A few weeks ago I was in San Francisco to check out Capcom's upcoming top titles for 2007. One of the biggest ones there was the PlayStation 3 version of Devil May Cry 4. Because of an embargo, I hadn't really been able to speak about my time with the game. But now, I am free. The chains have been lifted.
Hit the jump to check out my impressions of the demo that more or less kicked a ton of ass.
Admittedly, I had all but abandoned the Devil May Cry franchise. After the first game, the others never really captured my attention and I had just moved on to bigger and better things.
I've heard grumblings that the series had taken a turn for the worst and maybe had abandoned that original formula that made it so great. Well, I don't know about the most recent titles, but Devil May Cry 4 is the kind of game that could set a disenchanted series fan straight. If it doesn't, then you have no soul.
Though the demo was only about 15 minutes or so in length -- depending on how skilled you were -- the original fun factor and flow was very evident. Taking control of a new hero, Nero, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of refreshment for a game that I honestly had high hopes for as a proud PS3 owner -- and yes, the game was only playable on a PS3.
Nero's got a new bag of tricks, too, that makes the game feel unique. Instead of duel wielding pistols, Nero has a Devil Bringer arm that leads to some devastating combos and moves. Also, his sword is a tad different from Dante's. Much like you'd rev up a motorcycle, players can power up their sword to unleash increasingly deadly attacks.
But really, let's all assume the gameplay is just as solid as usual -- and you'd be safe to assume that. With that, I'm sure you want to know what the visuals are like in a game that has always prided itself as being top of the line to look at. In word, this PS3 version was perfect. The framrate was nearly flawless and the world in which Nero was thrown into was to say the least, beautiful.
Nowhere is this incredible visual style more evident than in the end-of-the-demo boss battle with Berial. A huge flaming demon that gives you a rush of excitement like almost no other game can. He's huge, he's hard, and he's an epic piece of work. You'd almost get hypnotized by the grand scale of the guy before realizing that yes, you do have to kill the bastard.
Am I overflowing with emotion about this game? Yes, yes I am. Much like God of War, this new Devil May Cry could be a system seller. Do I expect it to look good on the Xbox 360? Sure. But because they showed it on a PS3, it would lead me to believe that either it A) looks incredibly better on a PS3 or B) is being developed seperately on the system. With both factors taken into account, that means that the game will more than likely look better on the system it should look better on -- you see, sometimes with cross-platform games the difference isn't as noticable.
Back to gameplay, the controls were intuitive and the combos were as easy as ever to pull off. The moves you could make in the game were all thrilling to try out. As I'm sure for some fans, just the pure adreniline rush of the fighting is enough of a seller for you.
What other features can we expect with DMC 4? Take a look:
• From the producer of the original Devil May Cry and Resident Evil 4 • High-definition visuals moving at 60 frames per second • Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante • New characters and environments • Signature blend of guns and swordplay • Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies • Unique "Devil Bringer" arm opens up a range of combo options • Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante • Exceed System allows Nero to charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful attack options • New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
If you're an action game or Devil May Cry fan, then I don't think I need to tell you that this is going to be a must-own title. When this launches, you will absolutely need this in your library.
This one seems to have a much more rewarding aerial combat system. I never bothered with juggling enemies in the first three because it was boring and not damaging enough, so hopefully that will change in this 4th one.
For those who were wondering about the story, I'd like to add that DMC4 looks to be returning to its roots, rather than the sort of wacky nonsense mixed in with all the win in part 3. Nero is relentlessly cool and cocky in the face of adversaries 20 times his size, but doesn't yell "Wahoo!" while sliding around on an enemy while eating pizza.
Unfortunately, Nero and Dante look to be the only two playable characters, which will make this yet another DMC title to skip out on a playable heroine. ~_~;;;
Wait, summa, are you leading me to believe that the new active style system allows real-time weapons changing? I call shenanigans, as such a thing must be truly unpossible.
I am very interested to see side-by-side 360/ps3 vids. anyway nice first look
Yo Robbie Boy, grumpus-ryan from GT here. yr using old embed code, that's why 'related user movies is showing up at the top. use the embed code from the page, not yr sneaky cut n paste act-shun replacing movie id's.
I'll get the PS3 version because i just don't see the X,B,A,Y buttons good for this type of game.. and well I'm so used to DMC on PS controller. And maybe cause it was started on PS3, the 360 port may be minorly inferior, so for the $60 bux get the best for the money.
