The next instalment of Devil May Cry 4 introduces an important new character named Nero whole plays an important role throughout the game. Another action packed game, without the frustrations of the previous titles.
Capcom’s Devil May Cry 4, released on Feb 8th 08, comes in two editions, one being the collectors edition. The action-adventure themed game was released on 3 platforms, PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.
Devil May Cry 4 presents gamers with an incredibly rewarding challenge, one that thankfully avoids the frustrations of its predecessor. The gameplay, while similar to previous games in the series, offers great choices. There are an impressive 20 stages to negotiate, each one offering 4 levels of difficulties, making it accessible both to casual and dedicated gamers. Here and there, players will encounter secret missions, and these really are challenging!! It goes with out saying, that many gamers will not be able to resist the online rating system.
In Devil May Cry 4, gamers enter a mysterious, gothic world, where they meet Nero, a new lead character, together with other newcomers, including Kyrie, Credo, Gloria and Agnus. Although the series lead, Dante, had a major role, he is not the star of this show.
The story line traces Nero’s adventures as he attempts to unravel the truth about Dante’s slaying of the leader of the Order of the Sword. Nero is involved for most of the game. He is blessed with a demonic, scale encrusted, right arm that shimmers super naturally. This is his formidable Devil Bringer, with which he can pluck enemies from mid-air. Mastering the Devil Bringer takes time, but is immensely rewarding for gamers, who upon discovering its incredible potential, will thereby find many new ways of destroying the enemy. Another weapon in his rather limited armoury is a rechargeable sword. Gamers, by pressing the button at the correct time, can perpetually power-up the sword.
About half way through, gamers also get to play as Dante, for 7 out of the 20 missions. Dante is the superior fighter, partly because he has access to a range of weapons, which he can add to, after boss fights. Gamers can switch Dante’s 4 basic fighting styles (Trickster, Swordmaster, Gunslinger and Royal Guard) as they please.
Epic boss fights are the highlight of the game. The bosses are well designed, and display considerable variation. Success requires good reflexes and precise timing. Gamers will sharpen these skills as they go along, and they will eventually delight in destroying enemies, with subtle combos of varied attacks, while hopefully remaining unscathed.
The graphics are superb, with the visually stunning animation ensuring that this game is the best in the series. The cutscenes are outstanding, and are probably as good, if not better, than in any game in recent years. There are, perhaps, two minor faults. Some camera angles could be better, and sudden shifts can irritate.
Powerful sound effects complement the action. And although the heavy metal accompaniment is obvious and unoriginal, it does not overwhelm. A talented voice cast tells the story well, conveying the drama and mystery, without being annoyingly over-the-top.
Installing on to the PS3’s hard drive takes in excess of 20 minutes. But instead of blankly staring at a load bar, gamers can enjoy an informative, 20 minute retrospective of the series. Once up and running, this game is an all-round winner, which will delight both newcomers and veterans. Apart from some minor flaws, such as the amount of back tracking and inconsistent passing, this game provides a thrill-packed experience for action fans. It is, without doubt, the most interesting and varied of the series: it will leave you wanting more!