Capcom, my lady love, you’ve done it again.

I have a special place in my heart for the original Lost Planet—especially considering I scored my copy for measly $7.50 through some inexplicable miracle at the local Blockbuster. However, when I heard Lost Planet 2 would be an Xbox exclusive, my dreams of experiencing the sequel for myself were crushed before my very eyes. I spent the days since crying whilst eating pint after pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream.

Okay, so the news of Xbox exclusivity didn’t much affect my lifestyle, but I was still heartbroken.

At E3, I fancied I’d give Lost Planet 2 a try anyway, if but to torment myself with an experience I’d likely be missing at the game’s release early next year. Go for the gusto, as they say.

So the match begins, and I’m  tossed into some frantic multiplayer gunfight against a gargantuan swamp monster. Yes!

As a whole, Lost Planet 2 plays magnificently. Even more so, it’s gorgeous as hell, pushing way past the graphical glory found in the first Lost Planet (which was super sleek and sexy to begin with). I don’t know why this stood out to me, but for some reason all the moist stuff looked so incredibly—er—moist. Really, Lost Planet 2 is damn pretty. So pretty that were I a game console, I’d want it inside me.

And with that, I’ve attained a new level of creepy… go, me!

The gameplay is essentially the same, though intensely honed, improving on the original in every way. The anchor seems to click better (if that makes any sense), you can sprint now, the controls are extra responsive, and you’re now responsible for deciding when to use your thermal energy in healing both your character and your mech.

Speaking of mechs, it now actually feels like you’re commanding a giant battlebot whenever you decide to pilot one. The vibration syncs perfectly with each motion, and the thing feels heavy. I don’t know why, but it’s all just so much better.

Lost Planet 2 should be coming out for Xbox 360, PC, and PS3 sometime in 2010. Word on the street is that the 360 will get the game first, with the PS3 version coming out a bit later. But since the release date is yet to be set in stone, I really can’t say for sure.

Until then, quench your Lost Planet thirst with this moist gameplay video. I’ll be doing a celebratory jig in the meantime. Hehe, PS3 FTW!

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One of these screenshots is not like the rest. Try to guess which one. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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