Here’s the clip.

Click here to view the embedded video.

It’s been awhile since I’ve posted here on CounterAgent, but I’ve been busy working on this web project called the SuperLame! Comic Balloon Engine. We’ve just launched it in a public Beta. So, let me take a few moments to explain what it is that’s taken up most of my time as of late.

What is SuperLame? Well, I’m glad you asked. You may have heard the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words”. So, if a picture alone is worth that much, how much more can you say with a picture that actually has words too? I’m betting at least a few more than a thousand.

You may have noticed a number of word balloon pictures on this site, amoung others. Before the SuperLame word balloon image creator web app this was a time consuming process. Enter SuperLame and the Comic Balloon Engine. Basically, it’s a simple web tool that gives users the power to easily and quickly add word balloons, speech bubbles, thought bubbles, whatever you want to call them, to your pictures.

Best of all, the entire tool is free for anyone to use. However, if you would like to donate to the SuperLame cause, we wouldn’t turn you down, of course, and hey, it’s a tax right off, right?

The above picture is an example of what you can do at SuperLame. But, don’t take my word for it, check out the SuperLame Word Balloon Web Tool for yourself. Enjoy.

Boom!

We just recently posted about the Battlefield 2 beta that will be opening. After watching this video I definitely want to get in on it. Pretty good looking stuff going on in the trailer here’s hoping the gameplay is as good as the video.

The part where he uses his grenade launcher to open the side of the building and get a kill was sweet.

Check out the video after the break

Bungie and Microsoft have announced that as of 2 a.m. this Tuesday, March 25th 2008, the previously released 800 M$ point Heroic Map Pack will now be free to download on Xbox Live Marketplace. If you own Halo 3 and haven’t already paid for these maps then you should definitely grab them. They’re free, ’nuff said. Bungie will also be releasing their new Legendary Map Pack soon for the same initial 800 M$ points. Look for that to be free sometime this fall.

More info on the Heroic map pack:

CounterAgent: Announcement, CounterAgent: Pics, CounterAgent: Videos

Bungie’s official announcement

Story via Joystiq

When was the last time you enjoyed a Sonic the Hedgehog game? I honestly can’t remember. Well Sonic Unleashed might just change that. This debut trailer gives me some hope that I might enjoy a Sonic game once again. No release date yet but look for it on Xbox 360 and PS3.

Check out the video after the break and tell us what you think

Harmonix confirmed today that Rock Band will be hitting the Wii on June 22nd. It will be going for $170. The kit includes the game, guitar, drums and mic. Also standalone instruments will also be available on June 22nd also so Wii owners will have that going for them. Unfortuanatly Harmonix has said that it will be closer to a PS2 port then one of the next gen platforms. But it will not use the Wii mote at all in the instruments so thats good.

Thanks Joystiq

Yikes!! The first pics of Snake Eyes from the upcoming G.I Joe movie are floating around. He looks pretty darn awesome I think. He also is pretty scary looking too. Snake Eyes is played by your favorite cut in half Sith, Ray Park. I’ve never seen Ray Park’s face without a mask or paint but I assume he has some kind of awful scar because the guy never gets to play a role with his face showing.

The movie is supposed to be coming in 2009 so we gotta a while to wait but I always loved G.I Joe so I’m excited about it, really excited after seeing these pics.

Check out another pic after the break

via Cinematical

Got Rainbow Six: Vegas 2? Already tired of all the multiplayer maps and ready for a new one? Yeah! Comcast has got you covered. Think of this as more of actual “game” advertising, not just “in-game” advertising. Comcast, you know, the cable company, has decided to offer a free Vegas 2 map entitled the “Comcast Event Map”, ta da! You don’t have to be a Comcast subscriber to get’ em either, you don’t even have to like Comcast (just don’t tell them).

Here’s what you gotta do. Load up the game, Rainbow Six: Vegas 2. Go to the “Extras” menu from the main screen. Select “Comcast Gift” from the options. Then, enter the code “Comcast Faster” (without the quotes) when prompted and enjoy the new multi-player map.

If you’re a PC gamer, you’ll have to wait. Sorry, no map for you just yet. However, you can keep checking back at this link. They say they’ll have the map for you guys soon.

Boom!

