Whilst checking my Xbox library after this game won SuperPod Saga’s April game club I was surprised to find not only Lost planet 2 and 3 on my hard drive; but moreover the fact that the first entry was not present. Booting up Lost Planet: Extreme Condition on the Xbox Series X, I was struck by a wave of nostalgia mixed with a tinge of expectation. Originally released for the Xbox 360, this sci-fi shooter promised a frostbitten adventure on an alien world, and while it still delivers in some aspects, its age shows in others.
Story: The narrative follows Wayne, a rugged protagonist battling both the hostile environment of the planet E.D.N. III and the ruthless Akrid creatures inhabiting it. His quest for vengeance and discovery is compelling, but the storytelling feels dated compared to modern standards. What is sold as a game throwing the main character into isolation and the anticipated promise of fighting an ungodly amount of twisted and Lovecraftian creatures fell short in the second and third acts with the Mech battles and the human conflict taking the forefront of both story and gameplay – loosing what drew me to the game in the first place.
Gameplay: The core gameplay loop of battling Akrid while managing thermal energy reserves was an engaging mechanic, putting a time limit and a sense of urgency to each level however also being quite plentiful once you knew where to find the thermal energy points. The use of Vital Suits adds depth to combat, offering a variety of mech-based strategies. However, the controls feel clunky by today's standards, and the lack of modern conveniences like a waypoint system and the short range of Wayne’s grappling hook can lead to frustration, especially for newcomers.
Graphics: While the game received a visual boost on the Xbox Series X through improved resolution and frame rates, it's clear that the game struggles to keep up with contemporary titles. Character models and environments were of the time. Despite this, the frozen landscapes of E.D.N. III still possess a certain charm.
Sound : The audio design holds up surprisingly well, with atmospheric soundscapes enhancing the sense of isolation and danger. Weapon sounds pack a punch, and the soundtrack, while somewhat repetitive, sets the tone for the frozen frontier of the game's setting.
Overall Playability Today: Lost Planet: Extreme Condition offers a nostalgic trip back to the early days of the Xbox 360 era, but its age is unmistakable. While fans of the original may find enjoyment in revisiting this classic, newcomers might struggle to overlook its outdated mechanics and presentation. However, for those seeking a retro gaming experience or a dose of nostalgia, it still provides some solid entertainment.
