The original Lost Planet packaged original gameplay and marvellous graphics into a fun, single-player action shooter. The story was a bit clich'ed, but that didn't matter because the main character had a grappling hook, for those hard-to-reach platforms, a huge arsenal of deadly weapons and access to Vital Suits - the game's silly, but apt, name for mech suits.
Yup, you could control a freakin' robot. The selection of Vital Suits on offer varied from plain, gun-equipped models, to those with rocket boosters and even a track-equipped tank model. Lost Planet even had fantastic multiplayer, though it was never quite as popular, having released at the same time as the Xbox 360 blockbuster, Gears of War.
A sequel would surely receive more attention, though. More suits, even better multiplayer and gorgeous graphics - all of these things seemed possible, given the three-year gap between the games.
Sadly, no. The graphics are about the same, not that this is a bad thing, but everything else is worse. Instead of a polished single-player campaign, the game was designed around a co-operative campaign, for online play. Those playing offline will have to put up with computer-controller team mates, who just ruin the experience completely.
There are fewer robot suits around, and those on offer don't feel substantial or capable of defeating the opposing forces singlehandedly. Even the normal guns and explosives lack punch, both visually and aurally.
Level design is average, but worst of all is the hodgepodge progression, and average story linking the different scenarios. It's a sad state of affairs.
If we'd gone in expecting nothing, and got this, it would just have been average. But given the first game's fun factor, Lost Planet 2 does something worse: it disappoints.
Reviewed by Christo van Gemert
In summary:
Rate: 63%
Best for: Casual and enthusiast gamers
Digital Life says: A dull, uninspiring sequel that doesn't do its heritage justice
Plus: Fun multiplayer; massive enemies
Minus: Everything feels a bit low-budget; average graphics; silly artificial intelligence
Contact: NuMetro Interactive - www.capcom.com
Price: R650
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