The next installment in the popular Battlefield series, Bad Company, is coming out this June for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. However, some lucky gamer’s will have the opportunity to play it early. PC gamer’s that happen to be members of either IGN Founders’ Club or IGN Insider will be offered a beta key, while supplies last. Beta keys will also be given out from a number of IGN site’s like, IGN.com, FilePlanet, GameSpy, TeamXbox, Planet Battlefield and Voodoo Extreme.

For console gamer’s only the Xbox 360 will be included in the beta, sorry PS3. To get in to the 360 beta you’ve got to pre-order the game form GameStop.

In North America, GameStop will also offer keys on a first come, first serve basis for this Exclusive Beta Xbox LIVE® online entertainment network event. With only 5,000 beta keys available at GameStop, gamers should pre-order their copy now at GameStop.

This is a Multiplayer Only beta, similar to the Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare multiplayer beta last year. The beta will only include 2 maps to play on. It will, however, have a number of play modes and weapon upgrades to explore.

Boom!

While I’m not a huge fan of racing games, Dirt is my favorite racing game maybe of all time. The guys behind Dirt, Codemasters, have a new racing game coming out this summer called Grid. Check out the video after the break. This game looks pretty darn impressive just by the video. Codemasters seem to have it down when it comes to racing games.

In other Codemasters news. Somehow we let a huge game slip through the cracks this winter. A PC exclusive……. DIRTY DANCING the game!!!! All I have to say is “IT’S ABOUT TIME!!!”

Boom!

Could it be? Does the PS3 have more and better exclusives this year? Looks like 2008 may possibly be the year of the Playstation, again. Just like old times.

Is it just me or is almost every big game coming out this year a sequel? No matter what console you’re on. Either way, you got to be excited about something on the list. If the majority of these games actually release this year, wow. But does anyone really expect that? So, let’s jump in and analyze the exclusives. Note, this list in no way represents the entire list of exclusive titles for each console. It does, however, represent what we at Counteragent think are the biggest exclusives most likely to actually be released this calender year.

PS3:

Resistance 2 (PS3)

Guaranteed success. While the first was a great game and fairly big success, it was still just a launch title. Imagine what they can do after a couple years and games under their belt. 8 player Co-Op! Expect big things from this game.

Gran Turismo 5 Prologue (PS3)

Another guaranteed success. Anyone who plays Gran Turismo will grab this game. If you’re a fan, your a fan. The visuals continue to improve, HD replays, ’nuff said!

Haze (PS3)

Hopefully the game will finally end it’s long series of delays this year. This game promises some intense action, including 4-player co-op, drop-in, drop-out, split-screen, online, or local multiplayer options. The game continues to impress visually, with not only the quality of graphics, but the very cool, unique design elements. The future of FPS games on PS3 looks Haze-y, in a good way. Sorry.

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots (PS3) – Metal Gear Online (PS3) [Best Online Resource for everything MGS4]

Who doesn’t know about this game. The game is still months away and is already epic. If any game could live up to the hype this game has garnered, leave it to Solid Snake, old or young. Like most of the games on this list, the visuals are amazing. The game looks to pack in an enormous amount of story and gameplay. The game features a immense arsenal of weapons and combat/stealth moves. If you own a PS3, you are almost required to buy this. You know you will.

SOCOM: Confrontation (PS3)

Still early on this title, few details have been released. The game will support up to 32 players online. Customizable weapons much like SOCOM 3. Also like the previous SOCOM games, the focus will be online multiplayer. Early word says this one will go the way of Warhawk, offering online only possibly with a blutooth headset and all. After all, the original SOCOM kind of pioneered headset use on consoles.

LittleBigPlanet (PS3)

Possibly one of the most innovative, cute, and anticipated games of the year. Little Big Planet looks to expand the PS3 audience with this “build-your-own-game” game. Eat your heart out Nintendo Miis, this game looks great. The shear level of creativity allowed is staggering. The game also supports 4-player co-op and versus. Plus, it’s kid friendly without being offensively cute.

God of War III (PS3)

The PS2 went out with a bang (though it’s still hanging in there) with the original God of War, and most recently it’s sequel, still on the aging console. People have been waiting for a true “next-gen” God of War experience and it looks as though 2008 is gonna be your year, possibly. Not much is know as of yet, however, the games creator, David Jaffe, is no longer working on the series so we’ll just have to wait and see how everything turns out.

