Lost Planet 2

 Ive had this game for awhile now, and have read a lot of reviews about it as well. I had read about the numerous flaws that consumed the over-all experience for some people. But then there are those, like me, who found this game to be a lot more enjoyable than most sites like Gamespot and IGN let on. So here I am, ready to explain why this great (while flawed) shooter from Capcom was well worth my 60 dollars.

The story takes place after the events of the first game, where you follow the narrative of multiple factions in struggle of survival on the planet of E.D.N III. Thermal energy is scarce, and factions such as the snow pirates and NEVEC are fighting to harvest it. Meanwhile, a much larger threat arises when a sudden increase in Akrid activity occurs on the planet. From there, the factions inevitably join together to fight it.

The narrative can be confusing, especially since you switch between each of the factions stories so much. Even the this is a pretty hefty game, the story doesn't feel very complete. Weather or not you want to listen to the story doesn't matter, because you wont very much care for the characters or plot in such little time given to each. But for what its worth, the story does set up intense set points for both boss fights and interesting set piece battles, which is definitely worthy of some credit, but not much. 

If there is one area where Lost Planet 2 definitely deserves credit, it's in how much there is to do. On top of a lengthy campaign clocking in at 9 to 12 hours, there is also the option to do it cooperatively. Up to four people can join together in a room to play the entire campaign together, unfortunately though, you cannot join a game thats in session, which means you might have to wait awhile to play. When bored of the campaign, there is also a competitive multiplayer mode. Up to 16 people can join a match to play in many different modes, like death match, team death match, capture the flag, etc. It could hold your interests for awhile, depending on how much time you spend looking for a full room. All in all, it's a package that is worth the money at a local store.

And I haven't even mentioned the numerous customization options. In Lost Planet 2, you are able to fully design your character with weapons and armor to use in both competitive multiplayer and the campaign. the flaw with this system is how you actually obtain this stuff. When you complete a chapter within each of the episodes (6) in the campaign, you are given credits to spend at a slot machine to obtain items, yes, a slot machine. Thanks to a recent update, obtaining credits is much easier now than it was before, so before you know it, most all of the items will be unlocked for you to use, so it isn't a hassle if you want to jump into the head to head component.

To sum up the design of Lost Planet 2's in one word, it would be: Puzzling.
The game, as mentioned earlier, is split into 6 episodes, each having 3 or 4 chapters in each episode. Each episode takes place between each of the main factions. With every episode, the game introduces a new setting and threat. This all sounds fine, but when you dig deep into it, you'll find that Lost Planet 2's mission design can be both brilliant, and frustrating. Most missions in the game take place on dry land, where you fight various enemies, humans and aliens alike. Where this game fails most is in its human AI. The humans in this game that aren't you or the buddies you are playing with are, to put it bluntly, retarded. When the aren't just standing around, they are either wandering around aimlessly, or firing at walls, it's ridiculous. The Akrid, on the other hand, are very smart, which easily make the parts in which you are fighting the Akrid much more interesting. As far as checkpoints are concerned, they are either well placed, or placed right in front of the enemy for what ever reason. It's never a huge issue, but it's one of Lost Planet 2's numerous (but small) nit-picks. As for the mission design, it's also hit and miss. Most of the set piece moments in this game are tense and fun, especially with a friend or two. But there is one stage that does have quite a few weired problems, and that is the infamous train stage.This stage can feel cheap and unexplanatory, but thats because it is, at least the first time through it. This is where I must state that this games fun value ultimately depends on how you play it. You might be saying to yourself "Why should I have to change the way I play it just because this game is to lazy to change itself for me?" well, I'd say it's because that way it becomes a truly satisfying experience. Like I said, the design is hit and miss.

Lost Planet 2 plays very much like its predecessor, for better or worse. Gun play is just like the first, where you can hold any two weapons and a type of grenade. Whats added to the equation is the amount of customization added to the package. As I previously stated, your customization options are included in all play modes which allow you to tool with the array of weapons at your disposal. Each weapon rightfully has its own traits and hold backs.The main problem with these weapons is that the balancing is all over the place. But thats nothing when compared to the biggest problem in Lost Planet 2, and that is the difficulty. This game is too challenging to a fault, and what I mean by that is that this game can be really cheap. If its not the constant knock-back thats causing you aggravation, it will definitely be the cheap deaths that occur because of its unfair nature. You might be thinking that I really hate playing this, but quite the contrary, actually.

This is one of the funnest TPS's I've played.

The Lost Planet series has some of the quickest, most frenetic gameplay I've ever experienced. Playing this game requires patients, and if you have some, this game will provide very satisfying highs. The customization provides everybody a favorite way to blow everything up. The destructive nature of this game, while sometimes cheap, is more fun than not. Weather you are piloting a powerful V.S or on foot with a Gun-Sword SP, killing stuff feels very rewarding. I'd even draw comparisons from this game to Capcom's other hit series, Monster Hunter. You're out to find a powerful boss while on your way there, killing other beasts that want nothing more than to see you dead in the forest. Sure, there are a lot of small flaws to Lost Planet 2's core gameplay, but if you stop to realize that this is an imperfect game, you will enjoy this to the fullest, as I did. 8/10

I'm sure you have seen in game footage of this game to see by now that the world of E.D.N. III is a beautiful one.The design of the V.S suits and the Akrid is highly detailed and very fleshed out. I think the second best part of the presentation is the lighting. While it might not create the best looking shadows (in fact, they look as ugly as the ones found in Devil May Cry 4) it does make all of the environments shine with a realistic glow. The music is easily my favorite aspect. Each song preformed gives off a very epic feel that is both dramatic and beautiful. Even though the voice acting and character design are sub-par, its still quite fascinating, and it goes to show that beauty can exsist in a video game. 9/10

This is a solid game that can be enjoyed if played with an open mind. There is a lot to do in Lost Planet 2, but not without its small problems. I highly recommend this game to sci-fi action fans and TPS fans.     
 
NOTE: This is a review from my profile @ gamespot.com