The most interesting aspect of multiplayer is how it offers some light character growth. As you play online you earn points and increase in level. More than just some silly badge of honor, this allows players the ability to unlock some cool extras. Allowing characters that have played a lot online to level also serves other players as a way to distinguish (at least at face value) the skills level of other players in a meaningful way. This allows players of similar skill level to match up and take on each other for some real challenge.

The single player portion of the game isn't quite as deep as one would hope. There are about 11 missions that even the casual action game fan can finish in about 7 - 10 hours. While it lasts the single player action is great, it's just a shame that there's not more of it. Luckily Lost Planet supports multiplayer battles for up to 16 players across 8 maps. There are four game modes to choose from including familiar modes such as deathmatch and team deathmatch, as well as a one against many in a mode called "fugitive". Finally there's an interesting teamplay mode called post grab teams try to activate and defend data posts on the map. While many of the maps will become familiar quickly to players that are addicted to multiplayer, there are thankfully options to randomize where things spawn and where key map points are . The multiplayer is pretty decent and a lot of fun and players will appreciate the continued effort Capcom is putting in to tweaking gameplay and fixing small bugs that crop up along the way.

Lost Planet has, in the past, been dubbed Starship Troopers on ice. That description is far removed or even accurate despite some similarities to that popular franchise. Lost Planet is great because of the sum of its parts and for serving up action that is paced perfectly and a lot of fun. Sure the single-player game is a tad bit short, but players can continue the fun online in some pretty compelling multiplayer action. add to that slick visuals and cool (literally in this case) environments and you have an action game that manages to stand out in the overabundant sea of Xbox 360 shooters.