(I wrote this months ago, but decided to post it just now. Enjoy..?)
Game Review
Devil May Cry 4
I got my copy of the game the day after it was released, on February 8th. After seeing the trailers I had my mind set on getting it for my birthday, and thus, I did. So, here is my review of the PS3 version of Devil May Cry 4:
The game mainly revolves around new protagonist Nero, who is technically a Dante clone (the same hair, nearly the same outfit, etc) except for the fact that he has a demonic right arm. This had been aptly named the ‘Devil Bringer’, for it can pull demons towards its owner, who can then slam them into the ground. It is also used in multiple puzzle sections throughout the game, and glows when there is a secret mission, orbs or an item around.
Nero is armed with a double barrelled revolver, Blue Rose, and Red Queen, a large sword bearing a fuel-injection system. Revving up said sword causes it to glow red and makes its attacks stronger, which can help in tight situations.
Blue Rose isn’t very powerful, but is a useful ranged weapon. Upgrades can be bought that allow it to be charged and fire both barrels in one shot.
Dante is playable in the latter missions, during which time gameplay becomes a degree more enjoyable. His styles are back, and are joined by another, Dark Slayer. This fifth style allowed use of a certain sword used by Dante’s brother, and has only a few (powerful) combos.
Ebony and Ivory have returned, along with Rebellion. These weapons are fun, but there are better ones to be found further through the game. Two I will mention are Pandora and Gilgamesh. These are by far my favourite weapons in the series. Gilgamesh is just Beowulf from DMC 3 renamed, but Pandora is completely new. Like the box of its namesake, it contains/can turn into many things. There is a spinning disc that returns after being thrown; a bazooka; laser cannon; a gatling gun; a missile launcher; and a machine that is best described as a missile-firing UFO.
There is quite a large range of abilities and upgrades available, purchased with a new type of item called Proud Souls. These are rewarded at the end of missions depending on your ranking, and can be refunded after buying a product with them.
Red Orbs AKA Demon Blood have made a return and are still the currency used to buy healing items, which increase in price after every purchase.
While the story is left wanting there is a great deal of replayability, with five difficulty modes and an arena known as the Bloody Palace. The goal of the latter is to survive as many rounds of fighting demons against a clock as possible. There are time bonuses for each fiend slain and not taking any damage. Either character can be used and upgraded here, but items cannot be used, keeping with the survival mode theme. I managed to get to stage 17 on my first try.
Chances are that anyone who likes playing Platformers and exploring EVERYTHING in a level will like what DMC 4 had to offer in that area. Although the secret missions aren’t really hidden, they can be tough, and there are many items and orbs hidden throughout the levels. This is one of my favourite aspects of the game but my early gaming diet consisted of Super Mario 64, the Spyro the Dragon and Crash Bandicoot games.
The infamous stylish rankings are also back, and it’s slightly easier to achieve a triple S rating.
The bosses aren’t exactly difficult, but some of them are large and well-rendered. You’ve seen the Berial trailer, right? Well, he’s one of the more spectacular ones and the easiest. One boss near the end of the game is huge and the battle against him/it is basically a whole mission. Overall the bosses are lacking and annoying, especially when you have to fight each three times per playthrough. Using the Devil Bringer on them triggers a neat cinematic that momentarily halts the button-bashing.
The installation takes a reasonably long time, but the story of Devil May Cry plays throughout, providing entertainment and the chance to brush up on the series without playing previous games.
The game is rather short, consisting of only twenty missions that take anywhere from five to forty-five minutes each, depending on how good the player is. I finished the game on Devil Hunter mode in nineteen hours, to give an example.
The cutscenes are crisp and enjoyable to watch, and whoever is holding the SIXAXIS can tap the triggers (L2 and R2) to zoom or move the analogue sticks to turn the camera. The graphics are pretty much good throughout the game, but don’t rival the likes of Assassin’s Creed or Resistance. Also, levels such as the forest have bright sunlight that makes shadows look rough and sometimes confusing.
In conclusion, Devil May Cry 4 is an enjoyable, if short, game that almost rivals the likes of others. Fans of the series will be happy, and newcomers will get a decent introduction to its style. Fortunately, it’s easier then it’s predecessor. I give it a nine outta ten.
Devil May Cry 4 (PS3): Review
