New Characters, New Story, Better Graphics, Still the game we love Real Score: 8.8
Cons: A lot of backtracking, repeated boss fights, very few environments (there is like 3 in the whole game pretty much), Characters like Lady, and Trish have very minor roles. Some weird puzzle like missions are not fun.
Devil May Cry has had a really interesting history. It began as actually a sequel to Capcom's Resident Evil series! However it later got switched to its own project, and changed dramatically from there. Devil May Cry is born. The series that is known for crazy action scenes, cool main character in Dante, and lots of cheesy one liners. But The game was awesome. Then they made a sequel. BAD it was one of the most disappointing sequels ever. Then DMC 3 brought the game back to its glory days. All three were for the PS2, and times are changing. With the next gen systems coming out, The next DMC was announced, and it would be on not only PS3, but Microsoft's Xbox 360. How does the game fair?
You begin the story in what seems to be a religious group of people who worship Sparda, Dante's Father. You are introduced to a new character, who looks a lot like Dante. but instead he is more childish, and he's got a messed up hand. (more about that later) So after you are late to ceremony, Dante comes through the glass, shoots the leader. And then goes after everyone else. After that, your goal as Nero is to hunt and track down Dante. However as the story goes on, it starts from there, but ends up fighting a giant rock like idol, and finding out some very shocking secrets.
Instead of having Dante as the lead character, most of the game you play as a new character named Nero. Nero is similar to Dante in that he has a huge sword, white hair, guns, and is bad ass. But just not as much, and seems a bit more whats the word... Immature? He is a lot less calm and relax then Dante always is. But having said that the main difference between the two, is the Hand. Nero has a possess hand, that has really neat powers. Nero can pick up people in the air, he can choke them and throw them on the ground. Also he can get to unreachable places. The hand really changes up the gameplay.
The gameplay with Nero is a lot different then other games in the series because of that. Its no longer just about swords and guns. With Nero swords and guns are in play, but hand is vital for long range, and getting people into your combos. However its not like they forgot about Dante. When you get about oh half way through the game, you play the majority of the next half playing as Dante.
Dante comes with 2 different kinds of guns, and a sword. However as you play later on, you find a whole bunch of new guns and swords, that are freaking crazy. Some of the coolest weapons in a game. Dante is the more traditional DMC gameplay. And its nice that you get to play as both, because both styles of the characters are different.
Most of the game takes place in only 2 places. This castle, which is located in a icy region. and a forest behind the castle. Its really disappointing that they did not add other settings, and you have to play through the same levels twice. Yeah thats right. One time with Nero, and another With Dante. Of course its going to be different slightly. But repeated bosses (you have to beat each boss 3 times!) Its the main downfall of this game.
Along with that there is parts of the game where you need to smack these giant pillars into there correct spots. This is not fun in any way. There is no need for it, and its just tedious as all hell. As well as not the best platforming gameplay in the world. The game is about action, and there are times where you need to jump to different places, and the controls for that part are not that great.
Gameplay like a said has changed, but it still is high paced and fun as it ever was. The main reason you play this game is for the high action in the game, You have kick ass combos, cool villains, and its never been better. The graphics help out with making the action even better then the old games as well
Overall DMC 4 is a great addition to the series. You get a whole new set of characters, and villains. You also get a better looking DMC game that is always nice. Its worth picking up, and if you have been a fan of DMC, you are fool not to pick up this game. The backtracking is annoying, but the action is too good, and the cut scenes are just plain kicking!
Breakdown
Gameplay: Its high action is a huge positive, but repeated boss fights, and backtracking is a negative.
Graphics: one of the better looking games for the systems. a Big step up from the older games in the series
Sound: I like the battle music, but if you don't you will find it annoying fast. But great voice work not the best script, and good overall music
Value: Different difficulty levels, and secret missions are worth replaying.. but the core game is short
Overall: Nice game to the great series, puts the game to next generation!