Despite the video that went up on Xbox Live Monday, which essentially announced Lost Planet 2 to the world, Capcom decided to wait until today to officially announce it.  The press release (found below) is full of juicy info, like the fact that the sequel to Capcom’s 2007 alien shooter takes place 10 years after the first game, will feature 4-player co-op and “deep customization,” and that the game is “being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system.” 

That’s right, Lost Planet 2 is coming to the Xbox 360.  And for now, that’s all.

This seems to fly in the face of Capcom’s edict from September that said “All major titles launched during the next fiscal year or thereafter will be developed as multi-platform games."  The first Lost Planet, however, was a timed exclusive for the 360, so a PS3 release a few months down the line is likely.

With the announcement, Capcom has also released the first set of images from the game.  Click on them to enlarge, then check out the press release afterwards.

Capcom Announces Lost Planet 2
4-player co-op, new interlinked episodes, and deep customization take Lost Planet® to a new level
London — February 25, 2009 „o Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Lost Planet® 2 is being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft®, following an exclusive announcement on Xbox LIVE that happened Monday, February 23. Lost Planet®: Extreme Condition, the landmark third-person shooter that debuted on Xbox 360, went on to sell over 2.2 million units worldwide after its release. This next riveting instalment will offer deeper insight into the world of E.D.N III and the uncertain fate of future mankind.

Lost Planet 2 picks up 10 years since the events of the original adventure and the landscape has evolved dramatically. With the success of terraforming activities, the planet’s ice has begun to melt, giving way to lush tropical jungles and other new environments. The story has advanced beyond Wayne Holden as players will now follow the exploits of their own customized snow pirates on their quest to seize control of E.D.N III. Players will move their heroes through different stories creating a truly unique and interactive experience. With this concept, gamers will have the opportunity to engage in the story in a more dynamic way as plot threads evolve from various perspectives.

The strongest features from the first game will return in Lost Planet 2 making fans feel right at home. In addition to the anchor actions that made the gameplay in Lost Planet a true 3-D experience, Lost Planet 2 allows gamers to gain tactical advantage with a wide variety of new actions. The game will also contain a new addition to the enormous Akrids which were a fan-favourite in the first Lost Planet.

Capcom has spent a considerable amount of time reviewing community feedback and incorporating it into Lost Planet 2 creating a game that both new and returning fans to the series will love. The game takes advantage of Capcom’s most highly advanced software development tool, the MT Framework 2. This is the first game to make use of the new technology that builds on the advancements made in the original MT Framework.

Beyond the deep single player mode, Lost Planet 2 is loaded with one the most extensive multiplayer campaign seen in a shooter to date. The intense and action packed campaign mode comes with the ability to form teams of up to 4 players online to clear mission objectives with friends.

More information on Lost Planet 2 will be revealed in the upcoming months. In the meantime, please visit the official Capcom press site at www.capcomeuro-press.com

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