Dark Void has been one to watch for awhile now. An original IP from Airtight Games with strong support from Capcom, it features aerial combat and vertical cover that looked fresh and engaging. Too bad the demo proves otherwise.

My face fell as I started playing this previously anticipated title. Sure, the flying feels pretty good once you realize the right stick makes you roll and you stop trying to control it like an FPS, but the aerial combat feels a bit clunky. I was dogfighting some UFOs and found it difficult to keep track of them. And once I found them and got a button prompt to board the vehicle, all you do is avoid some shots and hammer on the B button to oust the driver. It’s like a QTE but even more boring!

The ground combat proved even more lackluster, with dumb enemy AI and imprecise shooting. Top it off with a questionable art style and noticeably low framerate (which could be just the demo), and you know what disappointment tastes like. Dark Void just became one to avoid.