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European PSN releases for April 22
There's a whole gang of playable content to get excited about in this week's European PSN update, such as Lead and Gold, After Burner Climax, the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo and UNO on the PSP. However, we'd make a strong case that the highlight of this most recent batch of additions isn't playable at all. We're speaking, of course, of the Sonic The Hedgehog comic from Archie Comics. Think we're joking? Look, right there, on the cover: "The World's Most Way Past Cool Comic!" How can you say no to that? Choose your platform to view the corresponding release list: (Note: Continue past the break to view both release lists.)
PSA: Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo available for all Gold subscribers
Previously available only as a gift from Capcom or embedded inside blocks of ice, the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo is now accessible to all on Xbox Live Gold subscribers (it is multiplayer demo, after all). The demo allows up to 16 players to go at it on the game's Turbulent Jungle map. Two different game modes are available: Elimination and Post Grab, both of which were also seen in the original Lost Planet. Lost Planet 2's multiplayer showed promise when we took it for a spin last month, so be sure to give the demo a try. And don't forget, grabbing the demo goes toward a good cause. Xbox.com: Add Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo to your Xbox 360 download queue
Pair of Lost Planet 2 multiplayer maps to be GameStop pre-order bonus
Click to enlarge During its Captivate 2010 media event last week, Capcom revealed two additional multiplayer maps for Lost Planet 2. On top of the 10 maps included on the game disc, this pair of DLC maps will be used as a pre-order incentive (apparently exclusive to GameStop) and will also be made available for all owners of the game to purchase at an unspecified point in time after the game's release. The maps, "Helix" (pictured above) and "Back to the Island," are (according to G4) said to feature the ability to swim (well, tread water, at least) with the former taking place underwater at the NEVEC ocean research facility. The latter, a remake of a map from the original game, sounds like it starts off on the beach of Island 902, carries on into the jungle, and then eventually winds up underground after players open a mysterious hatch. It's a lost planet, after all. %Gallery-91178%
Lost Planet beta codes frozen in blocks of ice
Viral marketing is a strange beast. Example: Over the weekend, Capcom delivered several blocks of ice to eight different US cities. The catch: Each block of ice contained Lost Planet 2 merchandise and a code to get into the online multiplayer beta. The event went down this Saturday, so we're guessing that all the blocks have been found or have melted by now. Thankfully, the internet, in its unrelenting vigilance, has chronicled the event for all time. After the break, witness a small child do his damnedest to release his prize from its icy prison. [Via That Girl's Site; Image: DJClicheDarknes]
Lost Planet 2 getting guest characters from Dead Rising, Monster Hunter
[Famitsu] A handful of Lost Planet 2 screenshots from Famitsu have revealed the game will borrow the stars of two more franchises: Frank West from Dead Rising and the Scaly Knife-Gun Dude from Monster Hunter, the latter being exclusive to the PS3 version of the game. For those of you keeping track, these two join Gears of War's Marcus and Dom (who will only appear in the 360 version), Resident Evil's Wesker, and What's His Face from Lost Planet 2 in the fight against the calamitous, towering Akrid. Though most of these crossovers seem pretty out of place, we're betting the dude from Monster Hunter will be right at home bringing down monsters the size of football stadiums. That kind of thing is right in his wheelhouse.
Hands-on: Lost Planet 2 (single player)
I enjoyed the original Lost Planet, but I wouldn't call myself a fan. The third-person shooting was vanilla at best and frustrating at worst. The story and characters were forgettable -- really, do you remember any of it? But man, those bugs. The giant bugs and beasties, known as Akrid, were the reason to play Lost Planet. I'm no scientist, so I can only postulate that somewhere, deep within the gamer's brain, there's a pleasure center dedicated solely to the destruction of glowing, orange weak points. After playing through the first three "episodes" of Lost Planet 2 -- each split into several chapters -- the game seems to strike most of the same chords as the original. The formula hasn't changed much; the combat is exactly the same; and there's no real story to speak of -- the characters don't even have names! The only notable changes in the sequel are the additions of four-player co-op and a few, much larger Akrid. Unfortunately, I can't say whether co-op makes for an engaging gameplay experience or not, as I was unable to test it out. What I can tell you is that co-op is bound to be better than playing alone, because that isn't very fun at all. As for the bigger baddies? I'm not sure bigger is necessarily better. %Gallery-45837%
Capcom announces Lost Planet 2 demo charity program
Sure, you're probably excited to download the Lost Planet 2 demo so you can actually play the game, but did you know it will also help a good cause? Capcom has announced a new program that will see the company donate $20,000 to Music for Relief -- a non-profit organization "dedicated to providing aid to victims of natural disasters and the prevention of such disasters" -- if one million players download the Lost Planet 2 demo. If a total of 1.5 million download the demo, Capcom will donate an additional $5,000 for a total of $25,000. In addition, Capcom will be hosting a pre-launch Lost Planet 2 party and "celebrity" tournament on May 6 in Los Angeles. Gamers will be able to sign up to attend the event -- on a first come, first serve basis -- on Capcom-Unity later this month. To win a chance to play in the tournament, however, players will have to submit tips for playing the multiplayer demo. Four winners will be chosen by Capcom to attend the tournament. The winners of the tournament will get to choose which Music for Relief cause will receive the money Capcom. Full details on the contest can be found right here. So, get crackin' and grab your early access demo redemption code. It just might do someone some good.
