GAME
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition

Format: Xbox 360
Capcom
£49.99

Age Restrictions: 16+
Available
12 January 2007


Set within the merciless frozen tundra of a hostile planet, humans struggle for survival as conflicts arise between man, the surrounding indigenous creatures and the monstrous beings that have invaded. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle the menacing invaders during blistering weather conditions throughout vast snow fields and deserted cities...

In Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, human snow pirates navigate VS (Vital Suits) through hostile ice-covered environments, fighting against the indigenous Akrid creatures for the precious thermal energy they need to survive. For one such pilot named Wayne, death almost seemed imminent until he was fortunately rescued. However, he can only remember a few fragments of his past including the slaying of his father by the monstrous beings. Yet under the veil of ice, a devious plan has been set into motion for the termination of all Akrid and snow pirates alike. What really happened to Wayne? Who is plotting the destructive scheme? Encounter valuable allies and dangerous enemies on Wayne's search for the truth.

What impressed me most about the game play was that in the opening few minutes you face off against a beast that most games have as the final boss. And this is just the start of your problems. Constantly being pitted against enemies with a pretty high level of AI (although you can out fox the rolling beasties by jumping off the cliff and saving yourself at the last minute with your grappling hook) helps to keep you glued to the screen. Level after level brings surprise after surprise as you are pitted against more and more difficult aliens.

On the negative side it can be a little frustrating trying to kill beasts that don't want to die - I'm thinking here of the huge snow worms that you encounter. Getting around to their sides in order to destroy their glowing spots (this is the common weak spot of all the aliens you encounter) is not easy and if you are in the wrong place for too long they will lunge at you and bite you in half instantly. This seems a little unfair, but in truth works well - as it ensures that you never let your guard down for a second. It also brings a great sense of achievement once you finally destroy them. To be honest though, you can avoid quite a lot of the creatures, but if you do that then the game can probably be finished in a lazy weekend.

Capcom has also produced a Collector's Edition. For the same price you can own the game in metal tin packaging as well as get a whole heap of extras. We only received the standard version for review, but the Collector's Edition includes: An exclusive bonus multiplayer map; exclusive art book with concept sketches from all stages of development including character renders, VS renders and enemy art; soundtrack of select songs from the game; fan kit assets for gamers to create their own Lost Planet websites; action packed videos and trailers; wallpapers, AIM icons, board icons and signature banners; and digital art files including screens, character art and environment shots.

The variety of beasts you encounter, along with the numerous vehicles and heavy weapons make Lost Planet a game that you are bound to come back to time and time again. There is no lukewarm response from this reviewer - Lost Planet is hot stuff.

Nick Smithson

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£39.99 (Amazon.co.uk)
Standard Edition

   
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£39.99 (Amazon.co.uk)
Limited Edition Steel Case
   
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£39.99 (Play.com)
Standard Edition
   
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£44.99 (Play.com)
Limited Edition Steel Case
   
£39.99 (HMV.co.uk)
Standard Edition
   
£44.99 (HMV.co.uk)
Limited Edition Steel Case
   
£49.99 (Game.co.uk)
Standard Edition
   
£49.99 (Game.co.uk)
Limited Edition Steel Case
   
£49.99 (WHSmith.co.uk)
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£39.89 (Sendit.com)
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£39.89 (Sendit.com)
Limited Edition Steel Case
   

£40.89 (Thehut.com)
Limited Edition Steel Case

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