Mike Bantick
Tuesday, 16 January 2007 16:51
Opinion and Analysis
Page 1 of 2
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition
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Developer: |
CAPCOM
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| Publisher: |
Activision
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| Rating: |
M |
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| Xbox 360
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This title has been held up against the Xbox 360 monster franchises of Halo and Gears of War. Does this new shooter from people that brought you Dead Rising stand up?
It is lone warrior time again, as you take on the role of Wayne, a slightly amnesic young soldier you take on the snow pirates, indigenous Akrid as well as the elements of colony world EDN III.
Let us skip the rather predictable story of memory restoration and revenge and go straight to the game play elements that allow Lost Planet to stand out from others of its ilk.
First there is the obvious slow movement in third person of the character, and obvious derivation of the Dead Rising animations. Of course we are mostly ploughing through the deep snow of this ice world. Movement is greatly enhanced by a short fire grappling hook enabling Wayne to get to out of the way portions of the mission map.
This is important as some mission maps have a definite linear feel without the ability to explore.
Snow pirates’ opponents are able to don semi mech type armour called Vital Suits are reasonably dim witted enemy to deal with, but do provide some opportunity to adopt different strategies to those offered by the alien inhabitants. Of course, jumping into your own Vital Suit when given the chance is a must.
Speaking of the Akrid, these starship trooper inspired bugs provide wonderful visual fodder for the many weapons you find scattered around EDN III. From a style perspective, the Akrid range from little critters to screen filling boss monsters. Yet unlike many similar sci-fi shooters, the Akrid feel like a race, with similar insectoid designs across the range.
One major game play twist and comment on presentation follow on page 2
