7 cert, Sony/Media Molocule, Playstation 3 *****

The term "time sponge" is sometimes bandied about for games, and for some titles it's pretty apt. Little Big Planet 2is more of a time-vaporiser. Hours will vanish before your eyes while you dabble in this game's numerous levels, or working on your own. Like its forbear, Little Big Planet 2works as both 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 Planetgames is the user-generated content. You develop your own level from scratch – make it sinister, make it twee, 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. Stephen Fry’s witty and warm voiceover again feels like the nicest teacher you never had.

Even if you don't like the level creation mode Little Big Planet 2is 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.