Japanese Lost Planet 2 Xbox bundle includes USB drive
Microsoft is putting forth its best effort in the hope that Japanese consumers who want to play Lost Planet 2 won't just buy it for the PS3, which they already own. The company has announced a Lost Planet 2 Xbox 360 bundle, to be released May 20 for ¥24,800 ($265) in Japan. The set includes a 60GB Xbox 360 with a D-connector HD cable, the game and a headset. It'll also include bonus Lost Planet content -- on a 2GB USB stick; taking advantage of the new Dashboard update that allows such drives to be used as 360 storage devices! This bonus seems destined to become a standard for special-edition Xbox 360 bundles.
Joyswag: Get into the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer beta
Do you want early access to the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer beta? We're giving away codes -- ten for Xbox 360 owners and ten for PS3 owners -- to get early access to Capcom's upcoming online shooter. How do you enter? Simply join our Facebook page. Then, check the page beginning around 5PM ET for the entry form post. Once it's live, leave a comment on the Facebook post to enter the giveaway. Commenting on this post will NOT earn you an entry! To enter this giveaway: Join the Joystiq fan page on Facebook. At around 5PM ET, leave a comment on the entry form. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec). Limit 1 entry per person. The entry period ends at 5:30PM ET on Wednesday, March 31. At that time, we'll select 20 winners from the eligible commenters to receive a code for either the PS3 or Xbox 360 version of the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer beta. Prize has no cash value. Make sure your privacy settings allow for direct messages to receive a code. For a list of complete rules, click here. What is Joyswag? Since we don't keep the games and merchandise we receive for review or promotional purposes, it becomes "Joyswag," which is passed along to our readers. Please note that Joyswag may be in "used" condition. For more info on our policy, click here.
Lost Planet 2 demo contains exclusive weapon usable in retail version
While previewing the competitive multiplayer mode of Lost Planet 2 yesterday, we confirmed with Capcom that the game's multiplayer demo (available now to some) will feature an exclusive weapon, the "MG SP," which will carry over to the final retail version of the game on Xbox 360 and PS3, provided there's a save file from the demo on the system. Playing the demo will be the only way to unlock the gun. A Capcom representative said the MG SP could stagger opponents with a single shot and prevent them from squeezing off shots of their own with subsequent hits -- sounds useful. As if you needed any more incentive to try the free demo.
Hands-on: Lost Planet 2 multiplayer
In advance of the April 21 and 22 releases of the Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network, respectively, I got in a few rounds of multiplayer on 4 of the game's maps yesterday; one of which will be playable in the demo. The map, "Turbulent Jungle," was my favorite of the bunch. Before dropping into a match, I scoped out the various character customization screens in the build I was playing. When you fire up the game for the first time you'll be prompted to create your own character, which will be used in both the campaign (which supports single-player and co-op play) and in multiplayer. Everything you unlock, earn or otherwise collect in either portion of the game will carry over to the other. Trick out a particular weapon in online multiplayer and it'll be ready for use in single player. %Gallery-89373%
Lost Planet 2 trailers transform into view
The official site for Capcom's Lost Planet 2 has updated with a pair of fresh trailers highlighting the bulky mechanical monsters the inhabitants of E.D.N. III use to get around. And to blow stuff up. And to look badass in while techno music plays in the background. And -- OK, the joke has run its course. After checking out the above trailer, be sure to head past the break for a shorter, more refined look at those transforming Vital Suits -- unless your name is Kyle Reese, in which case we understand if you're not down with anything robotic.
Lost Planet 2 early access demo codes available now
Last week, Capcom promised that its "most avid fans" would have a chance to receive early access to the upcoming Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo. Now, the company has made good on that promise, offering up codes for both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of the demo. Of course, there is a catch, albeit a small one. In order to redeem a free code, you'll have to sign up for an account on the Lost Planet community site which, in turn, requires a Capcom-Unity membership as well. Once you've joined Capcom-Unity, simply head over to this address, sign up for the community site and you'll receive a code for your preferred version of the demo. Keep in mind that the code won't work until March 31. Also, if you have trouble signing up or if you don't want to go through the trouble, keep your eye on Joystiq because we'll be giving away some codes of our own very soon.
Lost Planet 2 multiplayer demo in April, retail release now May 11
Capcom has announced that a multiplayer demo for Lost Planet 2 will arrive on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network on April 21 and 22, respectively. The demo will feature the Turbulent Jungle map and allow up to 16 players to duke it out online and track their stats. If you'd rather not wait until late April, Capcom has also announced it will be giving the demo away to its "most avid fans" starting next Wednesday, March 31. The press release doesn't say how or when the company will hand out the "community-distributed voucher codes" for the demo, though we'd say it's probably a good idea to keep your eyes on Capcom-Unity. Finally, fans will definitely want to snag the demo, as it will unlock the Machine Gun SP -- which fires three shot bursts -- in the full version. Speaking of the retail release, Capcom has also announced that Lost Planet 2 will now launch on May 11, a week earlier than originally planned. The PC version will release this fall.
