At X05, we were given a behind-closed-doors look at how the game is progressing, as well as some never before seen action. While the game was booting up, Cliff mentioned that the game will only load when you first turn on your machine. Everything else will stream directly off of the disc, no matter how long you play. He also added that while the game will take advantage of the Xbox 360's optional hard drive if it's there, it's really not necessary to enjoy the game. However, if you want to experience any of the promised downloadable content, you'd better have one.
When the demo began, a vehicle roared through a driving rainstorm on its way toward an emulsion (Sera's primary fuel) processing facility. The game's hero, Marcus Fenix, stepped out of the transport with two of his men trailing behind him, then stopped in his tracks. The camera moved behind him, and Cliff took over the controls. As he walked forward, we were able to really check out the game's weather effects for the first time. The rain looked excellent, the large drops standing out in the darkness of the woods and running realistically down the stone walls that were on either side of Marcus.
Marcus began walking down the path as flashes of lightning illuminating the woods ahead, when something suddenly moved. He continued to progress in the darkness, and every bright flash gave us a view of some sort of creature scurrying away. A falling barrel provided a quick scare, as did the sound of quickly shuffling feet. As the lighting lit up the sky again, the camera quickly panned up to show the creatures moving toward Marcus' party. The order came down to get through the facility's safety door as quickly as possible, and Cliff held down the A button to sprint forward, the camera moving down to low angle to give the moment a more panicked feel.