Final Fantasy XIII (PS3) – Final Fantasy Versus XIII (PS3)

You’re either a fan, or you’re not, though, you’ve got to recognize the scale of the Final Fantasy franchise. The games continue to set graphical standards with every release. The next, XIII, looks to make good on their reputation. Not only are they again improving every visual, and storytelling aspect of the game, they are overhauling the combat as well. The combat in Final Fatasy XIII promises the speed up and intensify the battles.

MotorStorm 2 (PS3) [Teaser Trailer]

Another sequel to a previous PS3 exclusive, MotorStorm 2 hasn’t revealed much, but from the trailer we can expect yet another pre-rendered bar set too high for them to reach with in-game graphics. Don’t get me wrong, the original looked great, but the video they showed a year earlier looked 10-times better. This was the prettiest of all the racers for a while, but we’ll see how the sequel compares to the likes of Gran Turismo 5 HD later this year. Some of the improvements include new cars/trucks/motorcycles, tracks, and best of all, a much needed 4-player split-screen mode. The game’s also said to include 16-player online support.

Killzone 2 (PS3)

So, video and screenshots have shown just how good the game really looks in action. But what about gameplay? The original was not exactly praised by critics, though I quite enjoyed it (minus the large number of glitches). It definitely wasn’t the “Halo Killer” it was touted as. The sequel will have to really prove itself in such a crowded shooter market. Guerrilla Games has yet to reveal any real details on gameplay, i.e. co-op, multiplayer, customization? The game sure does look good though. Guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

Twisted Metal (PS3)

David Jaffe may not be working on the sequel to God of War, but he’s confirmed that his company is working on another sequel. Twisted Metal is a staple among gaming. It’s been with us since the original Playstation and has had quite a number of incarnations since that time. No details yet, but expect some dark-comedy, over-the-top car combat.

Xbox 360:

Ninja Gaiden II (360)

Finally on to the Xbox 360, I thought we’d never get here. Ninja Gaiden II, the first official, true sequel, promises to up everything that made the original so popular. More action, more bad guys, more blood (almost too much), and more speed. The game’s creators have also addressed the difficulty issues some (many) had with the other games. They’ve said that without dumbing it down, they will be changing the controls in order to improve and lessen the frustration to newcomers. They’re also adding new weapons to the game and a ton of new character animations to keep the visuals fresh.

Too Human (360)

An epic in the making, Too Human is already set to be part of a trilogy. Everyone loves a trilogy. They’ve created an enormous world with a unique technology and organic design. The game is built on story, including a very ambitious new dynamic camera system that’s supposed to always give you the best view of the action during gameplay. The game also features a plethora of RPG elements to keep you interested. As with most RPGs you can upgrade almost everything, from weapons, to armor, to special abilities that extend your combat. The game also features a unique combat system, using the right analog stick for both melee and ranged attacks.

Fable 2 (360)

Sequel to a game that was a giant leap in artificial intelligence, Fable 2 looks to surpass it’s predecessor in every way. The ultimate choice between good and evil. This time your options are even greater. Similar to another Lionhead game, Black & White, the player will be given a pet in order to help you throughout the game, and also as a friend you can bond with. Peter Molyneux, the games creator has said he wants the game to get the player emotionally involved. Just a guess, but you can probably expect that your dog will eventually die. In addition to a game with conscience, the game is one of the first games to introduce money into the game before it’s release. That’s right, you can begin earning gold to spend in Fable 2 before the game ever hits store shelve, thanks to downloadable arcade games on Xbox Live.

Banjo-Kazooie 3 (360)

Very little is know of Bajo-Kazooie 3, if that is in fact it’s name. Rare, the company developing the game, released a short teaser trailer back in September 2006. It really didn’t show any gameplay, however, it did show a new boxy art style you can see in the screenshots above. You can expect the regular Bajo-Kazooie platform elements, collect everything in sight, teamwork to reach different areas and beat different enemies, and large open worlds. The Xbox 360 isn’t exactly known for having many platformers, so this will be a welcome addition. The last time we had a Banjo game was back on the N64.

Gears of War 2 (360)

Do I really have to say anything? Gears of War 2. You knew they would make it. The first was such a huge success, it actually beat Halo for top online multiplayer game, if only because it was the last-gen Halo 2. The game features everything new the Unreal Engine 3 has to offer. More enemies on screen, more destruction, more realistic lighting, and more chainsawing action. Another emergence day awaits us this fall.

