First off, I must state that I am a huge fan of Richard B. Riddick, the titular character from the aptly named Chronicles of Riddick series of games and movies.  I own all three movies, including the John Chou animated feature when I generally hate anything created by John Chou.  (and I enjoyed it!)  I loved the first game and even thought the last movie, simply titled Chronicles of Riddick was worth it just for the few amazing scenes, even though it was generally crap.

As most of you know, the demo for his new game came out today.  I was at work when I discovered this thanks to the lovely Sarah's earlier post.  Upset that I would have to wait until I got home to start downloading, I did the clever thing and texted my roommate to turn on my 360 and start the download so it would be completed by the time I arrived.  I could not wait to start.  The first game was amazing.  It completly took away any excuse any developer had to make a crappy licensed game.  It proved it was possible.  Simply put, I was enamored.  I could not wait for more.

As I enter my apartment, I thank my friend for having downloaded the game and promptly sat in front of my TV.  As I press start to enter the game, I'm expecting the normal demo start with either a cut scene or a short walking distance until anything happens.  Not this time.  This is fucking Riddick and we start things off the Riddick way.  The scene fades in and I am in an air vent in the ceiling, holding myself up by pressing against the opposing sides of the wall.  In my hands are his signature blades (that he always seems to have but rarely uses for some reason) and below are two guards yakking away, unaware of my precense.  My goal objective fades onto the screen stating simply "Intrupt the conversation" and I oblige.  I plunge the entire weight of Vin Diesal on top of them as the blades slice into their backs, so quick they can't even scream.  I turn to the side in time to see another guard try to stab me.  I stab his advancing arm and then his neck.  Then comes a cut scene, the first disappointment.  I know Riddick is dark, but is he supposed to cheesy also?  Vin Diesal delivaries his lines in a fashion, not entirely unexpected, but still just coming off as odd.  I'm not sure what it is, but it almost seems as if he's trying too hard.  As if he's trying to just say, "yes, I'm a badass".  I don't want him to tell me, I want him to show me.

I shake off the disappointing dialog (the series isn't really known for it's grade A writing, so it's bound to happen) and move on.  The door is locked, as indicated by the red glow of the panel.  Suddenly, I hear voices on the other side and it turns green.  Knowing there are more guards on the way, I rush to the side.  As the first one walks through, I make quick work of him, grab his gun, and finish off the second.  My hopes are back up.

Sadly, this is where it ends.  Shortly after this part is a scene where you are contolling a humoind drone, mowing down enemy after enemy.  This might be a cool scene, but I know I have a short time in the demo.  I want to play as Riddick, not a cannon fodder drone replacement.  A few confusing corriders and more shooting later, I'm back in the boots.  Sadly, there's not much after that.  Just a few more baddies that you have to shoot because they're in packs and then the demo is over.  No stealth, lacking any significant melee, not-that-great gunplay, and an annoying bot controlling scene.  I want to play Riddick, not Generic Shooter B: With Riddick.  I realize that this is simply a demo, but a demo is supposed to sell a product, not turn one off.  I'm hoping that the final product utilizes his unique traits much more then the demo did, but as of right now, I'm in fear.  Let's hope I'm wrong, because I could always go for more of this universe.