Popov Factory
To do:
- Get information about Popov Factory's narrative.
- Creator curator:
- Provide high-quality sources about Dr. Jekyll's relation to Popov Factory.
- Get high-quality shot of Dr. Jekyll's model (for source).
| Popov Factory | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Game: | LittleBigPlanet 2 | ||||||||
| Creator: | Dr. Jekyll[note 1] | ||||||||
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Popov Factory[1] (also referred to as Popov's Factory[1]) was the third theme of LittleBigPlanet 2's story mode during early development, designed around vintage steam technology and industrialism.[2][1] Succeeded by the Factory Of A Better Tomorrow, its place in the story was written out, with existing concepts cut or merged.
Overview
In early pitches, Popov Factory was designed as the third story mode theme for LittleBigPlanet 2. Its name refers to the popovs, the main antagonistic faction that would later become the meanies. Popov Factory's theme was derived from early industrial steam-powered technology;[2] consistent with other themes initially planned for LittleBigPlanet 2, Popov Factory followed the design direction of "science through the ages".[1] Though less so early on, Popov Factory had thematic overlap with Victoria's Lab, which led to many elements from the prior theme being merged.
Described by soundtrack composer Kenneth Young, music direction for Popov Factory was designed after the theme's art direction, based around "punky, edgy, industrial" music.[1]
Popov Factory was developed through the greater part of 2009, receiving three revisions to its background model, as well as two costumes - Steam Sack and Aviatress. This would change in late 2009, as plans for LittleBigPlanet 2's story mode were condensed, and ideas that ran parallel between Popov Factory and Victoria's Lab were condensed to fit the latter theme. Popov Factory would be cut altogether and succeeded by the Factory Of A Better Tomorrow, which features a theme distinct from its predecessor.
Recovered data from the TGS 2009 Move demo build suggests that what was present in terms of story mode gameplay for Popov Factory existed in the form of test levels; among these is sack_machine_07, a set-piece created by developer Kengo Kurimoto. The level consists of a machine powered by cogs and steam that, as the name implies, emits sackbots onto a conveyor belt. Of note is that the level is apparently limited to assets available in the original LittleBigPlanet, making use of materials from the Metal Gear Solid Pack. Despite this, sack_machine_07 is otherwise consistent with motifs present in Popov Factory's concept art, and is among the closest recovered proof of level content created for the theme.
Creator curator
Dr. Jekyll was the creator curator of Popov Factory, later removed alongside his associated theme.[citation needed] A tin robot painted in formal attire and sporting a tall stovepipe hat, Dr. Jekyll's relation to Popov Factory is unknown, though artwork refers to him in an antagonistic tone. Parodying Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, concepts suggest that Dr. Jekyll was to exist alongside the alter ego of Monster Hyde.
According to an undated sketch, Clive Handforth was an established character alongside Dr. Jekyll. Unlike some aspects of Popov Factory that were retained in the final game, no remnants of Dr. Jekyll's character exist.
Concept art
Notes
- ↑ Incomplete name based on official sources.