Let the carnage begin!

Eager to test out the demo for Left 4 Dead 2, but didn't pre-order, or lucky enough to get a preorder code?  Wait no longer, my undead slaying friend!  The Xbox 360 demo for Left 4 Dead 2 is now available in all regions.  The demo takes the four new survivors through New Orleans, and by all accounts shows off all the new bells and whistles quite nicely.  Add the demo download to your queue here, and reread Nick's impressions of the PC demo to keep you occupied until you can dash home and play.  Is it quitting time yet?

Expect the demo on Steam later today for everyone else as well.

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Quite a bit of Band Hero news for you today.  We've been curious about whether Band Hero songs would be importable to Guitar Hero 5.  Turns out 61 out of 65 of them are, for a fee of $5.  Songs from World Tour, Smash Hits, and Guitar Hero 5 will be importable into Band Hero, as well.  Confusing?  Yes, but at least the feature is being offered.

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Three weeks ago, IGN graciously hosted the demo for Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, the upcoming PSP game that will feature 4-player co-op. It's completely in Japanese, but thanks to a couple of handy guides, it's playable for those of us who can't read Japanese. We posted the link as well, hoping to get some time in with the demo...

...and that we did. We're pleased to tell you that Peace Walker is on its way to becoming a definitive game for the PSP in terms of innovation and overall enjoyment. Unfortunately, the co-op in the demo is a bit lacking...but the groundwork is there for a great experience.

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Solid Snake gets some co-op assistance from Half Naked Snake

We finally get to try out some Metal Gear Solid: Peacewalker co-op! When it was confirmed via a special trailer, we still had no idea how the co-op would be implemented. At the time of this writing, we still don't...but rest assured we're looking into it.

How, you ask? IGN managed to get a copy of the Tokyo Game Show exclusive MGS: Peacewalker demo, and they're hosting it for free to anyone willing to sit through the 152 MB download. They've also posted instructions for installation.

Note: the demo is in Japanese, so some helpful fans have put together an FAQ and walkthrough here.

Source: Link

Notice how the headline doesn't say "the Lost Planet 2 co-op demo"? That's because PlayStation 3 owners are getting an expanded demo on the PlayStation Network tomorrow, September 24th.

According to the PlayStation Blog:

PS3 owners will not only be able to engage in the frantic battle against the enormous G-Type Akrid, the boss Akrid of the episode 1, but will also get the exclusive experience of two additional missions in an online co-operative extermination of the Akrid of E.D.N. III.

In addition to the demo, an exclusive trailer will debut on the PSN, which promises to show off a new desert environment and "even bigger Akrid than seen before".

Thanks to Colony of Gamers for tipping us off!

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In case you missed it, earlier this week FrozenByte released a PC demo for their upcoming three player co-op game Trine.  We took the demo for a spin and we're happy to report the game is very co-op friendly, very beautiful, and best of all - very fun.

The game starts out with a bit of a back story, fully narrated with some concept art style cut scenes.  We hear of a land put in turmoil after a king dies without an heir.  Soon magic turns from something that is used for good, to something that corrupts the land.  It's at this point we begin to meet our cast of characters.

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That's what we call co-op!

Overlord was a quirky game, mixing humor with fantasy elements, and all from the perspective of the bad guys.  The sequel, Overlord II, is coming later this month.  The demo is up on Xbox Live now, and you can queue it up here.  No word yet on PC or PSN demos, but we expect them soon.

I know Kat is looking forward to this one, and we're all interested to see how the co-op is handled.  Hopefully, after playing the demo, all will be made clear!

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If you watched the Super Bowl, you probably remember the Monsters Vs. Aliens ad.  It was filmed in 3D, and if you snagged a funky pair of glasses from your local convenience store, both monsters and aliens popped right out of your screen.  It has a very 50's B-Movie feel to it, which means I'll be there watching it day one, for sure.

The inevitable movie tie-in game is just around the corner, and the demo is up on Xbox Live right now.  The game does feature two player drop in drop out co-op, so we suggest you grab a buddy and try it out!  Its a clash of titans!  A war of the gargantuan!  You'll quiver in fear at the Aliens... they came from outer space!  Even the Monsters might challenge the world!  This may be the day the world ends!

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Do you feel the need?  The need for speed?  Then you are in for a treat, pilot.  The demo for Tom Clancy's HAWX is up and running flying on Xbox Live.  If you're one of those brash, impatient types, perhaps a bit of a maverick, you can go ahead and queue up the demo right here.  Two missions, and three different aircraft will be available for you to choose from.  The best part, though?  The demo includes co-op support for up to four hotheaded pilots!  How about you, Co-Optimus reader?  Will you be downloading the demo, and flying right into the danger zone?

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If you've checked out the recently released demo for Resident Evil 5, you've probably encountered the charming gentleman featured in the screenshot above.  You've also probably died horribly because the controls are a bit wonky, and seem, well, old school, to put it nicely.  (For that matter, what's with not being able to skip cut scenes?  That seems so 2003.)  Friend, you are not alone, just ask the MTV Multiplayer Blog.

Capcom only went halfway with “RE5″’s new controls. You can run and “look” simultaneously, but not run and shoot (”Dead Space” did not make this mistake.” In “RE5,” you still need to stop, line up a shot, holster the gun and run away. Even though the enemies in the “RE5″ demo are slow moving, they come in great numbers and often sneak up behind you. The inability to run ‘n gun combined with a too-close camera that obscures enemies not right in front of you makes “RE5″ unnecessarily frustrating at times.

After playing Gears of War 2, Left 4 Dead, and other highly polished, well tuned games, the control scheme of RE5 does leave much to be desired.  One could argue that the odd controls add to the tension and sense of unease in the game, though.  I hate to say it, but playing the demo moved this from "must buy" to "maybe on sale" for me.  What say you, reader?  What are your thoughts on the RE5 control scheme?

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