Lost Planet: Extreme Condition was, in my opinion, one of the best “next-gen” games last year. Yeah, there were a lot of good games in 2007, Halo 3, Call of Duty 4, Mass Effect, Uncharted, the list goes on, but I think, for it’s part, Lost Planet was a great gaming experience.

It was one one of the first great games of last year. I don’t just mean last year, as in November or December. I mean last year as in January. That’s right, Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for Xbox 360 was released in January of 2007. Consequently, you can also pick that up for less than $30 bucks. Then again, the PS3 version should be less than most new PS3 titles, at around $40. Plus the PS3 version contains all the downloadable content you’ve had to pay for on the Xbox. So, that’s cool.

It’s over a year later and PS3 owner’s are finally getting the opportunity to take on the vicious Akrid and Snow Pirate armies. If you’re looking for a budget-ish title and like insane amounts of action this is the game. If you like old school difficulty, and don’t mind dying a ton. Also, if you’re a PS3 owner, don’t own a Xbox 360, and haven’t yet played this game, it’s a must have. Pick it up. If only for the single player, which is really the only reason to play Lost Planet. While it may be insanely frustrating at times, overall it’s still really fun. The multiplayer on the other hand, doesn’t even really compare to other games you may have been spoiled with. That said, it’s really not that bad if you have patience. Plus, more games should have grappling hooks. Capcom must like ‘em too, seeing as how their next big franchise, Bionic Commando, employs a similar grappling mechanism.

While it’s been quite some time since the game premiered on the 360, they have added some PS3 specific features to entice newcomers. Here’s the official list of PS3 incentives:

• All 16 previously released multiplayer maps (including the extra downloadable content from Xbox LIVE) included on the disc.

• New unlockable characters for single and multiplayer mode, including Frank West from Dead Rising, Megaman, and others.

While you do get all the downloadable content free in the new PS3 edition, it’s mostly all multiplayer stuff. This game really didn’t ever have a giant following on Xbox Live, so, not that I’m knocking PSN, but it probably won’t have much of a crowd in matchmaking, that’s all I’m saying. The two versions of the game look nearly identical. While there were some early reports that the PS3 version had lower quality textures and other problems, the final doesn’t seem to be suffering from any graphical deficiency. There’s nothing new in the way of single player, unless you include the unlockable characters. It’s still a great, fast paced, difficult, experience. And the explosions are still some of the best in any game. I mean shooting fuel barrels has never been so fun.

So, does Lost Planet hold up over a year later? Yeah, though possibly only due to the lack of games on the Playstation 3 at the moment. Then again, when the original came out it was great, maybe just because it was one of the first in a time when very few games come out, early in the year. So, maybe it’s a good thing Capcom waited another year. Here’s hoping the sequel doesn’t take as long to port.

Boom!

Here are some release dates:
MySims Kingdom for Nintendo DS and Wii should be released in the beginning of October and the end of December.
MySims for PC to be out about the same time.
MySims Party for Nintendo DS and Wii to be released between January and March 2009.
SimCity Creator will be out sometime before 2011. When exactly? I dunno.
SimAnimals to be by the end of March 2009.
Wow that is a lot of Sims. I’m still working on Sims 2 Open for business. I haven’t sold my first flower arrangement yet. If you gotta tip, let me know. I need me some simoleons people! Oh, and I hope you enjoy the video I made. Those Sims are always up to no good.

Thanks Shacknews!

Anyway, the game also happens to be in stores now. If you’re not familiar with the series of DS games, here’s a brief rundown:

• Microphone can be used to yell “Objection!” and “Hold it!” as you cross examine witnesses
• All new “Crime Recreation Mode” that allows players to reveal hidden clues by re-creating the scene of the crime
• Two distinct gameplay segments, Investigation phase – survey crime scenes, interview witnesses and gather evidence that will be used in court. And Court phase – present findings from the investigation to support your case, listen to testimonies and examine witnesses
• Diverse cast of characters where Apollo Justice is the new main character who leads the series into a new chapter

Boom!

