Little Big Planet 2

PS3
Single player
Rs 2,499

This is less a game and more a time-vapouriser. Hours will vanish as you explore this game's numerous levels. Like its predecessor, Little Big Planet 2 works as both as an engaging platform game and as a game construction kit, but it builds on the original's fabulous idea.

Playing in story mode sets you up. You are Sackboy, a malleable little avatar in a 2D platform game. The levels are challenging little jaunts through outlandish worlds, whether you're avoiding cogs and chasms in a Jules Verne- style steampunk level, or dashing around a hot oven in a Willy Wonka-esque candyland.

The unique selling point of the Little Big Planet games is the user-generated content. You develop your own level from scratchu00a0-- make it sinister, make it sweet, but make it your own. This is daunting at first, with so many tutorials and choices, but you do get the hang of it.

There are now options to expand beyond the platform format, with the facility to make racers, puzzle games and 2D shooters.

Even if you don't like the level creation mode, Little Big Planet 2 is a vast and satisfying arcade-style game. I wish the load times were a little quicker and the story wasn't quite so flat, but those are minor complaints. It works both as a casual game with infinite content, and as the most sophisticated easel and canvas you'll ever own. Heartily recommended.