Steam News has word that an automatic update is now available for Lost Planet: Extreme Condition, with the new version of Capcom's space combat shooter adding four new multiplayer maps, new DirectX 10 enhancements, and a new chat feature:

>> Four new multiplayer maps. Map Pack #2 includes Battleground (an abandoned town scattered with rubble from ruined buildings), Lost Technology (a tribute to 8-bit games), Ruins, (ancient ruins set amidst a lush jungle), and Ice Drop (a glacier with plenty of peaks, nooks, and crannies)

>> DirectX 10 enhancements. Specialized DirectX 10 Geometry Shaders improve overall visual quality through better depth of field effects and improved motion blurring and fur shading.

>> Chat system. A new chat feature includes four default messages that can be sent to other players from the game lobby or while playing.