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Set sometime in the future, Lost Planet casts you in the role of a soldier suffering from amnesia stuck in a frozen world. To make matters worse, a group of aliens, known as the Akrid (or Green Eyes, as they are known by the locals), have invaded the planet, forcing the few remaining humans to band together in small groups. Your only memory is of an Akrid killing your father, leading you to hook up with a group of pirates in search of revenge. Of course, things with the pirates aren’t that great – so you’ll find yourself fending off rivals as much as you will aliens.
Action in Lost Planet rides the fence between a 3rd-person action game and a mech game. At different parts of the game, you’ll find yourself running through snow-covered streets and in dark corridors all the while stomping out Akrid nests and fighting off other pirates. As you explore the area, you’ll come across a variety of weapons, some of which are used to power up your Vital Suit, or VS, a giant exoskeleton.
While on foot, your main weapon is a machine gun and some grenades. As you kill them, they’ll drop bits of orange thermal energy, which act as health. One of the catches to Lost Planet is that since you’re on a frozen planet, your health is constantly dropping because of the freezing conditions. At first it sounds like a stupid idea, but enemies aren’t in short supply, so there’s always health available (provided you’re not a complete dolt when it comes to combat). So far, most combat seems to take place in cramped areas, though you’ll see your fair share of outdoor environments as well – especially when using a VS.
As you would expect, playing while in a mech is a slightly different experience than on foot. The biggest difference is the VS’s boosters, which allow a little more upward mobility, and guns that can move independently of each other, giving you better range. Another cool aspect is that if you find that you have to traverse an area where the VS simply won’t fit, you can remove one of the mech’s mounted guns and use it (in addition to your machine gun). Guns can also be attached to other mechs, lending a bit of customization.
When not facing off against bugs, you’ll also find resistance in the form of pirates who are also trying to make the best of the frozen climate. Going up against pirates offers a completely different challenge than when going against bugs. What they lack in speed and numbers they make up for with firepower and tactics. Pirates have access to all of the weapons you have, including their own suits, so expect to see yourself on the other end of the VS’s independently firing guns.
Visually, Lost Planet is one of the more impressive looking 360 games shown so far. Levels are giant and filled with all the little touches, like falling snow and wind, that help bring a game to life. Even small details, like machine parts, are completely animated and have a good feel to them.
Overall, Lost Planet is shaping up quite nicely. Combat is fast-paced and extremely fun. Besides, who doesn’t like jumping behind the controls of a mech and stomping out some bugs? Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is set for release early next year. |
