Lost Planet demo finding way to Xbox Live

Gamers who visited Xbox Live Marketplace in the past few days may have noticed that some new content for Lost Planet was available. Unfortunately for demo-hunters, the files were only a trailer. However, had they actually downloaded and watched the trailers, they would have found info on what they were looking for.

At the end of the preview, which showed cutscenes and gameplay of Lost Planet, Capcom reveals that a demo of the game is coming on May 9. There will also be other Lost Planet-related content available on May 2.

Though the announcement of a demo is nothing new, the timing of the Lost Planet demo is a bit noteworthy. The retail game isn't expected in stores until Q1 2007--a full eight months down the calendar. Up to now, demos were only being made public weeks before a game's release.

Could a playable demo mean that the game will be released earlier than expected? Unfortunately, it's unlikely. May 9 is the day before the floor of E3 2006 opens, so it's likely that this demo is the same one that will be shown off in the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Lost Planet has not yet been rated or priced. For more information on the game, check out GameSpot's recent hands-on preview.