When Sackboy A Big Adventure was announced back in June earlier this year, I literally jumped for joy. I’ve been waiting for a proper platforming game starring the iconic PlayStation hero Sackboy and now my wishes have been answered.
Sackboy A Big Adventure is a brand new 3D platforming adventure from Sumo Digital for PS5 and PS4. Unlike LittleBigPlanet games, Sackboy A Big Adventure allows you to fully explore 3D open environments with up to three other players. Let’s take a look at what makes this game one of my top 10 favourite games of the year.
Sackboy A Big Adventure Details
Platform(s): PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4
Reviewed on: PlayStation 5
Developer(s): Sumo Digital
Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment
Genre: Platformer
Modes: Single-player, multiplayer
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Save Craftworld and rid the land of Vex and the horrible nightmares
The story in Sackboy is pretty standard fare but none the less interesting. Vex, a mythical being, kidnaps all of Sackboy’s friends from Craftworld. He forces Sackboy’s friends to help build a deadly device called the Topsy Turver. The device’s purpose is to transform Craftworld into a barren land of nightmares.
The only hope to save Craftworld is Sackboy, who fits the bill of a brave, fearless, chivalrous and gallant knight from a prophecy of the ancient order of the Knitted Knights. Setting off alone or with up to three other friends, your mission is to take down Vex, save your friends and rid Craftworld of the horrible nightmares.
Precise platforming controls and superb level designs
As I mentioned earlier, what makes Sackboy A Big Adventure different from previous games is that it is a fully 3D platforming game. I have to admit, as much as I enjoyed the LittleBigPlanet games, Sackboy’s “floaty” controls in those games were always a stumbling point. However, in Sackboy A Big Adventure, Sackboy now controls as precise and accurately as any of the Mario games on Nintendo consoles. It makes platforming so much more enjoyable.
Areas are split up into several different themes such as snow mountains, leafy jungles, underwater realms and space colonies. Sumo Digital deserves a round of applause on the game’s level designs. Each and every level is jam packed with things to see, do and collect. As a result, there is ample incentive to revisit levels to experience and collect everything it has to offer. And, each level has a certain amount of orbs to collect that go towards unlocking gates to reach the next area.
The amount of orbs you collect directly reflects on the special bell rewards you receive. As a result, the bells you earn allow you to purchase additional cosmetic outfits and accessories to give Sackboy a new look. In addition, there are obstacle courses called Knitted Knight challenges where you have the ability to earn even more orbs and bells. Furthermore, I found that the game’s difficulty perfectly ramps up and never reaches levels of frustration.
Spectacular visuals and a soundtrack that will have you dancing in your seat
Without a shadow of a doubt, Sackboy A Big Adventure is beautiful. It’s easy to see the power of the PS5 being used here to create visuals that not only look realistic but cute at the same time. The game runs at 4k and a rock solid 60 frames per second. From the lighting to the textures, the game’s unique art style has an undeniable charm that had me grinning from ear to ear.
Each and every level is bursting with detail and alive. I lost count of how many times I replayed levels simply to stop and admire the amazing amount of work that Sumo Digital put into this game. Trailers or gameplay clips simply do not do this game justice, it has to be seen to be truly appreciated.
Sumo Digital has made good use of the DualSense wireless controller. Walking through grass produces a slight buzz on the triggers and as you pull on cables in the ground, you feel resistance in the adaptive triggers.
In addition to spectacular visuals and good use of the DualSense, the game’s soundtrack is one my favourite of all time. There are several licensed tracks included that will have you singing along, tapping your foot, snapping your fingers and even making Sackboy on the screen dance around. It’s just another feather in the game’s cap that makes it a truly compelling experience. Furthermore, the voice talent in the game is top notch and retains the British je ne sais quoi that made the LittleBigPlanet games so good.
Local co-op multiplayer with online play slated by the end of 2020
One of the many reasons that I love this game is the multiplayer component. Currently it’s limited to local couch co-op. However, online play with cross play between PS5 and PS4 is planned before the end of 2020. Scattered throughout the journey are multiplayer only levels that require teamwork and innovation to complete.
As much fun as I had playing by myself, playing Sackboy A Big Adventure is oodles of fun with others. I am really looking forward to online play in the coming weeks.
Sackboy A Big Adventure is a platforming masterpiece that fans won’t want to miss
As you can see from reading my review, I am absolutely head over heels in love with Sackboy A Big Adventure on PS5. And, there are plenty of reasons too! From the amazing level design, to the beautiful graphics, to the game’s story, all the way to multiplayer fun.
Seeing this level of quality in a launch title is rare. Even after completing the game’s story, I continue to go back to play levels with my family and discover new things. I also really like that the game’s level of difficulty slowly ramps up and doesn’t throw everything at you at once. Sackboy A Big Adventure is a game that everyone from hardcore gamers to casual players will enjoy.
+ Beautiful graphics and a fantastic soundtrack
+ East to pick up and play gameplay
+ Good use of DualSense wireless controller
+ Fantastic level design with lots of hidden goodies to uncover
+ Local couch co-op with up to 3 other friends is fun
– No online multiplayer at launch
OVERALL ASSESSMENT OF SACKBOY A BIG ADVENTURE
Gameplay: 4.5/5
Graphics: 4.75/5
Sound: 5/5
Lasting Appeal/Replayability: 4.5/5
Overall Rating 4.7/5 (94%)
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What a massively positive review. The moment the Christmas season bills are paid, this is my next game! Thanks for the review, Jon. You haven’t been wrong about a game yet in my books!
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