Lost Planet 3 is a third-person shooter action-adventure game set on the harsh planet E.D.N. III. Players take on the role of Jim Peyton, a rig pilot contracted by Neo-Venus Construction to survey uncharted terrain and locate sources of Thermal Energy needed for colonization efforts. The game combines on-foot combat against indigenous Akrid creatures with vehicle-based sections inside customizable rigs, all while navigating extreme weather and environmental hazards that shift unpredictably.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around mission-based progression where core story objectives advance the narrative while optional side tasks allow interaction with other colonists at the Coronis base. Exploration occurs across open areas that encourage backtracking and discovery, with Thermal Energy serving as a resource for upgrades rather than a direct life-support mechanic. Players gather materials to customize and build bipedal rigs that provide mobility, protection, and tools for fieldwork, such as winches or heavy weaponry suited to the planet's conditions.
Combat mixes direct shooting with rig-assisted maneuvers during encounters with Akrid swarms or larger threats. The utility rig acts as both a work platform and defensive asset, requiring players to manage its systems alongside personal weapons during fights. Environmental factors like sudden storms force tactical adjustments, such as seeking shelter or adapting rig configurations on the fly.
Game Modes
Singleplayer content centers on a linear campaign with branching side content that expands the colonial story and character interactions. Multiplayer supports team-based sessions across several modes, including Scenario Mode where groups of five compete in offensive or defensive objectives tied to the planet's narrative events and weather challenges. These modes integrate the same rig and environmental systems found in the campaign for consistent mechanics.
Exploration and Progression
Progression ties directly to resource collection and rig customization, allowing incremental improvements to equipment and abilities as players complete tasks across E.D.N. III. Side quests reveal additional details about the planet's history and the colonists' struggles, adding layers to the main contract without altering the central focus on energy surveys and survival. The rig-building system rewards thorough exploration by unlocking new configurations that handle specific terrain or combat situations more effectively.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on Steam sits at a mixed level with 64 percent positive reviews across nearly two thousand entries. The singleplayer campaign receives the strongest feedback for its focused story and steady introduction of new weapons and rig options. Those who enjoy methodical third-person shooters with exploration elements and vehicle customization may find the experience satisfying, particularly if they value a self-contained narrative over ongoing multiplayer support. The game lacks recent updates or seasonal content, positioning it as a complete package best approached for its campaign rather than competitive longevity.
