Devil May Cry 4

Devil May Cry 4, the hotly anticipated sequel in the DMC franchise thrusts players back into the world of demons, action, metal music, and scantily-clad vixens that the series is known for. Unlike the previous games though, gamers this time around will play as new protagonist Nero (think Virgil from DMC 3 with a different haircut and wardrobe) as he fights the endless hordes of the demon world with a little help from series mainstay, Dante. Players control both characters throughout the game but the majority of the spotlight is taken by the newcomer in this outing.

Gameplay - 10

Fast and furious is what best describes the series gameplay and DMC 4 is no different. In fact both Nero and Dante seem to move a little faster than what was previously seen in the past. Add into the mix a “looser” feeling sensation to movements and combos and even people new to the series will be looking like a pro to any passerby while playing.

Like the Special Edition of DMC 3 which let gamers play as Vergil, this game features 2 different characters to play as. Unlike DMC 3: SE however, both players are available throughout the campaign with the game switching out the controllable character a little over half way through.

Another change is that instead of simply looking different and having different weapons (the only real change between Virgil and Dante) Nero and Dante both have distinctly separate gameplay mechanics. Both do have similar combos and the gameplay doesn’t change drastically but it’s enough of a disparity and change of pace to keep gamers from getting bored with either.

Dante’s features are a slight evolution from the formula used in the previous game. He has multiple weapons and fighting styles which can be switched to on the fly, creating some mind-blowing combos. It is complicated and deep but not a necessity to get through the game.

Nero on the other hand utilizes a demonic arm that can pull distant enemies within reach for a combo or, using the arm, can perform a throw, slam, smash, etc. It’s also used in boss fights to inflict massive damage once the boss is dazed or in certain situations as a “grappler” to get through minor platforming segments.

Visuals - 10

“Woah” is what most people will either think or say upon seeing DMC 4. The game is gorgeous, from the character and enemy models and their respective animations to the various, detailed environments all while maintaining a rock-steady framerate that only dips slightly during cutscenes.

The sole visual detriment most people will notice is some of the work done on environmental shadows. Character shadows are near flawless with minute detail such as realistic, self-shadowing hair but they contrast harshly with pixilated shadows being cast by some of the game’s environments. Even running in high def these pixelated shadows still look they belong to a previous generation game.

That the only graphical complaint is minor pixelated environmental shadows doesn't undermine the fact that DMC 4 is without a doubt one of the best looking games this generation and a testament to the developers skill in presenting such a visual showcase without hindering the gameplay and framerate.

Sound - 6

Capcom changed the routine a bit this time with quality voice-over work for the characters. It won’t win any accolades but the voices fit the characters and emotions are conveyed competently.

What didn’t change however is the metal music. It’s back and like the previous games, the same song plays each and every time a battle ensues. While the music isn’t atrocious and both characters have their own song it is disappointing that the developers didn’t choose to add more variety to the music. The only change is an orchestral piece that’s played during a few cutscenes between Nero and love interest Kyrie.

Longevity - 8 (Good)

For a single-player only game, DMC 4 offers a healthy amount of unlockables to lure players back to it with different difficulties that not only change enemy numbers and damage but also expands upon the enemies attack repertoire on the higher levels. Various minor nuggets like wallpapers, character art, and a survival-mode arena await those hardcore enough to unlock them not to mention completing both Dante and Nero’s combo/weapons lists which can take several playthroughs depending on the gamer’s skill as more “proud souls” (currency) are given to skilled players for use in purchasing the moves/weapons list.

At the same time DMC 4’s strict reliance on abundant backtracking and regurgitating previously beaten bosses puts a bit of a damper on replayability. Then again some, like me, won’t mind as fighting the same bosses with two different playing characters isn’t a hardship nor is running through the splendid looking environments a second time a chore either.

Learning Curve - 8 (Moderately easy)

Many, including myself, have always shied away from the DMC series as it’s known for having unforgivable difficulty levels (with the exception of DMC 2). I have played but not beaten all the previous DMC’s as they were too “hardcore” for my taste.

Luckily Capcom included a “human” difficulty with DMC 4 as the default for those of us who aren’t proficient DMC players. On this difficulty newly accustomed gamers wet their feet and over the course of the game are steadily immersed into the gameplay so smoothly that one wishes the series did this from the start.

The only hiccup is an initial jarring sensation when the controllable character switches over to Dante. The player must then adjust to the different play style which may take a level or so to get used to but again the game eases the player into Dante’s play-style accordingly.