and instead the game was always more about the creative level experience. The same is fortunately not true here and the control scheme of LBP Karting is not unlike the other modern favourite (Mario, Sega All Star).

It features all a responsive handling system and one of my personal favourite things in kart games, the jump/drift which can be held almost indefinitely with a little practice, something that classic Mario Kart fans will be more than familiar with.

There is plenty of progression in the game too, while the bulk of the content really can come from the online community creations there are still plenty of great tracks that see you re-visit the landscapes and themes of the previous two platforming titles. The same exploration formula that proved popular in the other two games has also made its way to the race track. There is still reason to drive around the track looking for hidden items, collect bubbles and by doing so you unlock countless customization parts for both your car, the tracks and your sack boy.

Weapons also play a big part here too, although I can’t think of a karting game that didn’t feature them in some form or another. All the usual classics have be re-imagined slightly so not to bother the copyright people. But rocket launchers, bumblebees and traps will see you annoying your fellow racers in no time.