PS3 Review - Lost Planet 2

With all of its problems, thankfully something good came out of the game: Capcom’s MT Framework 2.0 advanced graphics engine. Where Lost Planet 2 truly shines is its exceptional visuals. Gorgeous environments and detailed characters exemplify the quality of the MT Framework game engine, which was also behind Resident Evil 5. What’s most impressive are the little visual touches, such as how spraying bullets in a dark area lights it up. Even when there is a lot going on during gameplay, the framerate never seems to drop and runs smoothly throughout. Also noticeable is the lighting, which vastly improves upon that of its predecessor.

Capcom has introduced 4-player co-op as well as the well-received competitive multiplayer from the first game. Online and even offline multiplayer is really where the main action is. Cooperative play is almost crucial in this game and is even more fun and rewarding when playing with live players. Competitive online action packs a lot of fun, and players can spend hours on end just playing against others on the massive maps. Especially considering there already is a downloadable map pack as well as Killzone 2 DLC arriving, Lost Planet 2’s multiplayer should keep bringing you back for more. However, unlike Resident Evil 5, if you want to play with a friend, your friend must have played up to the point you’re at already.

The music is also excellent, with suitable orchestration accentuating major moments in the game, although, it would would have been better if the epic music had been more present in the title, as several missions lack any music at all, leading to a more reticent and empty gameplay experience.

As in the first title, the controls are still frustrating and will take a lot of getting used to. Worse is the fact that you’ll sometimes encounter annoying tasks, such as continuously pressing the circle button for long bursts of time to activate data posts. Your patience will also be tested as you repeatedly sit in vital suits waiting for activation sequences.

Lost Planet 2 had massive potential, but unfortunately it came up short. You have to give credit to Capcom for trying, though, as a lot of care and effort clearly went into Lost Planet 2, but the many little problems which haven’t been addressed from its predecessor make Lost Planet 2 disappoint in many aspects. Lost Planet 2 literally tries to do everything a shooter should, but it doesn’t mean much when the game is plagued with minor issues and dull gameplay. Lost Planet 2 does have a few excellent qualities, with its intriguing and addictive multiplayer component, but the core issues detract from the overall experience.