Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (2006)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is a third-person action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. It was released in Japan in December 2006, and in North America and Europe in January 2007. The game is set on the fictional planet E.D.N. III, a frozen wasteland inhabited by hostile alien creatures called Akrid. Players take control of Wayne Holden, a member of a group of colonists known as the Snow Pirates, who are fighting to survive on the planet and find a way to return to Earth.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is played from a third-person perspective, with players able to switch to a first-person view at any time. Players can either travel on foot or pilot a variety of mechanized suits called Vital Suits (VSs). VSs are heavily armed and can carry multiple weapons, including chainguns, rocket launchers, and flamethrowers. Players can also pick up weapons lying on the ground and use them on foot.

One of the unique features of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is its thermal energy system. The planet’s cold temperature causes the characters’ thermal energy level to continually decrease. Players must defeat enemies or activate data posts to replenish their thermal energy level. If a character’s thermal energy level drops too low, they will freeze to death.

The game’s campaign consists of 11 levels, each of which is accompanied by a boss fight. Bosses can be either VSs or large Akrid creatures. Players must use a variety of strategies to defeat bosses, including using the environment to their advantage and exploiting the bosses’ weaknesses.

In addition to the campaign, Lost Planet: Extreme Condition also features a multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode supports up to 16 players and includes a variety of game modes, such as deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag. Players can also customize their characters and VSs in the multiplayer mode.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic boss battles. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

Gameplay

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is a third-person action-adventure game with a strong focus on combat. Players can either travel on foot or pilot a variety of Vital Suits (VSs). VSs are heavily armed and can carry multiple weapons, including chainguns, rocket launchers, and flamethrowers. Players can also pick up weapons lying on the ground and use them on foot.

One of the unique features of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is its thermal energy system. The planet’s cold temperature causes the characters’ thermal energy level to continually decrease. Players must defeat enemies or activate data posts to replenish their thermal energy level. If a character’s thermal energy level drops too low, they will freeze to death.

The game’s campaign consists of 11 levels, each of which is accompanied by a boss fight. Bosses can be either VSs or large Akrid creatures. Players must use a variety of strategies to defeat bosses, including using the environment to their advantage and exploiting the bosses’ weaknesses.

In addition to the campaign, Lost Planet: Extreme Condition also features a multiplayer mode. The multiplayer mode supports up to 16 players and includes a variety of game modes, such as deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag. Players can also customize their characters and VSs in the multiplayer mode.

Setting

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is set on the fictional planet E.D.N. III, a frozen wasteland inhabited by hostile alien creatures called Akrid. The planet is covered in snow and ice, and the temperature is constantly below freezing. The Akrid are a diverse group of creatures, ranging from small, insect-like creatures to massive, dinosaur-like beasts.

The game’s story follows Wayne Holden, a member of a group of colonists known as the Snow Pirates. The Snow Pirates are fighting to survive on the planet and find a way to return to Earth. They are opposed by the Neo-Venus Corporation, a powerful megacorporation that is exploiting the planet’s resources.

Characters

  • Wayne Holden: The protagonist of the game, Wayne is a member of the Snow Pirates. He is a skilled pilot and a fearless fighter.
  • Gaia: A young woman who is the leader of the Snow Pirates. She is a brilliant strategist and a skilled fighter.
  • Jim Peyton: A veteran Snow Pirate who is a close friend of Wayne. He is a skilled engineer and a loyal comrade.
  • Sergei: A Russian Snow Pirate who is a skilled sniper. He is a quiet and reserved man, but he is a deadly shot.
  • Maria: A Snow Pirate who is a skilled medic. She is a kind and compassionate woman, but she is also a fierce fighter.

Reception

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition was a critical and commercial success. The game received praise for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic boss battles. It was also a commercial success, selling over 2 million copies worldwide.

The game was nominated for several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2007 Golden Joystick Awards. It also won the award for Best Graphics at the 2007 IGN Best of E3 Awards.

Legacy

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition is considered to be one of the best third-person action-adventure games of its generation. It was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and epic boss battles. The game has also been credited with helping to popularize the use of Vital Suits in video games.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition has spawned two sequels, Lost Planet 2 (2010) and Lost Planet 3 (2013). The sequels have received mixed reviews, but they have both been praised for their innovative gameplay and stunning graphics.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

Profile photo of Christopher

Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept Read More