Info about Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition:

Official game description:
Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition includes everything that made the original Lost Planet a hit on PC, as well as adding the following new features:  
*   New modes for single-player campaign  
*   **Score Attack** - Each enemy and destructible object has points assigned to them, with the player being awarded different points depending on how they defeat the enemy.  
*   **Trial Battle Mode** - Take on each of the game's Bosses, one after another  
*   **Off limit Mode** - Go wild with over-the-top super-charged weapons with unlimited ammunition and increased speed of movement  
*   **New online modes**  
*   **Akrid Hunter** – Get the chance to finally play as an Akrid as your opponents attempt to take you down  
*   **VS Annihilator** – Each team attempts to destroy its opponent's VS while defending its own  
*   **Counter Grab** – The team with the longest data posts activation time wins  
*   **Point Snatcher** – Take down opponents and collect the most thermal energy points  
*   **Akrid Egg Battle** – Steal Akrid eggs from the opponent’s team and bring them safely back to your own base  
*   **Egg Bandit** – steal your opponents' Akrid egg, with points awarded for longer capture time  
*   **4 new maps for online matches:** Crossfire City, Area 921, Lost Arena, Assault Space  
*   **5 new playable character models**  
*   **Multiple new weapons** for both snow pirates and the robotic VS suits  
*   **Cross-platform Battles** – Xbox 360 owners can join forces or play against PC gamers  
*   **New perspectives** - Switch to first person view or the over-the-shoulder view for even more intense action

Release date: 11 Feb, 2010

Categories: Third-Person Shooter, Multiplayer, Single-player Story, Mech Combat, Survival, Boss Rush, Exploration, Grappling Hook Gameplay


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price: No data
- Playtime Metrics: No data
- Time-to-fun: No data
- Player Archetypes: No data


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Timeless and Underrated Classic (weight 0.65): Many players praise the game for its timeless appeal, noting that it has aged exceptionally well and remains enjoyable even years after its release. It's often considered a classic and an underrated gem, especially within the Capcom library, offering a unique and memorable experience.
- Addictive, Action-Packed Gameplay (weight 0.24): The game offers a highly engaging and addictive experience, characterized by constant action, fast-paced gameplay, and challenging encounters. Both single-player and multiplayer modes provide significant replay value and keep players thoroughly entertained.
- Stunning Visuals and Audio (weight 0.19): The game is consistently praised for its stunning visuals, especially considering its release era, and its atmospheric sound design. The graphics, environmental details, and musical score effectively create a unique and immersive world.
- Challenging Boss Battles (weight 0.16): The game features a well-balanced difficulty curve and diverse, challenging boss battles that require strategic thinking. These boss encounters are a highlight, providing satisfying tests of skill throughout the campaign.
- Innovative Grappling Hook (weight 0.09): The grappling hook mechanic is a highly praised feature, offering unique traversal and combat strategies. It adds a layer of verticality and dynamic engagement, making encounters with enemies more exciting.
- Strong Japanese Action Shooter (weight 0.08): The game is recognized as a strong example of a Japanese third-person action-shooter, with some players drawing comparisons to the style and quality of Metal Gear Solid games, highlighting Capcom's capability in this genre.
- Simple, Pleasant Controls (weight 0.06): The game features simple and intuitive controls, making it accessible and enjoyable as a pure shooter experience. This ease of use contributes to a pleasant gameplay flow.
- Dynamic Thermal Energy Mechanic (weight 0.04): A key gameplay mechanic involves constant thermal energy consumption, which necessitates continuous player movement to find new energy sources. This 'Movement is life' principle adds a dynamic and challenging layer to gameplay.
- Fun Akrid Hunter Mode (weight 0.04): The 'Akrid Hunter' game mode, which allows players to control giant bugs, is highlighted as a particularly fun and unique aspect that significantly enhances the game's value.
- Well-Designed, Exploratory Levels (weight 0.04): The game's levels are well-designed, offering substantial content and rewarding players who engage in exploration to discover hidden elements and pathways.
- Preferred Over-the-Shoulder View (weight 0.04): The standard version of the game includes a highly favored over-the-shoulder view mode, which significantly enhances the player's experience and immersion.
- Diverse Weaponry (weight 0.04): The game offers a good variety of weapons, each feeling distinct and contributing to acceptable overall weapon diversity, allowing for different combat approaches.
- Strong Opening and Mid-Game (weight 0.04): The game is noted for having a strong and engaging opening and middle section, which effectively hooks players and maintains interest throughout a significant portion of the experience.
- Concise Game Length (weight 0.03): The game's relatively short length is sometimes viewed positively, especially by those who find its core experience concise and impactful, preventing it from overstaying its welcome.

