The demo introduced a version of Max who is older, addicted to painkillers, and clearly suffering from PTSD. The gameplay highlighted his vulnerability, with more realistic movement and less "bullet-sponge" durability than in previous games.

, many players use the early chapters (Part I: Chapters 1–4) as a testing ground for the game's mechanics and performance. Quick Start Guide

: The demo introduced a "save-from-death" mechanic. If Max was shot with at least one bottle of painkillers in his inventory, the game would enter a slow-motion state, giving the player a chance to kill the attacker and survive. Environmental Destruction