Lost Planet 3 (2013)

Lost Planet 3 is an action-packed third-person shooter created by Spark Unlimited, serving as the initial entry in the chronological timeline of the Lost Planet series. The game is set on the remote and frozen planet E.D.N. III, where a corporation known as NEVEC sends teams of colonists and miners to extract valuable resources. Players assume the role of Jim, a miner employed by NEVEC, whose primary responsibility is to gather resources and ensure their transport back to Earth. As the narrative unfolds, Jim uncovers the hidden agendas and secrets of the NEVEC corporation, revealing the true scope of the organization’s operations.

Gameplay Mechanics and Exploration

Players engage with Lost Planet 3 through a combination of main missions and optional side quests. The game employs a mission-based structure, allowing players to prioritize the main storyline while also completing secondary objectives to assist fellow colonists or unlock new equipment. Exploration is integral, as locating specific parts and scrap is necessary for upgrading both weapons and personal equipment. The acquisition of these resources is a central aspect of progression, ensuring that players actively engage with the environment to enhance their combat and survival capabilities.

Mechs and Equipment Upgrades

The game introduces players to giant mining mech rigs, which serve as powerful tools for both combat and resource collection. These rigs are customizable to a certain extent, providing players with options to enhance performance, durability, and weaponry. In addition to mech upgrades, players can improve their personal suits and weapons. Upgrades require resources found in the world or purchased through in-game mechanics, emphasizing strategic planning and resource management. This system encourages players to balance exploration, combat, and upgrades to optimize their effectiveness in hostile environments.

Combat Against the Akrid

Combat in Lost Planet 3 primarily revolves around encounters with the alien species known as the Akrid. These creatures are adapted to the extreme cold of E.D.N. III, possessing thermal energy in place of conventional blood, which allows them to withstand the planet’s frigid conditions. Players must develop strategies to counter various Akrid types, utilizing both their personal weaponry and mech rigs. Each confrontation tests the player’s tactical decision-making and mastery of the game’s mechanics, creating a consistent challenge throughout the journey.

Mission Variety and Strategic Progression

The combination of primary and secondary missions offers a structured yet flexible gameplay experience. While main quests advance the narrative and reveal the secrets of NEVEC, side quests provide opportunities to gather additional resources, assist fellow miners, and obtain unique equipment. This system encourages engagement with the world beyond the central story, rewarding exploration and careful resource management. Players must decide how to allocate their time between advancing the plot and completing optional objectives, creating a dynamic gameplay loop that blends strategy and action.

Environmental Challenges

The harsh and unforgiving climate of E.D.N. III adds a layer of survival complexity to Lost Planet 3. Players navigate icy terrains, manage limited resources, and contend with environmental hazards while completing missions. The game emphasizes adaptation, requiring players to adjust their strategies based on weather conditions, enemy types, and available equipment. This integration of environmental factors enhances immersion and reinforces the significance of preparation and tactical planning in overcoming the planet’s extreme challenges.

Conclusion

In summary, Lost Planet 3 combines a mission-driven structure, mech-based combat, strategic resource management, and a harsh alien environment to create a comprehensive action third-person shooter experience. Players follow Jim’s journey as he uncovers corporate secrets while navigating the dangerous world of E.D.N. III. With opportunities to upgrade equipment, complete side quests, and combat the resilient Akrid, the game delivers a layered and engaging gameplay experience that emphasizes both strategy and action.

Lost Planet 3 is a solid action shooter with a clear story and fun mech combat. You spend your time mining, upgrading your gear, and facing off against giant alien creatures. The missions are straightforward, and the upgrades make the gameplay feel rewarding.

The game is not perfect. The controls can feel a bit clunky, and some parts of the story drag. But if you enjoy sci-fi adventures with big machines and alien battles, this game is worth your time.

Overall, we recommend Lost Planet 3. It offers a unique setting, satisfying combat, and a decent mix of missions and exploration. Not a masterpiece, but definitely enjoyable for fans of the series or action shooters.