Here’s the original post from Major Nelson:

Demo: TimeShift Multiplayer

Content: TimeShift Multiplayer Demo
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE regions
Size: 867.07 MB
Dash Text: [ESRB: M (Mature) BLOOD AND GORE,INTENSE VIOLENCE,LANGUAGE] Download the TimeShift Multiplayer Demo and encounter a multiplayer experience like never before! Through the use of Chrono Grenades time becomes your weapon as you can slow, stop or reverse anyone or anything caught within their blast radius. Along with classic multiplayer modes like Deathmatch and Capture the Flag, the Demo will give you a taste of the full MP experience which includes exclusive multiplayer modes like King of Time and Meltdown Madness. Master Time to Become the Ultimate Weapon! Available Now!

Personally, I really like this game. I think it does the time effects very well. And the fact that they actually incorperated them in the multiplayer mode is really cool. This is a demo for multiplayer only. If you want to try the single player game they also have a demo for that. Check it out, it’s free. Oh yeah, and the weather effects are sweet.

Boom!

I can’t decide where I stand on this one. On one hand its kinda cool to get a message from Mario himself, it actually is Charles Martinet the guy who does the voice. On the other hand its kinda creepy, at least this one is. I guess they did somewhat of the same with Ratchet and Clank.

Why no Master Chief call when Halo 3 came out?

There was a lot of talk on different sites about South Park’s episode this week. It was to feature Guitar Hero 3. I actually made it a point to watch the show for the first time in a long time, their World of Warcraft show was the last one I made it a point to watch. It did not disappoint. It was a pretty funny episode with maybe a little underlying Matt and Trey trueness to it. Stan was better at GH3 then Kyle but they were both signed to a GH3 manager who convinces Stan to dump Kyle for a better GH3 partner. Stan does and then gets addicted to Heroin Hero the game. I can see Matt and Trey being pissed at each other over GH3.

The night also featured sneak peeks at Assassin’s Creed. They showed several different “exclusive” trailers for the game. The game looks pretty outstanding and I’m excited to get my hands on it. The Assassin’s Creed PR machine is in full on cram it down your throats mode with Ass Creed popping up everywhere. Of course the more we get to see Jade Raymond the better. Am I right or am I right?

P.S. To all you guys hoping to see Ms. Raymond in Maxim next month…..Sorry boys she denies the rumor and says she would never think of it.

The reviews are trickling in and it looks like Super Mario Galaxy may just be the best game ever. A few early reviews have surfaced for the much anticipated Nintendo game and it’s nothing but love. GamePro and some other’s got their hands on the game early and have already posted reviews.

Now, I pretty much bought my Nintendo Wii based on 2 games, (one launched with the Wii), The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and the newest installment of the Super Mario franchise, Super Mario Galaxy. So, for me, this is great news if it holds true. I’ve had nothing but high hopes for this game, so these reviews really don’t surprise me. I mean, Super Mario 64 is probably my favorite game of all time.

Still counting…

Boom!

Are you still completely engulfed in Halo 3? Is Guitar Hero 3 taking up alot of your time? Well get ready to put those games away. Call of Duty 4 Modern Warfare is getting close. So close in fact I can smell the gunpowder.

With its release close Activision has announced a special weekend for all of us. It will be a Play and Win weekend with prizes ranging from a 360 Elite to COD4 t shirts to Microsoft points. Its set to begin Nov. 16 at 12:01. Here’s the press release for all the details.

Santa Monica, CA – Nov. 1, 2007 – Ten days following its U.S. release on Nov. 6, Activision Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) Call of Duty® 4: Modern Warfare™ will invade the Xbox LIVE®online entertainment network for a 72-hour Play & Win Sweepstakes full of games and prizes beginning on Friday, Nov. 16 at 12:01 EST. Hourly prizes will be awarded all weekend, including Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare shirts, Infinity Ward autographed posters and Xbox LIVE point cards. One Grand Prize winner also will receive an Xbox 360 Elite console and a Limited Edition Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare faceplate, among other items.
Friday, Nov. 16 – Sunday, November 18 – Play and Win.
Register and Play COD4: Modern Warfare on Xbox LIVE during the weekend and win an Xbox 360 Elite, Infinity Ward team autographed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare swag, limited edition Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare faceplates, Xbox 360 accessories, Microsoft Points and other great Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare prizes. There will be one winner for every hour that weekend (72 hours) as well as the grand prize which includes the Elite, autograph swag, faceplate and accessories. (The hourly winners get Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare poster, t-shirt, and MS Points.)
Friday, Nov. 16 – 6pm -9pm EST – Play with over a dozen gamers from developer, Infinity Ward.
Saturday, Nov. 17 – The PMS Clan joins the online action for Saturday night gaming.
More details on registering for the Call of Duty4: Modern Warfare LIVE Fire weekend and information regarding terms, conditions, and official rules are available on the official event page: www.xbox.com/livefire/. Registration is open now and will end at 11:59pm (ET) on November 18, 2007.
For times, rules and other details please visit: www.xbox.com/livefire or www.charlieoscardelta.com.

