Proof positive that pre-release demos can make or break a game, my interest level in Relic Entertainment's Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine went from zero to must-buy within 30 minutes of try-before-you-buy gameplay.

As far as Games Workshop's most popular franchises go, I've always been more on the Warhammer Fantasy Battles side of things. One would think the idea of taking mythical creatures and races and outfitting them with futuristic weapons would be like crack to a guy like me, but somehow it never took hold. I guess I got my modern Orcs and Dwearves from FASA's Shadowrun series instead.

But now I'm a believer.

This morning I caught Crecente raving about the demo, so I downloaded it myself and gave it a go. As you can see, I was rather pleased. It's basically a beat-em-up with some shooter mixed in, but its done so well I could easily see myself beating up and shooting greenies 'til the squigs come home.

Warhammer 40.000: Space Marine hits the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC September 6.