Halo Wars

Halo isn’t dead! At least the Halo universe isn’t. Halo Wars is the first Halo game that isn’t a Halo game. It’s a real-time strategy. While the game isn’t being developed solely over at Bungie, it is being developed from the ground up for the Xbox 360 and console gameplay. Meaning they’ve supposedly solved some of the problems that plague many real-time strategy games on consoles. Did you know that Halo was originally a real-time strategy game being developed for the Mac? It’s true.

Update: After much deliberation and consideration of comments around the net about this list not giving the 360 it’s fair share of coverage, we’ve decided the amend the list. Here are some additional 360 console exclusive titles likely to come out this year.

Added: Splinter Cell: Conviction (360)

The next step for Sam Fisher looks remarkably similar to a Bourne Identity type game. That said, it still looks great. They’ve dropped the green eyed goggles in exchange for a man bag (ala Jack Bauer), hoodie, and beard, and they’ve got a stripped down and dirty, raw, Splinter Cell game where you’re now a fugitive from the law. The new game looks to change more than Sam’s fashion, focusing on what Ubisoft is calling “All new improvisation-based gameplay”. Where your inventory is actually the world around you, pick up and throw chairs, etc. Use crowds to your advantage, similar to Assassin’s Creed. This could be a great way to freshen up the series, or it could go too far from it’s roots and lose fans.

Added: Left 4 Dead (360)

Zombies, Co-Op, Valve, Source, ’nuff said. The “4″ in Left 4 Dead actually means something, it’s not just l337 speak. That’s right, 4-player co-op for a zombie first person shooter. A lot of people have high expectations for this one, and it looks like it could live up to them. Not a fan of being human, well they’ve got you covered. You can choose to play as a zombie, or “infected” as they’re called in the game. There are a number of different types of zombies each with different strengths and weaknesses. The brain eating should commence around October.

Added: Alan Wake (360)

Do you like psychological thrillers? Alan Wake is a presented as more of a “movie” like game than a traditional action game. They’re officially calling it a “psychological action thriller”. The game has been in development for a while now (it won GameSpy’s Best of E3 2005) and claims to have a 2008 release date, we’ll see. It looks beautiful, the developer’s have spent a lot of time on really capturing the mood of a thriller. They’ve included full realtime day-to-night lighting and weather effects.

Update: Those should help even out the list. I know for a fact I could keep adding more and more games to each side. This list is just some of the biggest and most anticipated console exclusives scheduled to release in 2008.

Honorable Mention: Heavy Rain (PS3), The Agency (PS3), L.A. Noire (PS3), Tekken 6 (PS3), Huxley (360), GTA4 (360 exclusive episodic content), Age of Conan (360)

That’s quite a bit and I’m tired. This should gives you something to think about if your making a console purchase this year. I’m sure there are a lot of games coming out that aren’t on this list. I’ve just covered some of the biggest of the console exclusives for 2008.

Boom!

I really think this is cool but I would only do this if I had 400 extra points just sitting around.

Thanks easports.com

I’m generally not a big fan of these small downloadable arcade games, however, many companies have been putting a lot more effort into making them more worth your 10-15 dollars. Capcom has to be one of the foremost of these companies. At their recent conference, Digital Day, they announced quite a number of upcoming downloadable arcade games, most of which are remakes of existing franchises.

Enter Rocketmen: Axis of Evil, not an existing franchise in the video game world, it is an existing game franchise, as in collectible card game. Capcom hasn’t exactly reinvented the wheel, or the arcade game, but they have included a number of great features to stretch your gameplay dollar. Some of these include 4 player drop in drop out co-op gameplay throughout the entire game. Customizable stats, semi-custom characters, and a good amount of powerups.

Keep reading for the giveaway details and the entire review.

Here’s the official bullet list of game features:

• Fast-paced arcade action
• 1 – 4 players on or offline
• Online multiplayer gameplay through a variety of mini games that let players instantly jump into existing games
• Design and build your own character for both single and multi-player games, each with their own unique skills and look
• Further character customization options through new items and abilities earned by progressing through a variety of quests
• Multiple hours of gameplay with plenty of levels, hordes of enemies, huge bosses and engaging story for maximum replay value
• Beautiful cartoon-like art style brings life to the characters and environments
• Competitive online ranking system High definition
• 1080i graphics

Yes, it’s another omni-directional shooter. One joystick controls your movement, the other controls your shooting. There are many good features to help it standout, like experience points for upgrading at the end of each level. There’s also a few not so great things, like the camera moving you forward before you’ve had a chance to pickup all the powerups you earned.

