Superman Returns demo debuts on Xbox 360

While the Xbox 360 edition of Defender didn't arrive in the traditional early-morning time frame of Xbox Live Arcade Wednesday releases, things are by no means quiet on the console's Marketplace today. A host of new content hit the downloadable service today, starting with a demo for Electronic Arts' Superman Returns.

Weighing in at more than 905MB, the Superman Returns demo gives gamers a taste of the open-world adventure set to ship to retail next week. Xbox Live Gold members can now download the demo for free, while Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb said on his blog that Xbox Live Silver subscribers will be able to take the Man of Steel for a spin on November 22. A "Man of Steel" theme is also available to download for 150 points ($1.88).

Backing up the Superman content is a slate of other offerings from Electronic Arts. First, there are three new cars up for Need for Speed Carbon, with each one running customers 80 points ($1), and a pack of FIFA 07 Pitch Crests for 100 points ($1.25) that will let gamers put their favorite team logos on their in-game practice arenas.

There's also new downloadable content for Epic Games' shooter Gears of War, but not in the form fans might have hoped for. For 100 Microsoft Points ($1.25), gamers can download BradyGames' Angry Titan Strategy to defeat the game's Corpser boss.