OK this more a review than an 'impression', and its of the entire game as opposed to a demo.
So:
Deadly Premonition (360,PS3)
I first came across the game when I was scouting for a Shenmue fix across gaming boards, and the one title that was often mentioned was Deadly Premonition, or 'Red Seeds' as it's more commonly known in Japan. I got curious so I did some brief research and I learnt that this was a budget release with a strong cult following. So I just bit the bullet and picked it up for the humble price of £15.
The Premise:
You play as FBI agent Francis York Morgan who has been assigned to investigate a rather disturbing murder in a small country town in the US called Greenvale. As you advance through the investigation more disturbing revelations are made along with thrilling twists and turns that shape the entire plot.
Francis York Morgan..or 'York' as he likes to be called, is as far as I'm concerned one of the most intriguing and charismatic protagonists I've seen in any video game. What makes him particularly unique is what appears to be his Schizophrenic-like personality where he's constantly talking to 'Zach' - his imaginary friend which the player represents. You, or 'Zach' is what controls York, guiding him through the investigation, combat and other actions throughout the course of the game.
York is one of the most charismatic and likeable protagonists you'll see in a video game
Gameplay:
There's essentially two parts to the Deadly Premonition experience. One aspect has you explore Greenvale in a way similar to the Shenmue games. By that I mean that you are free to walk/drive around as you wish, mingling and interacting with the dozens of very interesting, albeit eccentric characters that inhabit the town. You visit locations such as diners, bars and hospitals as you communicate with the people who work or simply frequent there, trying to get a better understanding of the case or even just the people themselves.
Like Shenmue the game feels very life-like: All the locals have their own routines where in the mornings for example you'd see them at their place of work, whereas in the evenings they'll head down to the bar or simply visit a friend. On top of that the game follows a real-time clock with randomised weather, adding to the life-like immersion. And if that wasn't enough you also have to cater for York's human needs - i.e. making sure he gets sleep, is never hungry and even ensuring his beard doesn't grow too long!
Exploration and social interaction make up an integral part of the game
The second aspect of the game revolves around combat and what is known as 'the otherworld'. Here you find yourself in this creepy labyrinth where you must deal with zombie-like enemies by either shooting or clubbing them. Essentially, there's only two types of enemies you'll face in DP, neither of which are particularly difficult to dispatch of. Hence it surprising yet satisfactory that the game offers you such a wide range of weaponry. Furthermore the otherworld sections also has you dig for clues near the various crime scenes, which you piece together using a unique 'profiling' method. In addition to all that there are some truly tense moments where you're having to run and even hide from a psychotic axe-wielding killer.
The 'otherworld' sequences has you having to deal with zombies and pick up clues as you solve puzzles that aid your investigation.
My impression:
I'll be honest here - Deadly Premonition gives you a VERY bad first impression. For starters the the graphics look rather outdated and like they belong in the PS2-era, and the controls....oh god the controls are an absolute abomination - for some reason they decided it would be a good idea to copy that terrible Resident Evil system where you can't move while you shoot. So naturally, I can understand if you'd want to switch off your console after the first hour or so...and I suppose it might explain some of the poor reviews.
BUT after an uninspiring and somewhat tedious prologue, the game opens up and gets significantly better - thats when the game really starts to shine. For starters you're given full freedom to explore Greenvale as you wish and this is when you start to meet the most wonderfully eccentric and memorable group of characters in DP - each character has an intriguing story to them while most are involved in the plot in someway or another.
Deadly premonition is home to some truly unique and memorable characters.
The plot itself is also nothing short of terrific and I've seen very few that have surpassed it in both pacing and execution, and I don't say that loosely. There's so many twists and turns that the game keeps you guessing while simultaneously screwing with your head. Literally, the more you play the more intrigued you are in trying to piece what happens next - it really doesn't get anymore gripping than this I assure you. The plot also does a well crafted job of mixing so many emotions as you find yourself both disturbed and laughing out loud at certain moments, and on top of that there are some very emotional scenes which let you connect with the characters, including some real tear-jerkers.
Closing remarks: Because of its technical shortcomings it's very difficult to review this game but I will say this: if you are a fan of story-driven games, games like Shenmue or mystery/adventure games in general then you owe it to yourself to give this game a go - and for £15 you can't go wrong!
It'll be one of the most memorable games you will play, I can come close to guaranteeing that. Highly recommended! 
