Check out our Flickr archive to see some comparision screenshots of new effects.

In addition, to answer one of the biggest requests from our Lost Planet PC players, a basic chatting system has been added for the PC version which includes four default message options that can be used to communicate with others in the lobby, in-game and result screen. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.

Finally, PC Map Pack #2 will also be available as with the patch, wtih the multiplayer maps from the Xbox 360 Map Packs #2 and #3, which contained the following four maps: “Battleground,†an abandoned town scattered with rubble from ruined buildings, featuring indoor/outdoor areas with multi-level vantage points; “Lost Technology,†a throw-back to the good ol days of pixelated 8-bit gaming, “Ruins,†ancient temples set amidst a lush jungle; and “Ice Drop,†a frigid glacier with lots of peaks, nooks and crannies.

Xbox 360 fans, we haven’t forgotten about you. The “Lost Technology,†“Ruins,†and “Ice Drop†maps in PC Map Pack #2 are currently available as Map Pack #3 in the Xbox 360 version of Lost Planet. In conjunction with the PC update on August 16th, all these maps will also be made available for free download on Xbox Live Marketplace.

Alas, a new patch addressing connectivity for players of the Xbox 360 version will be available in the next few weeks.

See Brian’s latest LP blog post for more details.