Sounds pretty cool. COD4 is gonna be one of the biggest games of the year and I can’t wait for it.

STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!!!!!!

A game that will come out early?!?!?!! That’s right folks Kane & Lynch: Dead Men will be releasing a week early on Nov 13rd. YEAAAAAA!!!!!!

With all the talk of games being pushed back and delayed (we’re looking at you Metal Gear Solid 4 and Army of Two) its nice to get something sooner then expected. This game might not seem like a top tier title but I’m more interested in it now for sure.

Developers pay heed please please please give yourself enough time to finish a game and get it out on the date you tell us first.

We’ve been working on a new feature for our site and it’s finally here. It’s a new release countdown page. There we’ll be showcasing the coolest new games coming out sooner or later. The list will include anything we’re looking forward to, games, movies, music, tech, etc.

If you’ve got a game, product, or anything you’re looking forward to, let us know and we might just add it to the countdown list. Send it to us at: countdowns@counteragent.com

In addition to viewing the countdowns on our countdown page, you can also embed the countdown player in your own site, web page, or comment anywhere they allow embedding.

Boom!

Start “Rockin’” with the newest incarnation of the Guitar Hero franchise

Official Summary for Guitar Hero III (3): Unleash your inner rock legend! Crank up the volume and prepare to rock around the globe with Guitar Hero™ III: Legends of Rock. -Challenge guitar icons Slash and Tom Morello! -Rock out with a friend online or offline with the new wireless Les Paul Guitar Controller. -Features over 70 of the biggest and loudest songs ever compiled in a game from such legendary artists as The Rolling Stones, Beastie Boys, and Pearl Jam.

Impressions: If you don’t already have the Guitar Hero guitar for 360 you can still play the demo, but why? It’s definitely better than it’s predecessors. If you’re a fan, you’ll still be a fan. If not, they won’t be converting anyone.

Now on to the “Rollin’” part of today’s demos.

Official Summary for Need For Speed Pro Street: Compete at the highest level of street racing. Experience the intense rivalry of Grip Racing and prove yourself in the all-new Speed Challenge – the ultimate test of speed and control. Visit needforspeed.com for full product info. Need for Speed ProStreet is in stores November 14, 2007.

Impressions: May not be better than Project Gotham Racing 4, but if you like the Need for Speed series, this game improves on almost everything.

Boom!

PC gamers should be getting new comfy chairs with lots of padding because there are a gaggle of games coming in the near future for PC. This week a few demos dropped for some highly anticipated games. First off Unreal Tournament 3 demo dropped. Hopefully it will live up to the high caliber of fast paced shooter action that the first 2 have. Download it here Unreal Tourney 3 . Another big drop that looks like it could be a very solid title is Timeshift. It is a very pretty game that is rendered very well and the demo was solid that peaks or hope for the complete game. Download it here Timeshift . Last but certainly not least is the game that we are most excited about for the year is Call of Duty 4. We have been hyping this game for every console. The PC demo doesnt disappoint. Again it is beautifully done, it looks great and plays great. We simply can not wait for this game to release. Get it here Call of Duty 4 . There you go now get demoing and get yourself pumped for the full games!!!!

Star Wars fanboys have something new to buy. Sony has just release it’s new Darth Vader themed PSP. If you’re thinking of waiting on this, think again, it’s a limited edition unit. I comes as part of a $199 bundle, and only in a the bundle, which includes the new Star Wars Battlefront game, Renegade Squadron.

Boom!

It sure is a big week for demos. Xbox 360 has just releases two new game demos today.

F.E.A.R. Summary from Microsoft’s Major Nelson: F.E.A.R. Files combines the award winning F.E.A.R.: Extraction Point with the brand new F.E.A.R.: Perseus Mandate in one terrifying package. This demo based off of the events in Extraction Point showcases the hyper-stylized action and paranormal horror that define F.E.A.R. Engage the Replica soliders and powerful supernatural entities in close quarters combat with a powerful arsenal, including the new Minigun. Highly destructible environments and combat adaptable AI bring the action to life in this follow up to the critically acclaimed F.E.A.R.

