Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mediocre sci-fi shooter doesn't do much for the series.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Lost Planet 3
What's It About?
The last in Capcom's Lost Planet series, LOST PLANET 3 is an action-heavy adventure that once again drops you onto the icy planet of E.D.N. III, where Jim Peyton, a Utility Rig pilot for Neo-Venus Construction (NEVEC), is looking to tap into the planet's "thermal" energy source. It is believed this valuable resource will be the solution to Earth's energy crisis. Much of the game is a third-person shooter as Peyton uses a number of weapons to ward off the giant insect-like indigenous creatures called Akrid, as well as human soldiers also out to colonize the planet. The protagonist can also climb into his Utility Rig, a big 'mech' shell, to shoot down enemies from a first-person perspective.
Is It Any Good?
While the premise is interesting, Lost Planet 3's action grows repetitive after a short while -- and the environments all tend to look the same, too. Sure, some of the sequences can be thrilling -- taking cover from the Akrid or rival soldiers while experimenting with ways to diffuse the situation -- plus there are a few modes and multiplayer options to give some extra bang for the buck, but overall there isn't much here that's memorable, nor does it do anything to push the game series or genre forward. Only those who love the Lost Planet series should consider picking up this disc (or opting for a digital download) and be sure to wait until the price drops significantly. It's not a hot mess, but one can't help feel disappointed with this long-awaited sequel.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Lost Planet 3 takes place in an alien world and with a sci-fi premise, so does that make the realistic violence less impactful?
What makes you drawn to sci-fi worlds?
Game Details
- Platforms : Xbox 360 , PlayStation 3 , Windows
- Subjects : Social Studies : exploration , geography
- Skills : Collaboration : cooperation , teamwork , Self-Direction : achieving goals , work to achieve goals , Thinking & Reasoning : applying information , investigation , strategy
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Available online
- Publisher : Capcom
- Release date : August 27, 2013
- Genre : Third-Person Shooter
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Animals ( Bugs ) , Robots , STEM
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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