Lost Planet demo reaps rewards

Although on the surface Capcom’s Lost Planet seems largely similar to the version shown at Leipzig, there’s plenty more to appreciate beneath the crust. The game’s creators have been collating feedback from players at the Games Convention, plus comments from people who downloaded the Xbox Live demo. This marks exciting new territory, not just for Lost Planet but for all future Xbox 360 games.

So, in addition to a new multiplayer map staging four-versus-four team battles, we also got to try out new or enhanced gameplay features for Lost Planet at X06. The Snow Pirates can new engage their NEVEC enemy more effectively up close using melee attacks, such as a swift rifle butt to the jaw. The grappling hook has emerged as one of the most popular features from the Xbox Live Marketplace demo, and so Capcom has included more places to capitalise on its uses. It took us a few seconds to get used to all this, however, as the button configuration has been remapped to be more efficient – again in response to user comments. We were under pressure to adjust as the enemy A.I. has been improved too.

Given that Lost Planet isn’t due for release until next year, producer Jun Takeuchi (Onimusha, Resident Evil 5) has been questioned over the decision to show his hand so early on Xbox Live. Obviously the move has now been vindicated, and we think (we hope) that this will lead to more early previews of hot upcoming games, giving Xbox 360 gamers chance to make a difference.

Right, if you’ll excuse us we’re going back to see who’s the greatest in control of Lost Planet’s Vital Suits. What’s not to love about that armour-piercing chain gun?

• Lost Planet for Xbox 360
• Xbox Live
• Xbox Live Marketplace