360 Eragon demo takes flight

Eragon won't hit theaters until December 15, but those members who can't wait for the movie (and aren't inclined to read the book on which it's based) can get a taste of the fantasy action film early with a 415.28MB demo of the Xbox 360 game, now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace.

The demo drops players into the role of young Eragon as he fights his way across a bridge, beset by enemy soldiers and archers. Players will be able to learn the ropes of the game, throw enemies off a bridge, cast spells, shoot arrows, and call in reinforcements in the form of a giant dragon.

Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb said on his blog that the content is now available for Xbox Live Gold members, but he did not mention when Silver subscribers would be able to get hands-on with the game. This will be a nonissue for newcomers to Xbox Live (or those willing to create another account), as new sign-ups for an Xbox Live Silver membership get a month of Gold free.

Eragon is rated T for Teen and is scheduled to ship to retail November 14. Versions of the game will also be available for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, PC, PlayStation Portable, DS, and Game Boy Advance.