It’s ten years since the ice-bound events of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition and, thanks to terra-forming activities, the landscape of E.D.N. II has changed beyond all reckoning - the frozen wastes giving way to verdant jungles and other environments. This, as Capcom has just revealed, is the enticing setting for Lost Planet 2, and we‘ve got first pics...

There’s no denying the handsome visuals. All thanks, no doubt, to the MT Framework 2 engine that powers the action. It’s the first time this advanced technology has been used, apparently. For all that, we’re a touch disappointed to wave goodbye to the old E.D.N. II, since its snowy scenes helped mark the first game out from other third-person shooters. That and the gargantuan Akrid creatures which stalked the planet - and took absolute beards to kill. Thankfully they’re back, bigger, badder and fighting madder than ever.

But back to the changes, and the storyline has moved on too, now following the exploits of the Space Pirates instead of Lost Planet’s original hero, Wayne Holden. Interlinked episodes, deep customisation and dynamic plot threads follow as a result, we‘re promised. Likewise players will get to grips with new weapons and actions. Looks like you’re going to need them too.

Best of all, though, Lost Planet 2 boasts what is claimed to be the “most extensive multiplayer campaign seen in a shooter to date”. There are no details to back up the big talk, but it features four-player online gameplay and that’s absolutely got to be a blast.

Much more on this Xbox 360 exclusive soon, we hope.