The game can be a little frustrating at times, but not enough to stop you from playing. There are times when there are so many enemies you can’t possibly dodge all their fire. The weapons you pick up are all on a timer, I think it’s 15 seconds from when you pick it up. Once your time’s up, you’re back to the dismal blaster you start with. (Oh, and here’s a little tip to help keep you from missing some of the out of reach powerups. Press the “B” button, which is the “Loot Vacuum”. I will pull any unreachable items toward you. This should’ve been automatic, but it helps when you just can’t reach stuff. I didn’t even realize you could do this until half-way through the game.)

The cutscenes are written well, similar to the internet cartoon, however, they in no way live up to the level of quality Capcom has shown in many other games throughout the year. I know the game wasn’t done in-house, but they did put their name on it, and they arguably have some of the best artist of any game developer. The cutscenes should’ve at least been done by the team that did the Rocketmen internet cartoon.

All in all, I’m gonna give the game a fair score of 7/10. It’s a good game for a few hours of co-op multiplayer fun for a decent price. It could’ve been better, then again, everything could be better. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not. It does what it’s supposed to well, though not much else. If nothing else it’ll pass the time until some of the real meat of the Capcom arcade games line-up come out, like Commando 3, Street Fighter 2: HD Remix, and Bionic Commando: ReArmed.

Oh, while 10 bucks ain’t bad. Free is even better, right? We’ve got a free download code for Xbox 360 to giveaway thanks to good folks at Capcom. Rules: Just leave a comment below this post. You’ll be automatically registered to get the Rocketmen: Axis of Evil download code for the Xbox Live Arcade version of the game. Just one post a day. We’ll probably give the game away on Friday this week.

Boom!

Ever dream of having a sweet 3 blade head slicing throwing weapon that becomes apart of you? Well if you do dream of that then head down to your local video game store and pre order Dark Sector. The game comes out March 25th and looks pretty good.

I’ve watched a few videos of the gameplay and the more see the more excited. I’m looking forward to it and in the video after the break you get a little glimpse of the Chromas. These are some pretty hardcore looking baddies.

We’ve heard it all before “MOVIE GAMES SUCK!!!” Unfortunately that is really true. I’ve tried to think of one good one and I really can’t. Maybe the Iron Man game will be good? At least this video looks pretty good. It’s pretty and action packed. Worst thing about the upcoming game and movie…. we will all be sick of the song “Iron Man”. Enjoy!

Video after the break

Capcom’s very own “little E3 type show”, DIgital Day is here, and if you’re a fan of Capcom, than boy do they have a lot of good stuff. Good stuff like the next in the hopefully long line of Lost Planet games.

Lost Planet: Extreme Condition COLONIES EDITION (this is a big one folks)

Definitely not a sequel, but not something fans of the original will want to pass up. The game includes the same (awesome) single-player experience from Lost Planet: Extreme Condition but with all new modes, like Score Attack(not too dissimilar from Halo 3), Trial Battle Mode (Boss Battles, that’s it), and Off-Limit Mode (Extreme Super-Charged Weapons, Unlimited Ammo, and Faster Movement. Think EDF: Earth Defense Force 2017, but with better graphics).

The multi-player is also getting some upgrades with new gameplay modes. Akrid Hunter (play as the giant alien bugs, while everyone else tries to take you down), VS Annihilator, Counter Grab, Point Snatcher, Akrid Egg Battle, and Egg Bandit. In addition to the new modes are four(4) new multi-player maps and five(5) new playable character models. Also, an unconfirmed number of new weapons. Even a couple new perspectives, first person and over-the-shoulder (ala Resident Evil 4) views. Best of all is the price, get all of this and more for the low, low price of $29.99 as soon as the game ships May 27th on both PC and Xbox 360. Screenshots after the break.

Boom!

More videos for your viewing pleasure. Gametrailers.com just put up some new Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix videos. Sheez what a long name. Videos are pretty good nothing with the new characters though. From the videos it looks like Ken is the man.

Check out the video, and a bunch of new screenshots, after the break.