As you move through each level you’ll come across Lost Planet’s version of flag posts. If you move close to them and tap the B button furiously you’ll raise a beacon out of the post that will enable your map in that area. While these posts play an important role online, they’re hardly ever useful in the single player game as you never really need a map. While wandering out in the snow you’ll often find the other reason to tap the B button and that’s buried Mechs and weapons. You’ll have to dig them out to use them. Again, while it’s kind of fun in the single player, this was meant for multiplayer online matches.


So close to the post!
Once you’ve completed a level you’ll be treated to some high quality in-game cutscenes. The voice acting is very good if not a bit awkward. While the acting feels fine there are often pauses between sentences that just don’t feel right. On the plus side though, the developers seem to turn on every graphical setting possible during these cutscenes making the game look even better than normal. Thankfully there is an interesting and coherent story being told through these scenes as well unlike most games. You play as Wayne, a soldier who has amnesia after being rescued from a battle. He works with a couple of sidekicks to unearth evil plots that involve twists you didn’t see coming and final confrontations you saw coming a mile away.


The star of the show.
Get a few levels into the game and you’ll get used to using one of the game’s most important and incredible pieces of gameplay; the grappling hook. Aim at nearly any surface, hit a button, and watch as a line flies out from your arm and attaches to the surface. You’ll then be pulled toward the surface at high speeds after which you’ll get your footing and leap upward to try to get to a flat surface you can stand on. If the game detects there aren’t any flat surfaces around for you to land on you’ll just hang from the line dangling in the wind. Using the left analog stick you can move up and down the line and can either detach or try to jump upward. In levels with high buildings or lots of cliffs things get incredibly fun as you bounce between areas while unloading your weapon on nearby snow pirates. You can even shoot the hook at Mechs and if you hold down the button you’ll brace yourself on the Mech and can then unload your gun on the person in the cockpit. Again, simply put, it’s amazing.


Holy crap, yes you can do this.

Then there’s your big mechanical friends known as Mechs. Press B to get in and you get a new HP bar along with access to all that that Mech has to offer. Some walk slowly, some fly momentarily, some boost along the ground, and some are purely for fast travel. No matter which one you’re in, they’re all a dream to control and feel like a natural extension. Guns come in all varieties that are available in human size although they’re a lot bigger and pack a bigger punch. There are a total of 7+ Mechs which are known as “VS Suits” in the game and one even plays a big part in the actual storyline. So not only do they look good, you’ll want to get in one every chance you get. And if you happen to destroy it while inside just mash on that B button again to eject and you’ll be running around good as new.