Gamers who pre-order Left 4 Dead 2 at select retailers will get early access to its demo on October 27th. Today Valve revealed when the general public will get their hands on this free sample.

Xbox Live Gold members and PC gamers will be able to play the demo on November 3rd. Xbox Live Silver members will need to wait until November 10th. I'd have trouble believing that any 360 owner who wants Left 4 Dead 2 wouldn't intend to play it online (which requires an Xbox Live Gold subscription) but that's when you'll be able to do it.

The demo lets you play a portion of "The Parish" campaign, which takes Survivors through New Orlean's French Quarter. It features all of the new melee weapons and boss characters from the full game.