When was the last time you played an Aliens vs. Predator game? Even if you got nostalgic and re-installed the second one a while after its initial surge of popularity had subsided, it’s still probably been five years or more. That’s too long, isn’t it? Don’t you want to skitter across some ceilings and kill some unsuspecting Marines, showing them the error of their species in that last moment before their body realizes how much blood it’s missing?

Well, guess what? The demo for the third installment, simply called Aliens vs. Predator, is available for everyone. I’m downloading it on Steam right now. But hey, 360 and PS3 people–you can do the same thing! Well, minus the Steam bit. You know what I mean.

Don’t really know what the franchise is about? Check out the full article for gameplay of the three very different races, as well as a comparison by the developers of the first AVP versus this one.

Basically, in AVP games, you play as either a Marine, an Alien, or a Predator. The best way to explain how these are different, (and oh, are they ever) is to watch these videos. Oh, and you’ve probably seen  the movies. No, not the Aliens Vs. Predator movies. Those are trash. I mean Alien and Predator. Those movies. I know, it’s confusing.

If you have a deathwish, you’ll play Marine:

If you’re a psychopath, (like me!) you’ll play Alien:

If you’re a technologically-enhanced murder machine from space, you’ll play Predator:

And if you just want to see a fun interview, (with some footage from the first game!) look here:

Now, my download is done, so I’m going to go forget how to sleep. I cannot wait any longer.