That's right... If you're a manager at Gamestop. It seems that every manager was given a free copy from Rockstar, that was emblazoned with "Promotional use only. Not for resale." Or something to that extent. Sad thing is, I'll bet over half the managers traded this back in. I know mine did. Store credit isn't a lot, but when a game first comes out, it's usually rather decent - especially if the game was free.

Why do they deserve a free copy is my question. A large number of managers around my area are, to be blunt, worthless. Many of them throughout corporate don't even game, so why do they get free copies of a seemingly great game, while the rest of us have to drop $60? If anybody has an answer to this, please let me know.

One good thing about this I guess. If you're looking for Redemption on the mildly cheaper, a local Gamestop may have the managers copy that had never been opened or played. Which goes against store trade-in policy too I'm sure. Good job GS.

Since I work at Gamestop, sadly enough, I decided I'd post our list of pre-order bonuses, just as an FYI I guess.

Army of Two: The 40th Day: Early access to the new "Extraction" multi-player mode.
Assassin's Creed 2: In-game map of the Palazzo Medici.
Battlefield: Bad Company 2: Instant access to the AKS-47.
Bayonetta: Collection of 8 poses in tear-off posters & $5 off total cost.
Blur: Double rewards for first 10 multiplayer races; -Ord Bronco unlocked; survival mode (?)
Drawn to Life: Next Chapter: Five bonus hero templates.
God of War III: GoW III demo and Phantom of Chaos Kratos skin.
Gran Turismo: 2009 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 unlock.
Guitar Hero: Van Halen: Van Halen T-Shirt.
Harvest Moon: Sunshine Islands: Plush pig. Animal Paradise: Plush duck.
Left for Dead 2: In game bat and $5 off total cost.
MAG: Beta access & in-game character.
Mass Effect 2: Terminus Armor (+10% speed, +15% shields, reserve ammo+1) and M-490
Blackstorm gun (fires a singularity projectile that draws in nearby enemies, then hurls
them away).
MX vs ATV: Reflex: Five exclusive race events.
Naruto Shippuden: Clash of the Ninja Revolution 3: Sasori's thumb ring.
Red Steel 2: In-game sword.
Resident Evil Darkside Chronicles: Darkside Chronicles T-Shirt.
Rogue Warrior: $10 off total cost.
Silent Hill: Shattered Memories: Soundtrack.
Splinter Cell: Conviction: In-game semi-automatic shotgun.
Star Trek Online: Codefor USS Enterprize.
Tony Hawk: Ride: Access to Quicksilver level.

Again, not too much, just some interesting things. Also, not everything might be available, because we often suck at keeping these in (A.K.A. Employees take them). I can't say I've Pre-ordered a game just for the bonus, but its something to think about.

I grabbed a gs exclusive download for an early demo of Left 4 Dead 2 tonight, and I must say, I'm not too terribly impressed. The demo was about 1.6 MB and took a while to finish (thanks in part to slow internet). I started it up with high hopes; especially upon seeing the menu, which looks rather stylish. I ran through a single player offline game, just to take time to run around, explore, mess around, what have you. I finished with the first chapter, and after attacking as many zombies as possible with a frying pan, closed the safe room door.

I started the second chapter, with one push the button, horde, continue series. Then after I got to the safe room, it was game over. I felt rather upset at the length. I know the shorter chapters are supposed to be more enticing, but this was just not enough time for me. Granted, the new weapons (I especially enjoyed guitar smashing on zombie face) are really cool, and with some interesting other pick ups (defibrillator, adrenaline, boomer bile in a can) there is a whole new aspect to this game. I still feel slightly jaded at what I saw. Very strange physics of jumping zombies not withstanding. I know I'll still grab it, but the demo actually deflated some of my hopes. Those of you that have played it, what say you?