In somewhat of a surprise announcement, Sony recently released the first trailer to LittleBigPlanet Karting, a charming Playstation 3 kart racer based in the LittleBigPlanet universe set to release sometime this year. Sony announced that United Front Games, developers of Playstation-exclusive kart racer ModNation Racers, will be handling LBP Karting’s development, while Media Molecule will continue to focus on main franchise LBP titles.

The short trailer showcases the traditional LittleBigPlanet aesthetic, along with splitscreen multiplayer races and battles, kart customization, and a glimpse into the different gameplay styles the game looks to offer. From initial trailer impressions, the game, expectedly, seems very similar to ModNation Racers; however, how different the two games will be remains to be seen.

According to Senior Producer at United Front Game James Grieve, the creation system looks to keep many of the same tools from the traditional LBP games while also adding to it to accommodate for the 3D and kart racing elements. Still, Grieves told the Playstation Blog that fans of the creation tools from the older games should feel comfortable with the creation in LBP Karting.

 “Our goal with LBP Karting has been fairly simple – provide a fast-paced experience that captures the best of classic karting gameplay, married with the unbridled creativity of LBP. This new adventure will be accessible to players of all ages and have all of the variety necessary to satisfy both the hardcore and more casual players.

This is an LBP game, so we could never talk about it without mentioning the Create tools. LBP Karting is set in an entirely 3D world that will enable players to create rich and varied gameplay experiences. Tons of familiar LBP gadgets will be present, along with a new toolbox specifically tailored to allow for building in LBP Karting’s 3D world. Along with fan-favorite racing and battle modes, players will be able to modify the rules of the game itself to create completely new modes and challenges. All of this is wrapped up in a community experience that should have LBP fans feeling right at home.” 

LBP Karting is one of two LittleBigPlanet releases set for this year, the other being LittleBigPlanet in development for the Playstation Vita, which is being developed by Tarsier and Double Eleven Studios. Be sure to keep an eye out for both titles as development passes.

Hit the jump to check out the LittleBigPlanet Karting trailer for yourself.

[Via Playstation Blog]

Discuss:

Do you think LittleBigPlanet Karting and ModNation Racers can coexist or will LBPK replace ModNation as Playstation’s preeminent kart racing franchise?