Daily Gaming: January 25, 2011

Today sees the release of Dead Space 2 in stores across America, while EA has also seen fit to announce the first download pack for the game already. Dead Space 2: Severed will see the two heroes from Dead Space Extraction return. We also have the demos for both Bulletstorm and Crysis 2 which are exclusives for Xbox 360 gamers. Finally, we have Silent Hill: Downpour screenshots and the final teaser for Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike.

General News

Bulletstorm demo released

EA and Epic Games have announced that the demo for their upcoming shooter, Bulletstorm, has been released. The demo allows players to unlock upgrades to use in the full game’s Anarchy mode, from the Crimson Leash to Stealth Armor. The Bulletstorm demo is available for download right now on Xbox LIVE Marketplace Worldwide and then the PlayStation Network on January 26 in the UK.

First Silent Hill: Downpour screenshots

We have a whole host of brand new screenshots for upcoming the horror sequel, Silent Hill: Downpour. The game sees you take on the role of Murphy Pendleton, who managed to escape prison after his transportation van crashes. Silent Hill: Downpour will not only see new developers, the game will even get a new music producer in the form of Daniel Licht who has been making all the music for the popular TV series Dexter. The game is due for release on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 at the end of the year.

Dead Space 2 goes on sale

The long-awaited sequel to Dead Space has gone on sale in America today. Dead Space 2 sees the first game's hero Isaac return to the fray, this time facing his old enemies in new environments. The game has been released on PlayStation 3 in limited edition format, with a new HD version of Dead Space: Extraction complete with PlayStation Move support. Dead Space 2 is also out for Xbox 360 and on the PC.

Dead Space 2: Severed announced

Visceral Games also announced today that they will be releasing an add-on download pack called Dead Space 2: Severed, which brings with it two new standalone chapters to the game. Dead Space 2: Severed will see the return of Gabe Weller and Lexine Murdock, the two main characters from Dead Space Extraction which is included in the PlayStation 3 limited edition version of the game.

Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike - final teaser

The final teaser trailer for Call of Duty: Black Ops First Strike has been released and you can view it just below this story. The pack will be released on the Xbox 360 on February 1 and will bring with it five new environments - Berlin, Stadium, Discovery, Kowloon and a new Zombie level called Ascension. The pack will set you back 1200 Microsoft points.

Xbox 360 News

Crysis 2 multiplayer demo released

The Crysis 2 multiplayer demo has been released. As we mentioned last week, this demo is exclusive to the Xbox 360. The demo itself weighs in at 1.8 GB and has been getting great comments already from those who managed to get their hands on it early. Here are the details from the demo page:

Aliens are decimating New York City, with a full invasion force bent on the annihilation of mankind. Neither paramilitary law enforcement nor the might of the US military can stand against the invaders. Only you have the technology to survive: with the unique Nanosuit 2, tackle the alien menace in ways a regular soldier could only dream of. • Nanosuit 2: Customize your Nanosuit and weapons then adapt your combat tactics in real time using Stealth, Armor and Power abilities. • New York, New York: Crysis® 2 is set to redefine the visual benchmark for console and PC platforms in the urban jungle of New York City. • Amazing Aliens and AI: Lethal enemies employ best-in-class AI with unique group coordination and behavior for realistic, challenging responses to your actions. • Multiplayer: The next big leap in multiplayer gives you nearly unlimited ways to approach the dynamic combat environment.

Windows News

Champions Online goes Free To Play in Europe

As expected, Champions Online has finally gone free-to-play in Europe. The game has you taking the role of a superhero and has had a decent amount of success in its subscription format. Many other multiplayer titles have been going free-to-play lately, stating that they are managing to make far more money this way. Here is a quick description of the free-to-play features seen in Champions Online:MMO game world.

Nothing is off-limits!

Unlimited Play Time – Play as much as you like, as long as you like, at absolutely no cost. No subscription or credit card required.

Your Own Hero, Your Own Story – Become a hero, encounter his or her Nemesis, and advance to maximum level at no cost.

Play Your Way – Utilize the optional web-based and in-game C-Store to purchase gameplay upgrades or additional premium content.

Champions Online brings epic heroism to the MMORPG genre with depth that challenges the most experienced online gamers, while its fast-paced action engages new entrants to the online superhero universe. Join with Defender and the legendary Champions to stop Dr. Destroyer and his minions in the ultimate showdown between good and evil.

Remember that you can discuss all of these games and more on our Gaming forums here at Neowin.