Common complaints:
- Severe Technical & Launch Issues (weight 1): Many players report that the game is extremely difficult to launch and play on modern systems due to its age and reliance on defunct services like Games for Windows Live (GFWL). This leads to frequent crashes, unplayable states, and a need for extensive manual workarounds, making the game inaccessible for many. The removal of GFWL also broke online features and corrupted save files for some.
- Clunky & Frustrating Gameplay (weight 0.56): The core gameplay mechanics, including controls, movement, shooting, and mech combat, are frequently described as clunky, inconsistent, and frustrating. Specific issues include poor camera angles, unbalanced difficulty spikes (especially the final boss), and uninspired enemy AI, which detract significantly from the overall experience.
- Weak & Confusing Story (weight 0.46): The game's narrative is widely criticized for being generic, clichéd, and uninteresting, with a confusing plot and uncaptivating characters. Cutscenes and story transitions often fail to provide clarity, further diminishing player engagement with the plot.
- Dead Multiplayer & Online Features (weight 0.44): The multiplayer component is effectively dead, largely due to the issues with Games for Windows Live and subsequent updates that removed online functionality. This renders key selling points of editions like 'Colonies Edition' moot, as their online-centric content is no longer accessible.

Gameplay feedback:
- Multiplayer mode availability (weight 0.22): The game features a multiplayer mode with various options, including co-op and unique modes. While some players report it being inactive, others find it functional with cross-play and dynamic battles, especially with the grappling hook.
- Diverse mech combat system (weight 0.2): A core highlight of the game is the diverse 'mech' (VS) system, featuring various types with unique abilities like transformation, jumping, or specialized weapons. These mechs are central to combat against giant enemies and other robots, giving the game a Monster Hunter-like feel.
- Challenging difficulty progression (weight 0.18): The game's difficulty and pace increase gradually, especially in later stages and on higher difficulties. It features challenging boss battles and requires players to master weapon and mech usage skills, with 11 missions each culminating in a boss fight.
- Thermal energy survival mechanic (weight 0.18): A unique survival mechanic requires players to constantly collect 'T-ENG' (thermal energy) from defeated enemies and objects. This energy is crucial for regenerating health and preventing freezing in the game's harsh, icy environment, emphasizing constant movement.
- Icy alien planet setting (weight 0.14): The game is set on the icy, colonized planet E.D.N. III, where humanity faces the primary threat of extreme cold and hostile alien insect-like creatures called Akrid. An evil corporation, NEVEC, is also involved in the planet's colonization efforts.
- Third-person shooter gameplay (weight 0.13): The game is primarily a third-person shooter (TPS) and action game. It involves on-foot gun fighting against alien insects, renegade humans, and mechs, often requiring players to run and gun while avoiding numerous enemies.
- Protagonist's memory loss (weight 0.08): The protagonist, Wayne, begins the game with memory loss after being found frozen. His journey involves seeking revenge for his father's death and gradually becoming embroiled in a conflict against a powerful corporation, Akrids, and snow pirates.
- Average story depth (weight 0.08): The game's story is generally considered average and not particularly deep or complex. While it serves to drive progression and features watchable cutscenes, it doesn't offer profound narrative insights.
- Arcade-style aiming (weight 0.06): The game offers arcade-style action with a focus on shooting numerous enemies. It includes an aim assist feature for controller users to help with targeting in crowded combat scenarios.
- Dual weapon system (weight 0.04): The game features a dual weapon system, allowing players to use both general weapons and specialized VS (mech) weapons, which can also be equipped and swapped on mechs during missions.
- Eleven distinct levels (weight 0.04): The game features 11 distinct levels or maps, each typically divided into about three stages, providing a structured progression through the campaign.
- Snow pirates' hidden agenda (weight 0.04): A deeper narrative element involves the mysterious snow pirates, who are unknowingly working to protect the planet from complete eradication by an evil corporation, even as they contribute to Akrid genocide.
- Typical Japanese console port (weight 0.04): The game's characters, plot, setting, and voice acting exhibit typical characteristics of a Japanese console port, with some reviewers noting similarities to titles like Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater.

