Capcom today announced the development of Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition for the Xbox 360 and PC. The game is scheduled for Platinum Hits release (at just $29.99) across North America on the 27th of May.

Lost Planet Colonies Edition features new content, including new maps, modes and weapons, as well as new game play options. In addition the title will support online cross-platform play between the Xbox 360 and Windows-based PCs using Xbox Live and Games for Windows Live.

New single player modes

Lost Planet Colonies Edition combines the same single player experience found in the original game with three new game modes. In Score Attack all enemies will be assigned points and varying scores will be awarded based on how they are defeated including rewards for skilled marksmen. Trial Battle Mode pits players against all the bosses from the game, one after another. An online ranking system means that players engaged in these two modes can compare scores.

Off Limit Mode allows players to battle the harsh environments and enemies with “over-the-top, super-charged weapons and a powered-up grappling hook” as well as unlimited ammunition and increased speed of movement.

Multiplayer mayhem with new online modes and maps

The game includes new maps, characters, weapons and game play modes for improved multiplayer action. Steal opponent’s alien Akrid eggs in various individual and team play modes in Akrid Bandit – the longer you keep them the more points you earn - or try out Akrid Egg Battle where you must steal your opponents Akrid eggs and return them to your base.

The new VS Annihilator Mode sees players defending the one robotic Vital Suit that is given to each team while the team with the longest data post activation time wins in Counter Grab. Players will also be able to go up against the Snow Pirates as an Akrid in Akrid Hunting Mode or take down opponents and aim to collect the most thermal energy points in Point Snatcher.

New multiplayer maps and characters

Players will be able to play these modes across 20 maps including four new multiplayer maps. Crossfire City features wide streets suitable for VS battles with buildings to cover snipers while Area 921 is comprised of two industrial compounds in a desert which are linked by an underground pipe. VS pilots will enjoy Lost Arena but if you are on foot you can make use of the surrounding grandstands. Set on board a space ship and its supply vessel, Assault Space’s zero gravity will no doubt make things interesting.

In addition the game features five new playable character models as well as a total of eleven characters to choose from when playing online, including two new female and two robot characters.

Step right up and choose your weapons…

There will be new weapons for both the humans and the VS. New human weapons include the hand gun (accurate and easy to use but not well powered), revolver (good at close quarters), flame launcher (it uses thermal energy) and hand cannon (hand-gun like rocket launcher that is useful against VS suits). New VS weapons include the Pile Bunker (prepare for long spikes to be fired at speed), VS rifle (long range and does not lose power over distance), Rocket Pod (useful for damaging specific areas) and Laser Lance (sweeping arc attack).

The game incorporates new perspectives so players will be able to switch to first person view or over-the-shoulder view from Resident Evil 4. Look out for new environments including snowstorms, arctic winds and ice mountains.

Capcom has pointed out that Lost Planet Colonies Edition and the original game are not compatible so single player saves and online rankings will not be carried over and multiplayer games will be separate.