I waited with baited breath for the 1GB Crackdown 2 demo to download last night... and waited... and waited... but was it worth it?

It promised not only to provide a taste of the much anticipated sequel to one of the Xbox's most loved titles, including its new weaponry and four-player co-op options, but it also allowed me to start racking up the achievements... Any earned while playing the demo would be added to my gamerscore should I buy the full game in just a few weeks' time. What a way to get me hooked! Sadly, my time spent playing the demo provided no such accolades - but I was left wanting more after my 30 minutes of gameplay.

It was the promise of tougher enemies and bosses, more destructive weaponry, new vehicles and that all important four player mode that had left me longing for the sequel, and I wasn't disappointed. But by the end of my playthrough, I wasn't sure whether I was enjoying it because it was a great update or because I loved the original so much.

For all those who bemoaned the fact that everything takes place in the familiar surroundings of Pacific City (myself included), it does sully the game somewhat. Although the environment is a little worse for wear this time round thanks to the hellish virus that's doing the rounds and the return of the rampaging gangs to the streets, little seems to have changed from the Pacific City of old; I quickly recognised the same old streets and landmarks, and was retreading old ground. What I wouldn't have given for a brand new city to explore and run riot in. To be honest, it's a bit of a shame.

My first dalliance with the demo proved that the graphics had indeed been tweaked, character animations have been improved, and helicopters and new weapons were now available (the UV shotgun is great against the infected), but otherwise, there was little that made me sit up and go "wow"!

Pick up and throw cars, chase orbs, scale tall buildings and take pot shots at passers-by, everything we grew to love in the first game is still there. The most noticeable change - besides the decay of the city - is that transformation as the evening descends: by day gangs roam the streets but by night, the freaks (introduced towards the end of the original) are in control - and there are lots of them about.
In some ways, it seems to have lost a little of its charm from the first game. It just doesn't appear as colourful and lush as the original's cel-shaded loveliness; I'm convinced too that characters appear a little more diminutive this time round.

I'd forgotten how weedy the agents were before you maxed out their abilities too. Start playing the demo and you quickly realise you can't climb buildings or pick up and throw the larger vehicles. It's not a complaint by any means - especially as you quickly achieve power ups by beating up the bad guys or running them down in a car - but I imagine the demo (and the full game) will become a whole lot better when you've upgraded your agility, firepower, strength, driving and explosive skills.

Ultimately, the demo was great fun - not quite the revolution I'd hoped for - but certainly enough to get me down the shops in a few weeks' time to pick up a copy.