Capcom has finally forked over the details on the what, when and how much for their upcoming Lost Planet multiplayer map packs. The Xbox 360 shooter will get the first downloadable pair of maps around March 9 and include Radar Field—"a close quarters facility which is under construction and has a giant radar that provides a peak vantage point"—and Island 902—"a sprawling Pacific-themed battlefield with several islands connected by bridges as well as vast underwater areas." Cost to you? 400 Microsoft Points.

In addition to those two new levels, the Battleground map originally included with the Collector's Edition version of the game will be handed out free at an unspecified time. And yes, more map packs are planned, but release dates are not solid.

To sum up, you're dropping five bucks for two maps to tack on to the sixty (or seventy) you already dropped on the "full" game with the promise of further optional gouging. Enjoy! Michael McWhertor

CAPCOM TO RELEASE DOWNLOADABLE MAP PACKS FOR LOST PLANET : EXTREME CONDITION FOR XBOX 360

Seven New Multiplayer Maps Coming Over the Next Few Months

SUNNYVALE, Calif - Feb. 16, 2007 - Capcom , a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced plans to offer downloadable multiplayer map packs for Lost Planet : Extreme Condition for Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system from Microsoft. The first map pack will cost 400 Microsoft Points , with pricing on the following packs to be determined later. Lost Planet, which carries a "T" rating for teen audiences by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), can be found on retail shelves around the world.

"We're committed to bringing new content to the thriving community of Lost Planet fans," said Charles Bellfield, vice president, marketing, Capcom Entertainment, Inc. "The development team is steadily working on additional environments to provide players with new ways to enjoy the intense Lost Planet brand of action."

The first pack is planned to be released via Xbox Live Marketplace on or about March 9 and contains two new multiplayer levels: "Radar Field," a close quarters facility which is under construction and has a giant radar that provides a peak vantage point, and "Island 902," a sprawling Pacific-themed battlefield with several islands connected by bridges as well as vast underwater areas. Additionally, "Battleground," a multiplayer map originally offered exclusively to those who purchased the Collector's Edition of the game, will be made available for free to all Lost Planet players. The next two packs, as well as the free Battleground map will be made available in the coming months.

Lost Planet is an epic gaming masterpiece combining a gripping single player campaign and intense multiplayer modes with support for up to 16 players on the Xbox Live online game service. Taking full advantage of Xbox 360 system's power, Lost Planet contains sophisticated visuals, with an unmatched level of detail as advanced light sourcing is used to ensure a realistic presentation that enhances every explosion, smoke and particle effect. Enormous world maps unfold as players battle hostile creatures in blistering weather conditions across vast snowfields and deserted cities either on foot or in armed, robotic Vital Suits.

For more information on Lost Planet, please visit the official site at http://www.lostplanet-thegame.com or join the growing community of fans at http://www.lostplanetcommunity.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.

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. Xbox, Xbox 360, and Xbox Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.