Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
System: PS3
Genre: Action
Release date: Available now
Review by: Michael Moody

What was once a prototype for Resident Evil 2 has become a full fledged franchise of its own. Devil May Cry is the signature series for fast and stylish action. Devil May Cry 4 brings back original creator Hiroyuki Kobayashi, also noted for Resident Evil 4. Does it progress the franchise further as DMC 3 did, or lose its charm like DMC 2? Read to find out. P.S. I promise to keep the story stupid simple and not give anything away.

This time around the main protagonist isn’t Dante. For most of the game you will be following Nero. Much like Dante, Nero is a witty and cocky character with an insatiable willingness for confrontation. Fortuna, a city similar to the Vatican, provides the back drop for the story. Residing within the confines of these mysterious walls is the Order of the Sword. The Order once stood for mankind and the worship of Sparda, but as Nero, a Knight of the Order of the Swords, finds out, things aren’t always what they seem.

Similar to previous DMC titles each level is broken into missions for a total of 20 missions. Within each mission you have to solve a puzzle and find the required items. In addition, there are a variety of colored orbs to collect. The red orbs allow you to access items while the green orbs restore health. At the end of each mission you are ranked for meeting certain criteria. Initially, DMC 4 offers two difficulty levels: Human (Easy) and Devil Hunter (Advanced).

Stylish action is a staple to all DMC titles and DMC 4 is no different. Nero still wields a gun and sword like Dante, however he possesses something Dante doesn’t. The Devil Bringer is a demonic arm attached to Nero which opens new possibilities for attack and platforming abilities. Nero can snatch objects, including enemies, from long distances. Nero can also reach new heights when certain blue orbs are illuminated. Another new system is the Exceed System which, when executed, charges Nero’s sword up to three levels and allows damaging attacks against enemies. Dante’s been revamped this time around with “on the fly” style changes. By pressing the D – pad his signature styles (Trickster, Royal Guard, Sword Master, Gunslinger) are all easily accessible.