Lost Planet 2 preview

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition arrived during a period when the Xbox 360 was struggling for Japanese developer support and just like Dead Rising generally received positive reviews, but didnt set the charts alight. In financial terms the game was a modest success managing to shift 2.3 million units worldwide and generating enough interest to generate a sequel and thereby a return to the icy wasteland of E.D.N III.Lost Planet 2 takes place a decade after the conclusion of the original storyline. The ten years have resulted in a dramatic change in the E.D.N III landscape thanks to the use of terraforming technology, or in our book; global warming on a new scale. Gone is the frozen tundra and in its place we have a new set of environmental concerns as the human population have turned E.D.N III into another lush alien planet clone. Even at this stage Gamestyle has to admit that removing the icy setting is a brave move by Capcom, as this was a distinctive feature first time around.Such a move however does bring new opportunities, as the thaw has uncovered Amazonian forests and epic settings that the team looks sets to exploit thanks to Capcoms advanced graphic engine, MT Framework 2.0. Normally Gamestyle just exposes these graphic engines purely for their imaginative names, however Capcom is really highlighting this feature; being the first game to utilise this technological leap forward. When you arrive on E.D.N III the first port of call is a new clutch of characters, mainly snow pirates who are fighting to take control of the planet, whilst the bigger picture is the ongoing struggle for mankind. The storyline is split into six interconnected episodes and its promised that the content within each will vary depending on your actions and decisions. Customisation is a key addition this time around with players having the ability to create a signature look and define their character appearance offline and online. Coming from a Japanese developer we would expect to see an element of Mecha appreciation when designing the suits and Capcom havent missed a trick as many will be catered towards individual player styles of combat. The range of suits isnt the only feature to be expanded in Lost Planet 2, as its inhabitants can now call upon a huge assortment of weaponry. Outside of the main storyline Lost Planet 2 features a multiplayer mode that allows sixteen players to engage in a variety of scenarios. Team based options are promised with points being awarded for assisting colleagues and boosting your appearance on the leader boards. The option also exists for four-player co-op action that will reintroduce fan favourites such as the Vital Suits (that will require more than one crew member), and the opportunity to overcome foes such as the giant Akrid in true Phantasy Star Online teamwork. Lost Planet 2 may be heading towards a warmer climate but just like any good sequel the emphasis is on more action, larger explosions and bigger guns. The first few months of 2010 are already gathering several notable high profile titles, which is unusual so we are interested in seeing how Lost Planet 2 fares. Capcom will be planning on satisfying fans of the original but attracting a hole new host of players to E.D.N III.