First Impression: I didn’t want to play it. It’s too creepy.

Project Gotham Racing 4 summary from Major Nelson: Race three exotic cars and two beauteous bikes through the streets of Macau and a snow laden Nürburgring. Includes an exclusive Nürburgring Snow Challenge and unique PGR Arcade Events.

First Impression: If you played Project Gotham Racing 3 for the 360, you’ll like this game. It improves on most everything. The graphics are absolutly stunning. The control lends itself more towards the arcade than simulation, personally I prefer that. It’s a pretty solid demo, check it out. After all, it’s free.

Boom!

Looks like the rumored xbox 360 bundle is in fact going to be hitting stores this holiday season.  Microsoft has  made it official that they will be packaging Forza Motorsport 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance with both the Premium ($350) and Elite ($450)  console.  No date has been dropped yet as to the release.  Two pretty solid 360 games for anyone who has only enough to buy the console but has to wait for the next pay check to buy Halo 3.  Remember all you noobs who will be buying this you can get a free month of xbox live gold (http://www.counteragent.com/2007/09/26/tip-get-a-free-1-month-trial-of-xbox-live-gold/).  This comes close on the heels of the Xbox 360 Arcade console so they could be released close to each other.

Conan Summary from Microsoft’s Major Nelson: Play the Conan demo and experience the strength and savagery of Conan as you wage an epic battle across the world of Hyboria! Approximately 15 minutes of gameplay plus some short video segments.

First Impression: The first 30 seconds of the demo sum up what this game is about. It starts with Conan slicing the head off a guy and then offering some servicing to the leading lady. The game looks pretty good. The gameplay starts basic enough and moves on to combos and advanced moves fairly quickly. It’s a decent action/adventure game and we haven’t really seen many of them on the Xbox 360.

The Simpsons Game summary from Major Nelson: After Kang and Kodos use their Halloween ray on Springfield’s famous Lard Lad statue, it’s up to Homer and Bart to stop the rampaging mascot from destroying the town. To do this the two must fend off waves of miniature Krusty dolls while avoiding Lard Lad’s destructive laser and stomp attacks in an attempt to pull out his wiring. Will our heroes prevail? The fate of Springfield is in your hands!

First Impression: If you’re a fan of the Simpsons this is finally a game that does the long-running series justice. You may or may not know about previous Simpsons games and their less than perfect track record. The game looks pretty good for a cel shaded cartoon game. The control’s not bad, but it could be a lot better. Overall the single level they give you in the demo is really fun and worth checking out. Hopefully when the final product ships it will be as fun as the demo was.

The Spill Canvas has a new album hitting stores tomorrow, October 2nd. If you want to preview it PureVolume.com has a full online album preview. Go here to listen before you make your purchase. The Spill Canvas classifies itself as Rock, Alternative, and Powerpop. The band says it’s influences “range from Van Morrison to Otis Redding.” All the while they keep it modern and fresh.

The Spill Canvas tours with bands like Motion City Soundtrack, Straylight Run, Mae and The Plain White T’s.

If you like what you hear you can get the CD and t-shirt (limited edition) from the band’s official online store for only $14.99.

Boom!

Here’s some of the big game releases for the week of October 1st:

1. The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Adventure/Puzzle) – DS
2. Enemy Territory: Quake Wars (FPS/Team) – PC
3. Crash of the Titans (Action/Platform) – Wii, Xbox 360, PS2, DS
4. NBA ’08 (Sports/Basketball) - PS3, PS2, PSP
5. NBA 2K8 (Sports/Basketball) - PS3, PS2, Xbox 360
6. NBA Live ’08 (Sports/Basketball) - PS3, PS2, PSP, Wii, Xbox 360
7. Flat Out: Ultimate Carnage (Racing/Destruction) - Xbox 360
8. Project Gotham Racing 4 (Racing) - Xbox 360
9. Spider-Man: Friend or Foe (Action/Not worth your money) - Xbox 360, Wii, PSP, DS, PS2, PC
10. Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow (Action/Shooter) - PSP
11. Ninjabread Man (Action/Adventure) – Wii

Boom!