Performance notes:
- GFWL causes launch issues (weight 0.15): Many players reported issues with Games for Windows Live (GFWL) preventing the game from launching or functioning correctly. However, several users found workarounds, such as installing the latest GFWL version or using specific DLL files, to resolve these problems. The general sentiment is that GFWL is an unnecessary and problematic DRM.
- Runs well on Windows 10 (weight 0.06): Despite the age of the game and the GFWL issues, the game generally runs well on Windows 10. This indicates good compatibility with modern operating systems once initial hurdles are overcome.
- Good performance on old hardware (weight 0.02): The game demonstrates good performance even on older graphics hardware, such as the GF9600GT. This suggests that the game is not graphically demanding and can be enjoyed on a wide range of systems.

Recommendations:
- Avoid 'Colonies Edition' (weight 0.32): Many players express frustration with the 'Colonies Edition' due to technical issues, particularly related to Games for Windows Live (GFWL), and recommend avoiding it or opting for the 'Extreme Condition' version instead. Some also feel it's not worth the trouble for its specific features.
- Strong core gameplay (weight 0.18): Despite technical issues, many players highly recommend the game for its core gameplay, interesting universe, and genre appeal. It's praised as a solid arcade shooter, especially for fans of mechs and third-person shooters.
- GFWL compatibility issues (weight 0.1): A significant number of reviews highlight critical issues with Games for Windows Live (GFWL) preventing the game from running properly. Players urge Steam and Capcom to resolve these compatibility problems or stop selling broken games.
- Community desire for revival (weight 0.04): Some players express a desire for the game to be fixed and for more people to play it, encouraging others not to be deterred by negative reviews.
- Gameplay optimization tips (weight 0.04): Players offer specific advice for optimizing the gameplay experience, such as using a controller for better control or disabling aim assist when playing with a keyboard and mouse.
- Helpful external resources (weight 0.04): Helpful resources are available for potential players, including a demo on the original game's Steam page and an unofficial Portuguese translation for non-English speakers.
- Multiplayer is dead (weight 0.03): The multiplayer component of the game is reported to be completely inactive, making any online-focused features irrelevant for current players.
- For Capcom fans (weight 0.02): A niche recommendation suggests the game might appeal specifically to dedicated fans of Capcom titles.
- Sarcastic negative gift (weight 0.02): This is a sarcastic comment indicating extreme dissatisfaction with the game, suggesting it's so bad it would be a suitable gift for an enemy. This is likely part of review bombing.

Other player notes:
- GFWL DRM causes playability issues (weight 0.43): Many players report significant issues getting the game to run on modern Windows versions, primarily due to its reliance on the defunct Games for Windows Live (GFWL) DRM. Community-made patches and specific installation steps are often required to bypass GFWL and make the game playable. This is a critical barrier to entry for new players.
- Unique gameplay and setting (weight 0.17): Players compare the game to other titles like Bionic Commando, Starship Troopers, and Dead Space, highlighting its unique blend of sci-fi action, mechs, and challenging environments. There's also discussion about its place within the Lost Planet series and its distinct Japanese development style.
- Classic game with nostalgic appeal (weight 0.15): The game is widely regarded as a classic and holds significant nostalgic value for many players who experienced it in their youth. Despite its age, its unique qualities make it stand out.
- Desire for more players and support (weight 0.1): Players express a desire for more people to play the game, especially for multiplayer, and suggest that developer support (like a remake or sequel) would be beneficial. The current high price on the gray market is a barrier to entry.
- Broken online multiplayer (weight 0.07): The online multiplayer functionality has been removed or is severely broken due to poor updates, and while there are methods to downgrade the game to a previous version, they are often complex and undesirable for players.
- Specific technical issues and fixes (weight 0.06): Some players encountered specific technical issues like multi-monitor problems or geo-restrictions, and there's a mention of a Chinese patch, though caution is advised regarding certain sources.

