Lost Planet 2

Global warming hasn't exactly impressed the natives, mind you, and we're promised that the Akrid population will be even more testy than usual. On the flipside though, with no need to worry about the sub-zero temperatures ebbing away your ENG life force, one of the more frustrating elements of the original's health system has thankfully been stripped out. You still need to blast everything that moves, but you can store up the resultant orange gunk and use it to top your health off every time you need a boost. As an alternative to the usual medipak/recharging health systems routinely built into shooters, it's a neat substitute.

Capcom has also worked harder to weave narrative intrigue into the action this time around, with Takeuchi-san promising "an omnibus storyline with six episodes, each with different bosses and different [enemy] types, depending on the environments." Seen from the perspectives of individual factions, the plot will apparently evolve dynamically based on certain key decisions you make.

Player choices will also extend to weapon and character customisation, with the promise of "hundreds" of ways of tailoring the look of your character for off and online play. It will also be possible to tailor weapon style to suit your individual player. Takeuchi-san also believes "there are probably the most secrets hidden in this game in Capcom history!" As well as the confirmed guest appearance of Resident Evil's Albert Wesker and Gears of War's Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, Takeuchi hints that more could feature, the big tease.

DLC is also part of the plan post-release, and PC fans can now officially rejoice that a version will eventually be heading their way too. Takeuchi confirms that plans are also afoot for a Lost Planet movie. "Hollywood is actually writing a script at the moment," he reveals. "They've got their own take on the Lost Planet universe, [but] we haven't got any say in that. I'm looking forward to seeing what they think of it."

As before, the game's competitive multiplayer focus is also promises to be a significant part of the package, and the game will ship with Team Elimination, Survival and Foxhunting modes. The latter, Takeuchi explains, involves "one or two guys having to survive the attacks of the other players." Other modes included in the expanded Lost Planet: Colonies should also make the cut.

During the game's recent press showing, we had an early opportunity to play numerous rounds of Team Elimination across a handful of maps. With support for eight players per side, we got a flavour for how some of the VS combat will play out, with all manner of heavily armed vehicles (including choppers and transporters) to buzz around in.

Even from what amounts to a quick glance, it's pretty clear that Takeuchi and company has come up with something very special. Whichever element of the game you sample, there's something to admire, and, more importantly, something to enjoy.

With a campaign mode that has the potential to become one of the most essential co-op games ever made, and hugely entertaining VS-based multiplayer insanity to indulge in, Lost Planet 2 is a sign of Capcom getting back to its best.