In the run-up to the launch of the PlayStation 5 on November 19 (November 12 in some other parts of the world) and therefore also in the run-up to, for example, the launch game Sackboy: A Big Adventure, we were given the opportunity to discuss extensively with Ned Waterhouse. Ned is a designer at developer Sumo Digital, the maker of Sackboy: A Big Adventure.
Because the conversation took place in English and we want to give everyone the opportunity to read it, we translated Ned’s answers into Dutch.
Ask: Can you tell me how the idea for the game came about?
The team of LittleBigPlanet, the original game that Sackboy once started in, was looking for something new. More depth, which the team could give more substance to itself by focusing on Play (LitteBigPlanet was Play, Create, Share). Sackboy is and remains a real Sony mascot and deserved to get a new game of its own. By adding more depth as developers, even more variation could be added and it was also possible, for example, to add a very strong co-op to the game. Partly thanks to several new mechanics.
Ask: Wasn’t it difficult to let Create and Share go?
Since Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a really new game, it wasn’t difficult. And there is still a lot LittleBigPlanet in the game. For example, players of the earlier games will immediately recognize the very recognizable humor and the new very cool soundtrack also feels familiar. In addition, self-adaptation is not completely gone. You still have a lot of options to create your own character.
Ask: You just mentioned that co-op is an important part, is the game really made for this?
The game has been developed for both single and multiplayers. But some levels and experiences are best when you play together. And that can also be done in different ways this time. This way you can sit together on the couch, but also play via the internet. And for example, in teams of two from different locations, still play with four. You really do play together. For example, you have shared lives and a shared score. Although it is great fun to bother each other now and then, you need each other to make it to the end when you play together.
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Ask: Are there other games that have worked as an inspiration for Sackboy: A Big Adventure?
The biggest inspiration is LittleBigPlanet self. The whole team is a big fan of adventure games and loves the world of LBP.
Ask: How has the PlayStation 5 affected development?
It is important to mention that the game also comes out for the PS4! So there is nothing specially made for the PS5. But of course the PlayStation 5 does bring certain advantages. Consider, for example, the better graphics and the extremely fast SSD that makes the game run very smoothly. But of course also the DualSense controller. Especially when you use the triggers, you have the feeling that you are really grabbing something, for example.
Ask: What is your favorite part of Sackboy: A Big Adventure?
Ned couldn’t say anything about his favorite part, but he wanted to let go that it had something to do with music. His second most favorite part is a special challenge that can only be achieved by the real hardcore players. With only one life you will take on this challenge and by really having Sackboy under control you can complete this challenge!
Sackboy: A Big Adventure will be released in the Netherlands on November 19th, just like the PlayStation 5!
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