Resident Evil 5 demo and limited edition announced; release pushed up

Capcom made four major announcements today regarding one of next year's most highly anticipated games, Resident Evil 5.

First up is news of a demo version of the game. Xbox 360 owners will have access to a playable demo on Xbox Live Marketplace starting on December 5.

The demo will be available exclusively for Gold Members. Capcom did not make mention of demo plans for Silver Members or PS3 owners.

Owners of both consoles can celebrate the next bit of news. Capcom has pushed the domestic release date of RE5 up by one week. Previously set for March 12, 2009, the game will now arrive on March 5. The overseas versions will retain their original "Friday the 13th" March 13 release.

Capcom also shared final pricing information for the title. Both the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game will carry an MSRP of 8,800 yen.

This puts the game at the higher end of the high-end console pricing spectrum, but in line with past third party titles like Metal Gear Solid 4.

Finally, Capcom offered a first look at a limited edition version of the game. Set to be sold exclusively through the e-Capcom site, the limited edition bundle includes the following:

• A copy of RE5
• A 32-page color art book with exclusive developer commentary
• A BSAA waist pouch that's meant to look like an item worn by the game's main character, Chris. This can be worn either from your shoulder or on your waist.
• A 2 gigabyte USB memory stick shaped like an in-game item and sporting the Tricell logo.

The Resident Evil 5 limited edition, available for both Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the agme.

Close-ups of these items can be seen at the special e-Capcom page Capcom has set up.

Pricing for the limited edition is set at 12,800 yen. Pre-orders will be taken at e-Capcom from December 1 at 10:00 to December 16 at 15:00.