Capcom Needs to Return to This Forgotten Series That Hasn’t Been Seen Since 2013

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Capcom has risen to become one of the most prominent names in the gaming industry, both as a publisher and developer. Some of its highly recognized franchises include Street Fighter, Devil May Cry, Monster Hunter, Dragon’s Dogma, and more, with fresh releases like Street Fighter 6, Devil May Cry 5, Monster Hunter Wilds, and Dragon’s Dogma 2. There are also new titles and intellectual properties in the pipeline, as demonstrated by Pragmata. However, there is a series that has been absent for more than a decade, which has led some fans to ponder why Capcom decided to discontinue this popular series. Contrary to speculation, it is not Dino Crisis.

In 2006, the initial installment of “Lost Planet: Extreme Conditions” was launched, with no new additions to the series since “Lost Planet 3” in 2013. During this period, Capcom was thriving, consistently releasing successful games one after another. The unique setting and innovative gameplay of “Lost Planet” made it a standout title upon release. However, despite its intriguing concept, the series lost popularity after the third game. But by 2025, times have changed, and it’s time for Capcom to revisit the “Lost Planet” franchise once more.

Lost Planet’s Unique Ideas Were Ahead of Its Time

Initially, Lost Planet seemed like just another third-person shooter, but once I got my hands on it, its unique essence stood out. Unlike other games of its kind, survival mechanics were heavily emphasized, making it stand apart in the gaming world of that era. The Akrid, insectoid creatures, weren’t the only adversaries; the harsh environment itself was a relentless foe. T-Energy, our life source and ammunition, had to be carefully managed to ensure survival. This resource, in essence, served as a powerful motivator, propelling us forward in the treacherous world of Lost Planet.

The gameplay of Lost Planet encompassed two distinct elements: infantry and mech combat. The introduction of Vital Suits hinted at the likes of Titanfall or Capcom’s latest release, Exoprimal. Lost Planet masterfully integrated these components, creating a sense of grandeur in the battles and the implications at hand. Engaging in intense combat against colossal Akrid on foot, only to jump into a Vital Suit during the fray, provided an immersive, cinematic experience.

Besides being successful, the multiplayer aspect also gained popularity. It’s worth noting that its Elimination mode can be considered among the early battle royale games, as it supported up to 16 players engaged in a fight-to-the-death scenario while gathering resources and weapons throughout the game. Moreover, the blend of infantry and mech combat offered a distinct gaming experience, fostering a dedicated fanbase that remains strong even now.

Lost Planet Deserves a Another Chance

Regrettably, the original “Lost Planet” franchise seems to have strayed from its original path. The sequels, particularly “Lost Planet 3,” heavily emphasized cooperative gameplay instead of further developing the distinctive concepts that originally defined the series. This shift in focus caused the campaigns to lose some of their initial appeal and coherence.

The third game was outsourced to an external team, which resulted in a game that, while innovative, lacked polish. Unfortunately, this left a less-than-impressive mark on players, failing to match the success or potential of the original game. This lukewarm reception led Capcom to shift their focus away from “Lost Planet” and towards more popular franchises within their portfolio.

Today’s gaming world seems ripe for a resurgence of the beloved series, “Lost Planet”. Games like “Helldivers 2”, “Remnant 2: From the Ashes”, and “Destiny 2” demonstrate a significant demand for cooperative sci-fi experiences. The long-awaited “Titanfall 3” underscores this trend, and a revival or even a new installment of “Lost Planet” could tap into that anticipation.

It’s clear that Capcom isn’t shy about returning to older game series. For instance, they brought back Okami 2 and Onimusha: Way of the Sword, which many believed had been left in the past. So, given this trend, it seems reasonable to expect that Lost Planet might also make a comeback. After all, Resident Evil has demonstrated that Capcom can breathe new life into a dormant franchise while still preserving its essential qualities.

The advanced technology we have today might pave the way for an outstanding game in the series, offering a colossal open-world setting with frozen tundras, variable weather conditions, and formidable Akrid adversaries to deliver an immersive action-survival adventure. Updating the T-Energy system and incorporating flawless multiplayer capabilities will significantly enhance the survival aspect of the game. This setup would foster a challenging exploration system balancing risk and reward, emphasizing the harsh surroundings and narrative. Additionally, providing customizable mechs allows players to tailor their gaming experience, potentially reigniting the third-person shooter genre with the anticipated Lost Planet 4.

In the series, there remains unexplored creativity, particularly evident in “Lost Planet 3” by Capcom. Despite some stumbles in execution, it’s clear that Capcom continues to innovate rather than playing it safe like many other developers. A comeback to the Lost Planet franchise could provide a unique twist on modern shooter games, especially if Capcom focuses on its survival gameplay aspects, offering something fresh and exciting for fans.

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2025-08-24 17:41