Playing through game demos and unlocking content for the full game isn't a new practice, as developers have been doing it for months.  However, offering new content for other games is kind of new, as it entices players to try out something other than the product they're demoing.  Microsoft has announced that two upcoming Xbox Live demos will do just that, giving the players ample rewards for other games merely by going through the main demos.

First up is Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, a demo that will arrive on Xbox Live January 17th.  This demo will give you the ability to unlock new Reckoner Knight Armor, as well as a Chakram Launcher, which shoots out explosive ammunition discs.  And the game these items are destined for?  Mass Effect 3.

Electronic Arts has confirmed that a demo for Commander Shepard's final adventure will drop sometime this month on Xbox Live, and has worked closely with Microsoft to offer new in-item goodies for Kingdoms of Amalur as you play through the demo.  These items are bits and pieces of what is essentially a full Shepard N7 armor get-up, complete with an Omniblade for those up-close-and-personal kills.  We've included a pic below...

While some may find the tie-in a little strange, we certainly won't argue with the end result.  These suits look bad-ass.

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning hits stores on February 7th, and Mass Effect 3 follows a month later on March 6th.  No word yet if PS3 owners will be getting any exclusive goodies, but stay tuned.

About the Author

Robert Workman

Senior Writer/Editor

Robert has years of experience in the video game industry, writing for such sites as AOL GameDaily, PlanetXbox360 and Comic Book Resources.  He can also outdrink you any day of the week.  And twice on Sunday.  Follow him at www.twitter.com/thedcd.