Dark Void

Dark Void is one of those games that we don't hear much about yet somehow manages to build its own hype.  It's still pretty early in development, but we got a chance to try the demo out in Capcom's closed demo section at E3 this year.

One of the biggest draws for sci-fi geeks is the score, right off the bat.  Back in April, Capcom was quick to announce that Battlestar Galactica composer Bear McReary had signed on for Dark Void, and in his first commentary video, McReary assured gamers he would be taking this project very seriously.  In most games, you'll hear the same few themes recycled throughout, and he hopes to eliminate that problem in Dark Void so the player never becomes too familiarized with the music.

In the demo, we take the confused protagonist Will for a quick spin after he receives the jetpack.  It's definitely got a nostalgic feel, taking some of us back to those old James Bond movies or even The Rocketeer, given Will's helmet and sleek bomber attire.  Not surprisingly, we find out a few people from Airtight Studios actually worked on the 1930s-inspired Crimson Skies games!  There is a pattern somewhere here.

As the story goes, poor Will gets stranded in the Void, a parallel universe accessed via Bermuda Triangle.  From there, he must aid the Survivors, human rebels trapped in the Void now struggling against some "mysterious alien race" threatening the planet.  Seeing as how these resistance fighters give you the jetpack, helping them fight for their freedom seems like a fair exchange.

The flying segments are unbelievably awesome to try, just a bit disorienting at first.  But the experience is so entertaining and immersive that once you get the hang on things, you'll probably never want to walk again.  Flight controls are actually very basic, not much different from walking; what throws you off at first is losing the ground as an anchor, resulting in absolute freedom of movement.  The game's visuals hardly need mentioning, and players can take in the sights of this deceptively treacherous world from the skies.  Pop-in loading occurs here and there, though it's an annoyance we have to put up with now and then with the Unreal Engine 3.

After several long minutes of diving, spiraling and playing with the rocket boost on Will's jetpack, I decided it might be a good idea to check out other gameplay elements -- you know, important things like combat and the like.  Darn.  So after making my reluctant descent, an objective presented itself.  From the start, Capcom lets players know that you really don't have to come down from that oxygen-induced high (or lack of oxygen) just to fight. 

Instead, the game often gives you a choice between fighting in the air or reverting to more traditional combat on the ground, ducking behind objects for cover.  There will be times when you have to land or fly in order to fulfill specific objectives, though for the most part, that choice belongs to the player.  The aerial combat certainly adds another level of complexity, as you account for altitude, shifting angles, and other details that come with being a human missile.

The enemies in Dark Void can be pretty brutal, too.  Apparently some robots (could have been aliens) were majorly jealous of Will's epic flight skills and decide to open fire.  Enemy A.I. is split into various levels of difficulty, which determine how resilient and aggressive they act.  Some enemies remain behind cover and can be dispatched with just a few shots; others will charge right up to Will and try to rip his face off, barely fazed by your attacks.

Capcom hasn't confirmed a release date yet, but we're expecting Dark Void some time later this year for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.  Damn, I miss that jetpack already.
 

Lost Planet 2

When a Lost Planet sequel was announced on Xbox LIVE earlier this year, one of the biggest and most anticipated changes is a new co-op feature, with support for up to four players.  

Lost Planet 2 occurs ten years after the events of the original.  So much ice has melted that new environments have been exposed, including lush jungles and arid deserts, chock full of new enemies.  Players will now explore these exposed regions as their own customized snow pirate, going across six interconnected campaign episodes.  The decisions your character makes will also determine the outcome of the game, further tailoring it into a more unique experience per individual.

On top of generous customization options and a wide arsenal of new weapons, players can also climb into those ever-wonderful Vital Suits during battle.  The VS makes its return in Lost Planet 2 with more variety, including the ability to transform into other vehicles, carrying up to three players at a time.  While I found the Suits to be rather slow and ungainly, there's no question they're packing serious heat.  Against the big toad-leviathan boss shown at Capcom's demo this year, it's a valuable asset as long as you remember the Suit can't outrun squat -- so if you see something big and unfriendly charging at you, best ditch the VS.

Each person will have an individual health bar, which can be replenished with the back button; you gain less and less health each time you do this.  There is also a team health bar that depletes each time someone dies, offering some incentive for players to stay alive.  Dead players can be brought back to life at various stations on the map, though these points will need to be activated ahead of time in order for dead players to use them.  Thankfully, there is no team-killing; a misplaced grenade or terrible aiming might send your teammates reeling for a few brief seconds, but they won't actually be taking any damage.

The boss fight we got to test out at the demo station also exemplified Capcom's commitment to multiplayer in Lost Planet 2.  If you don't have any friends with you, the game provides A.I. allies for assist, but taking down a massive glowing toad is just more satisfying with your buddies.  You'll probably want to celebrate with someone after successfully shooting out its legs, before deciding who gets to hop in its gaping mouth.  Don't ask us how to get back out.

Lost Planet 2 will be heading to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and possibly PC.  Capcom has the date set as "Winter," but most sources are sticking to "TBA" for now.