Although Devil May Cry 4 has a more interesting plot than its predecessor, its combat provides the same raw satisfaction

User Rating: 8.5 | Devil May Cry 4 PS3
I knew I wanted to play Devil May Cry 4 since I had a great time playing DMC3 on the PS2. I really got hooked to the fast and furious combat system and boss fights, even though the plot was not worth paying attention. So, I expected DMC4 to be the same kind of game but I was wrong. This time the game came with more than just a badass attitude and style.

Actually, I think DMC4 improved its predecessor in almost every way. The graphics are better, which is no surprise since its a new generation game but I though that that was a huge quality gap between the characters and the environment in DMC3. DMC4's characters and enemies are still better to look at than the scenarios but the difference does not scream out so loud. Also, there are more and better movies, not only from a technical standpoint but also story wise.

Speaking of story, DMC4's plot will introduce a new half demon breed, Nero. At first, this young crossbreed's relation to the world famous bounty hunter is not clear but Capcom did a nice job of slowly unveiling each character's background and objectives throughout the game's 20 chapters. Dante is just as cool and badass as one remembers him but age somehow made him less cocky and more cynical. Nero is younger and more liable to raw bursts of anger. The plot is not groundbreaking but it's well told and amusing to pay attention, mainly when both half demons are present to provide their own opinion and insight on a given situation.

High quality movies help to give pace to the plot and also serve as an introduction and sometimes ending sequence to several boss battles.

Speaking of boss battles, DMC4 remains true to the series and offers plenty of boss fights. The enemies will vary in size and strategy but they'll all have an epic feel. The battles are not hard as in the last game but they'll often require multiple attempts and adaptation of the players strategy and combat styles.

DMC4 builds up on DMC3's existing fighting styles for Dante but offers a different approach to Nero. Dante will still have its 4 styles, the only difference being that old age taught him how to switch styles on the fly. That makes possible to use the swordsman style to attack an enemy and ram it into a wall, switch to gunner and make him eat hot lead and then, when it comes back at you, switch to trickster and just dodge. It takes some practice but once mastered, it just feels right and gives the player a sense of being a pro. Nero only fights with a single style with each weapon but his special ability is really powerful. He can use a phantom arm to grab enemies from afar or to grab an specific part of a large demon enemy and pull himself towards it. This gives Nero a superior mobility over Dante but he can't adapt as much as the old badass.

As usual, one will have to collect orbs from deceased enemies to buy items but this time one's overall rank will be the measure of upgrade points to spend on several abilities and special weapons moves.

DMC4 kept me hooked from its initial moments to its very end. It offers an interesting storyline and a satisfying combat system. Definitely worth the purchase if you're a DMC fan or if you have any interest in beat'em up games.