Lost Planet 2 trailer gets big
Capcom heralds "Kill Big" as the tagline for a new Lost Planet 2 trailer -- and you can certainly see why after the break. The trailer's full of big vehicles -- big trains and big helicopter things, all carrying big dudes with big guns and big armor, wearing big helmets with big cylindrical ears. Those big dudes are shooting their big guns at gigantic Akrid and sometimes manning big mechs too. Everything about Lost Planet 2 is big, in fact -- except for Capcom's video player. It's merely okay-sized. Thankfully, we've got a reasonably-sized YouTube version. So, pick up your Big Gulp of Big Red and take a big sip as you give your mouse a big click to head past the break. And, if you're really big on Lost Planet, join the other obsessives in picking apart the trailer.
Lost Planet 2's Wesker no longer a GameStop exclusive
You knew about life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but now you can add "shooting bugs with Albert Wesker's giant handgun" to the list of inalienable rights. Capcom has just announced that, due to fan upheaval, Wesker as a playable character in Lost Planet 2 will be a bonus for everyone who buys the game, rather than for just those that pre-order at GameStop, as was previously announced. It's not as if early birds are out of luck though. Pre-ordering at GameStop will now net you two multiplayer maps, "Helix" and "Back to the Island." The update from Capcom doesn't say as much, but we'd assume these maps will also be available for purchase as DLC, either on release day or soon after. %Gallery-78382%
Takeuchi: Lost Planet 2 faced difficult content cuts
When you finally play Lost Planet 2 after it launches on May 18, you'll explore and uncover more of the misplaced celestial orb than ever before -- but you won't see everything. In an interview with Japanese magazine Famitsu (transcript; Kotaku translation), producer Jun Takeuchi explained that, although development on the co-op shooter proceeded without trouble, a "significant" amount of content had to be cut before the final product took shape. Takeuchi noted that "the edited content was way too much and dealing with that was more difficult than anything." Whether it was difficult to say goodbye or simply to get it to work in the first place is unclear, but it's a story that has become familiar as games grow in intricacy and developers share information with more candor. "This time, truly, the content that was cut was significant and at the end, we had to wrestle with disc space," he said. Since the Xbox 360's DVD drive offers the least amount of storage space -- compared to the Blu-ray drive on the PlayStation 3 -- it's easiest to assume that disc space was the cause of the cut content, and not an additional issue. However, in a note to Joystiq, Capcom described the process as standard practice. "Editing the amount of content released with the final version of any game is a standard practice during game development. Edits to the initial concept of a game can come from a number of sources including the amount of time given to develop the title, hardware constraints, story elements, or other factors that can detract from the experience. We are confident that consumers will not be disappointed with Lost Planet 2 and the variety of massive Akrid, powerful vital suits, beautiful environments and deep level of customization included in the final product." The final product may be expanded through DLC in the future (just like Assassin's Creed 2, which lost several sequences to a deadline), but for now Lost Planet 2's excised terrain will remain on ice.
X10: Lost Planet 2 screens feature Marcus, Dom, and Wesker together
click to lose yourself in the galleryIf you're a huge Resident Evil nerd and a huge Gears of War nerd (a nerd squared, if you will) and are considering pre-ordering Lost Planet 2 solely for fan service, your head is about to explode. In these latest screenshots out of X10, the downloadable Albert Wesker, Marcus, and Dom appear together for the first time. It's like seeing all of your favorite Hanna-Barbera characters interacting with each other in the Laff-a-Lympics, except instead of Scooby-Doo and Yogi Bear, it's a bunch of giant dudes with guns. %Gallery-85282%
Confirmed: Local split-screen co-op in Lost Planet 2
This week's Famitsu (via Andriasang) confirms Capcom's Lost Planet 2 will include offline split-screen co-op when it releases May 18. Series producer Jun Takeuchi told Joystiq last year at GamesCom that the developer was working on couch co-op for the game, which already features four player online co-op. The split screen will reportedly be similar to Resident Evil 5's staggered screens, maintaining the aspect ratio and cutting down on the hardware requirements. So, go ahead and play Lost Planet 2 snuggled with a buddy on the couch or drinking beers with the spouse when it releases ... wait, reverse that. %Gallery-45837%
Lost Planet 2 action figures vs. your wallet
Capcom has inked a deal with Japanese toymaker collectibles purveyor Kotobukiya that will see the latter producing toys action figures based on the Variable Suits (i.e. power armor) featured in Lost Planet 2. Set to mech their debut in May, the two VS reproductions will retail for $39.99 each -- which seems pretty steep, until you consider just how detailed they actually are. Both figures will stand 6" tall and feature more than 20 points of articulation, plus functioning canopies and -- taking a cue from the game -- removable, interchangeable heavy weapons. It'll be up to you to provide the appropriate sound effects. Check out slightly larger photos of the itty-bitty bots after the break.
