The beauty and allure of LittleBigPlanet is that the game provides the tools for anyone to create a level – and on a console, no less. A quick search through the pages in “Cool Levels” yields many brilliant and awe-inspiring designs. We all know about the guy who created a full working calculator and the fellow who made a level based on Gradius. Similarly, levels like “World of Colour”, “Jail Break”, and “Escape from Alcatraz” are so intricate and well designed, that they rival those that came with the game.

However, sharing virtual real estate with these shiny diamonds are the lesser gems – the dull, unpolished levels that leave many a player frustrated, confused, or just plain bored. Yes, anyone can create a level, but it doesn’t mean that you can just slap a bunch of random items together and expect awesomeness. Your level doesn’t have to become a YouTube sensation, but it’s important to put in the necessary time and effort to create one that a lot of people will enjoy playing and one to be proud of. So, without further ado, here are some tips on creating levels in LittleBigPlanet for the aspiring designer.

Provide a Goal

People like to have a goal when they’re playing a game, even if it’s paper-thin. Think of a story or theme. The stories in the pre-existing LittleBigPlanet levels aren’t exactly Shakespeare, but they make things more interesting. Perhaps you can create a level where the player is trapped in a haunted house, or rescue someone from a giant monster. However, even if you can’t or won’t come up with a story, at least have a theme. “World of Colour” has no story to it, but the color theme ties the whole level together nicely.

Skip the Copyrighted Material

A week ago, the ervers were bursting at its colorful seams with recreations of, or homages to, Batman, Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, God of War, Metal Gear Solid, and Mirror’s Edge. Today, many of these brilliant levels are conspicuously absent. It appears that these levels have angered the copyright gods, who smote them off the bright green cloth earth. Gaming blogs are currently abuzz over reports that levels are being deleted with no warning or explanation whatsoever. Regardless of your opinions of the subject, at least for the moment don’t put any Sonic stickers in your levels, don’t label it “God of War”, and don’t replicate level 1-1 from Super Mario Bros. Then again, you can always design your version of Dead Space and keep it offline, but where’s the fun in that?

Have a Plan

Designing your own level is no small undertaking, so it’s best to plan it out. What kinds of obstacles will you have? Where will random enemies go? Should you put the fiery pit before the rock slide, or vice versa? You’ll find that your level will flow better since you’re not just randomly putting in sections here and there. Plan it out on paper if you like, or use the Blueprint Creator at LittleBigWorkshop.

Reward People

There’s a reason why points and prizes exist in LittleBigPlanet: people like to receive rewards. It feels unsatisfying to play through a whole level, but have a score of 0 when you reach the scoreboard because there weren’t any point bubbles available. I’m not saying to go crazy and put in millions of point bubbles (though you’re welcome to), but at least put a few in. You say that your level is too short or simple? It doesn’t matter. Throw some point bubbles – and even prize bubbles if you like – around. Folks love to see them pop. But take it easy on the micro bubbles though, because large clusters of them can lock up a game.