The Sony event was full of big video game reveals. It definitely felt like the plans Sony had for what would have been E3 in a different timeline. The presentation was packed to the brim with intriguing indies, beloved franchises, and what look to be new tentpole releases. Keeping in line with what makes a reveal showcase great, there were games for all audiences. For instance, Little Big Planet's Sackboy is stra༺ight-up playing the role of PlayStation's Mario.
Starting with a close-up of a fuzzy tiger, fans were treated to an introduction to a beautifully rendered Sackboy. The Little Big Planet star then unveiled the title of his PS5 game: Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
After that, viewers were treated to something that looks like one of the New Super Mario Bros. games. Instead of building levels, players will be taking Sackboy (and three other players in co-op) through colorful platforming levels. Sackboy can punch♚ and ju⭕mp on enemies, and must also avoid bottomless pits as he makes his way around the world. Again, it's basically Mario.
Not that there's anything wrong with making a family-friendly platformer. Nintendo doesn't have a monopoly on the genre. It does, however, seem a little strange to make a launch window game featuring Sackboy and NOT have the building elements. Maybe Sackboy: A Big Adventure will have some kind of level building, but the trailer and conspicuous absence of the Little Big Planet branding seems to suggest not.
On the other hand, perhaps this is Sony's attempt to see just how much of a mascot Sackboy can be. Mario has played many roles throughout his career - from referee to kart racer to dancer - that don't involve jumping around and saving Peach. If Sackboy proves a capable platforming star, perhaps he too can break away from his original genre and achieve greater fame. Only time, and Big Adventure's quality, will tell.
No release date was given for Sackboy: A Big Adventure, but it seems ready for launch. It wilᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚᩚ𒀱ᩚᩚᩚl probably be the family-friendly option for day one buyers.
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