Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition (yes, it’s another triumph of elegant naming) is coming, and just went gold (hit the jump for the full press release). While this is technically considered the “platinum edition” of the original Lost Planet, as a LP fan I feel that description really sells it short, so forgive me while I rant from my icy, LP Colonies soapbox about why this game is full of win:

1) Lost Planet Colonies is a LOT of game for your dollar. You’ve got a ton of new maps, weapons, and gametypes (for both single-player and multiplayer mode). These new gametypes aren’t just phoning it in either. The video above has a good breakdown of the new Akrid Egg Battle mode (although it doesn’t contain the footage of me hitting Lost Planet product manager Frank with an egg + knocking him off a ledge). Akrid Hunter mode lets you play as 50 foot giant Akrid bugs (including scorpions, the rolly-poley bug, and more). Each bug has its own special attacks and abilities, like spitting fireballs, scorpion stinger, or turning into an aimable bug bowling ball and crushing puny humans. This one mode by itself is practically a whole new game. 2) For the XBL achievement “enthusiasts” out there, this title also has 1,000 new points for you to fluff up that gamerscore. 3) As a “platinum edition,” the game is only thirty bucks.

Hit the jump for that press release I promised you… LOST PLANET: EXTREME CONDITION COLONIES EDITION HAS GONE GOLD LOST PLANET GOES EXTREME IN DELUXE VERSION COMING TO PC AND XBOX 360 SAN MATEO, Calif. — May 14, 2008 — Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, announced today that Lost Planetâ„¢: Extreme Condition COLONIES EDITION has gone gold. Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION will be available for the Xbox 360® video game entertainment system from Microsoft, as well as Windows-based PCs that support Games for Windows – LIVE®. The suggested retail price is $29.99. Capcom plans to ship Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION on May 27, 2008. This is one of the most robust updates to a Platinum title ever! Capcom has gone above and beyond to bring the epic Lost Planet experience to an expanded audience. Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION provides the compelling single player experience found in the original Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, with the addition of three new modes. In Score Attack, all enemies have points assigned to them and the score awarded will change depending on how they are defeated, with skilled marksmen being rewarded. For those who thrive on a challenge, Trial Battle Mode delivers the goods, pitting players against all of the game‒s bosses, one after another. Players of both Score Attack and Trial Battle modes will be able to compare their skills and compete for bragging rights via the online ranking system. Finally, for fans that want to take their skills to a whole new level, the new Off Limit Mode will allow players to take on Lost Planet‒s harsh environments and enemies with over-the-top, super-charged weapons and a powered-up grappling hook. Fans of multiplayer action will not be disappointed as Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION allows them to enjoy 4 new maps, 5 new playable characters, 10 new weapons and 7 new multiplayer modes. Players become poachers as they attempt to steal opponents‒ alien Akrid eggs in a number of individual and team play modes, while the addition of VS Annihilator Mode assigns one robotic Vital Suit to each team, which must be defended at all cost. Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION also includes the feature that Lost Planet fans across the globe have been clamoring for – the ability to play as a gigantic marauding Akrid. Revel in the chance to turn the tables on the Snow Pirates as you assume the role of one of E.D.N. III‒s indigenous creatures in Akrid Hunting mode. All of these modes can be played across a total of 20 diverse maps, including a number of brand-new multiplayer arenas set in areas such as the confines of an ancient coliseum or the broad expanse of desert. For the first time, Xbox 360 owners will be able to join up with or play against Windows-based PC gamers, thanks to Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION‒s cross-platform compatibility. For more information on Lost Planet COLONIES EDITION, please visit http://www.lostplanet-thegame.com and http://shop.capcom.com. ABOUT CAPCOM Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including best-selling franchises Resident Evil®, Street Fighter®, Mega Man® and Devil May Cry®. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom can be found on the company web site, www.capcom.com. Okami, Capcom, Resident Evil, Mega Man and Devil May Cry are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd., in the U.S. or other countries. Street Fighter is a registered trademark of Capcom U.S.A., Inc. “PlayStation”, “PS” Family logo and “PSP” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Wii is a trademark of Nintendo. ©2006 Nintendo. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.