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One great thing about the Xbox 360 is the ability to download demo versions of games coming out. Here’s what I think of some of the tastes I’ve had recently.

99 Nights (Demo): Interesting for 99 seconds. Tedious button mashing beyond that. Yet another reminder to avoid any game that has anything to do with “combos.”

Dead Rising (Demo): A one trick pony, but it’s a good trick, in spite of somewhat mushy controls. I’m not sure how long I would enjoy smashing zombie heads with a bowling ball, but I may be willing to find out. Probably a rental.

Texas Hold ‘Em (Xbox Live Arcade): Poker on Valium for people with really good vision who like to read itty bitty text. Worth what I paid, which was zero.

Saint’s Row (Demo): Grand Theft Auto with more resolution and less loading, which makes a good thing better. Buying the full game tonight.

Just Cause (Demo): Mercenaries meets Grand Theft Auto meets Far Cry, but faster and bigger. And by faster, I mean “frantic.” I’m partial to sandbox style games, but the controls and the pacing seemed off. Going to wait and see on this one.