Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

"Lost Planet: Bringing on the Heat"

Lost Planet is the type of game that once you get into it your going to have a hard time putting it down. From its addictive Multi-Player to it's fun Single-Player its is definitely one of the must-haves on the 360. This game is just another in Capcom's very successful run on the 360.

Graphics 10/10:
The game is just plain beautiful. From the snowy outside to the inside, to the dark and dreary inside all of it looks and flows very well. The snow falling sets the mood very well. Each of the weapons have there own effects and look amazing in action. Another thing the games graphics does well is explosions. They are extremely realistic and looks stunning, whether your on HD or not. Each of the enemies you have to fight throughout the game also look very good. In the single player there can be many foes on the screen at one time and virtually no lag is present. The bosses are amazingly detailed and looks great in action.

Sound 8/10:
The games soundtrack is somewhat lacking. Its not that its bad, but it really doesn't set the mood of the game that well. There are few songs that you will really want to play and most of the time I found myself playing over it with my own music. Even though the soundtrack isn't that great the grenades and gunfire are each very different and are very well done.

Story 6/10:
Another place where Lost Planet falls a little behind. The story basic follows a guy named Wayne who is saved by a group of Snow Pirates. He has a case of amnesia (don't all game characters...) and only remembers that name and that his father was killed by an alien named "Green Eyes". The story follows him as he fights along side the snow pirates that saved him. It wasn't that bad to watch, but it just wasn't that interesting. I found myself skipping over it here or there because I didn't really feel like watching it.

Controls 10/10:
Targeting in this game is a little different. Basically you use the right stick to control your gun's targeting and the left stick to control your characters movements. It comes off as a bit awkward at the beginning, but once you get used to it, it becomes very fun and easy to use. Wayne can also use a grappling hook which can hook on to any wall or ledge, by clicking the X button. It comes in handy a lot and is necessary in Multi-Player as well as Single-Player. In the game there are also mechs, called "VS", which you can board and blow things up. They are very easy to use and use the same aiming system as the guns. The "VS's" can also be customized by adding weapons to either side of the mechs, which comes in handy in many situations.

Gameplay/Foes: 9/10:
There are a lot of things to kill in the game. Your main foe at the beginning of the game are the "Akrid", but as the story progressing you are also forced to fight other bands of snow pirates as well as military like warriors called the "NEVEC". Each fight differently and are fun to kill and the AI is functions very well. A fun thing about the "Akrid" though is right before they are about to die, they turn into ice, which when shot shatters into lots of pieces. When enemies are killed they drop a source of energy known as "T-Energy". This "T-Energy" is necessary to operate the VS as well as heal after taking damage.

Bosses: 10/10:
The Boss Battles in this game are so good I believe they deserve there own section. At the end of each level you fight a boss, which in the end totals up to around 10 bosses. Each boss is completely different from the next and each level increases the difficulty of the boss. During most of the battles you usually fight in the VS, but you are free to leave it and fight on your feet. Each boss that you fight has its own weak spot which is usually visible. Luckily once you find that spot destroying the boss doesn't get much easier. The bosses each have their own set of attacks, but the pattern in which they use them depends on how you are currently playing. If they see something is working on you they usually do it a few more times to increase the effect of it. When you are beating them they may either run away or increase the speed of their attacks. In action it all plays out very well.

Multi-Player: 10/10:
The Multi-Player is probably the best part of Lost Planet. It is extremely addictive and easy to get into. It is very easy to jump in and play either a ranked or player match, using there simple room system. There is a level system, but it does not effect the game that much besides having different skins/models. There are many different game modes ranging from Elimination to Fugitive, and all of them are equally fun to play. There is little to no lag to be found online and up to 16 players from all over the world can be playing in the game at once. Even if you don't like the Single-Player I feel the Multi-Player is enough reason to buy the game.

Overall 9/10:
This game is amazing. The only thing that really keeps Lost Planet from getting a 10 is its lacking soundtrack and boring story. From the addictive Multi-Player to the intense boss fights it is very easy to find yourself Lost in Lost Planet.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/24/07