Opening
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.
Platform
Publisher
Visuals Score
Visuals
“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 pixilated shadows still look they belong to a previous generation game.
That the only graphical complaint is minor pixilated 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.
Product Link
Sound Score
Sound
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.
Gameplay Score
Gameplay & Controls
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 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.
Longevity Score
Longevity & Drawbacks
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.
Overall Score
Amazon link
Closing
While the core gameplay in DMC 4 mainly unchanged from previous installments, Capcom has addressed most of the series shortcomings while also offering up a few nice surprises with a more functional camera system, better balanced and more varied gameplay, and a refreshingly good story surrounding the full throttle action. Anyone who’s waited to take the plunge in to the DMC pool step up, the water’s just right.