Emotions:
- Satisfaction (weight 0.25): Players expressed satisfaction primarily due to the game's solid technical performance, including good graphics, smooth gameplay, and successful operation on modern systems. The engaging story, satisfying combat, and overall fun single-player experience also contributed significantly to positive feelings, often highlighting the game's lasting appeal and value for its price.
- Frustration (weight 0.22): Frustration stemmed overwhelmingly from persistent technical issues, particularly those related to Games for Windows Live (GFWL), which frequently prevented the game from launching or caused crashes. Players also reported frustration with clunky controls, poor optimization, and difficulty with certain game mechanics or boss fights, leading to a poor user experience.
- Disappointment (weight 0.13): Disappointment arose from the game's unplayability due to GFWL issues and the subsequent loss of online multiplayer functionality, which significantly impacted replay value. Players also felt let down by the game's aging graphics, clunky controls, and a perceived decline in quality or linearity in later sections, often failing to meet initial expectations.
- Excitement (weight 0.07): Excitement was generated by the game's intense and unique combat, particularly the mech action and grappling hook mechanics, which provided a frenetic and challenging experience. The desire for a resurgence in player count for the fun and addictive multiplayer also contributed to this emotion, highlighting the game's overall quality and unique features.
- Admiration (weight 0.05): Admiration was expressed for the game's overall quality, often labeling it an 'underrated gem' due to its creative gameplay, stunning visuals, and fantastic soundtrack. Players particularly praised the unique gameplay, balanced challenge, and the inclusion of mechs, considering it a classic and the best in its series.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players found enjoyment in the game's core gameplay, especially the mech battles and its overall fun factor as a shooter. The immersive world, rich lore, and appealing designs also contributed to a positive and entertaining experience.
- Helpfulness (weight 0.05): Helpfulness was demonstrated by players who provided practical solutions and tips for common technical issues, especially those related to Games for Windows Live. These contributions aimed to enable other players to successfully launch and play the game, often including alternative purchase recommendations.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.04): Nostalgia was a strong emotion for players replaying the game from their childhood or after a long time, often recalling specific game modes or experiences from the Xbox 360 version. The game's intro and overall status as a classic also triggered fond memories.
- Anger (weight 0.04): Anger was directed at Capcom for perceived unfair practices, such as not offering free upgrades to existing owners and selling a game that was largely unplayable due to GFWL issues without proper warnings. Players felt ripped off and frustrated by the inability to play a purchased game, leading to wasted time and a negative experience.
- Confusion (weight 0.02): Confusion arose from the game's incomprehensible plot, particularly due to detached interludes and unclear story transitions. Some players also expressed confusion regarding the mixed reviews the game received despite their personal enjoyment.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Annoyance was caused by uncomfortable gamepad-focused controls and repetitive music, which detracted from the overall experience. The mandatory requirement of Games for Windows Live for the entire game also proved to be a significant source of irritation.
- Caution (weight 0.02): Caution was advised due to the necessity of a Games for Windows Live workaround to play the game, highlighting potential difficulties for new players. Warnings were also issued regarding the game's age, its 'just okay' story and graphics, and specific graphics settings that could cause crashes.
- Hope (weight 0.01): Hope was expressed for potential fixes to the game's issues, particularly regarding its technical problems. Players also held hope for a resurgence in the game's player base, indicating a desire for its continued playability and community engagement.
- Relief (weight 0.01): Relief was felt by players upon the removal of Games for Windows Live, indicating that this change significantly improved the game's accessibility and playability, alleviating a major source of past frustration.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game was primarily driven by its multiplayer experience and the strong sense of nostalgia it evoked, suggesting a deep emotional connection to past gameplay memories and social interactions within the game.
- Analytical (weight 0.01): This emotion was caused by reviews that provided a detailed analysis of the game's mechanics, design, and overall experience, offering in-depth insights rather than just emotional reactions.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike was specifically directed at the energy collection mechanic within the game, indicating that this particular gameplay element was a source of negative player experience.
- Curiosity (weight 0.01): Curiosity was piqued by the observation of a large, unexplained peak in player numbers on a single day for both versions of the game, prompting questions about the cause of this unusual activity.
- Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement was derived from the game's silly acting and the classic Capcom difficulty hike, suggesting that these elements provided an entertaining and enjoyable experience for players.}