"Yo Robbie Boy, grumpus-ryan from GT here. yr using old embed code, that's why 'related user movies is showing up at the top. use the embed code from the page, not yr sneaky cut n paste act-shun replacing movie id's."
What? All we do is click "embed" and take that code. Hold on, there's a Wahmbulance coming, brb.
Dude, I am SOO getting the PC version. Once I've applied several post-release patches, updated my chipset drivers, overclocked my video card, burnt out my video card, bought a new video card, formatted my hard drive and reinstalled Windows, I'll be playing this game at up to 1.3 TIMES the resolution of 1080p.
Actually, the possibility of post-release patches on consoles (thanks to Live and PSN) kind of unsettles me. I hope Capcom is still willing to take the time to polish the damn thing before it shows up on shelves. It's the video game equivalent of "Don't worry, we'll fix it in post".
"But because they showed it on a PS3, it would lead me to believe that either it A) looks incredibly better on a PS3 or B) is being developed seperately on the system."
I would believe they showed it to you on the PS3 because the PS3 PORT (I love saying that...) is closer to completion and is more stable to show off than the 360 version. I know you're not suggesting that the Xbox and the PS3 have identical everythings inside them. The devs have to tweak each game to it's console, and the 360 wasn't shown for whatever reason.
I will buy it for whatever console it plays best on... Period... I have no preference beforehand just because I wish to increase the size of my e-peen.
Other than that, I enjoyed the videos - I found myself wondering "It has to be on the 360, right?"... But could it be?... A developer that is properly programming for the PS3?... It's almost blasphemous to speak that line without sarcasm.
I hope for the best... Though, other than the boss fight.. It seemed to be that the AI was rather unintelligent. More standing around waiting to get beaten to death. Perhaps some more info on that could be shared?
Further notation... Achievements != Trophies... Being that we have not fully experienced them both - who is to say what is better? Choosing a game for the pretty words or trophy you have in the case when you're not playing the game... It's kind of silly isn't it?
This looks delicious and I could care less that the PS3 lost exclusivity to it. Sure it probably would have sold some systems but now more people can kick monster ass devil style, and thats equally as cool.
Wow, God of War and Devil May Cry look like they have virtually identical game mechanics. Not saying that's bad, but it's uncanny that I've never seen any DMC title ever and it hits the same notes as GOW which I'm very familiar with.
Love the dialogue! "L the conqueror...of the Fire...HELL!!" not just hell, but FIRE hell, dang...
DMC's writing has never been it's strong suit, but I'll be picking it up anyway...for the 360. Achievements FTW, all my friends have one, it's affordable, and I hate the playstation controller's analog stick layout, my hands get cramped after about 30 minutes, unless that's next gen technology.
i added a Talismoon(red)Whisper fan which i made 12v so to keep the noise down i used a Zalman Fanmate 2 Variable Speed Fan Controller. took the default cpu/graphics chip thermal paste off then used Arctic Silver 5 thermal paste,added mini-heatsinks to the co-graphics chip & a couple other chips,painted the xbox logo on, sanded it down then covered it with black paint and topped it of with a skull & crossbones sticker i ordered from http://www.hurricanesigns.com/StickersDecals.htm
looks good and will stay cool and keep those nasty red lights at bay for a long time i hope
"As far as the Xbox [360] and the PS3 are concerned, the capabilities and the features in the game, we expect will be the same. Our plan is to pretty much make them identical. You may be able to use some of the functionality in the PS3 as like a switch, but nothing spectacular."
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Contest:
12:25 PM on 05.01.2007
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Unfortunately, Nero and Dante look to be the only two playable characters, which will make this yet another DMC title to skip out on a playable heroine. ~_~;;;
They liked you so much Robert, they made you into a boss?
GTFO. @_@
Seriously DMC4 Achievements. What Toneman said.
I am very interested to see side-by-side 360/ps3 vids. anyway nice first look
then part 3 game back with a fiery kickass vengence of awesomeness... so as long as 4 continues to accel from part 3, it's all sweeeeetness..
What? All we do is click "embed" and take that code. Hold on, there's a Wahmbulance coming, brb.
Vista FTW! Wait...
Sounds like this one is going to drive me crazy too.
I would believe they showed it to you on the PS3 because the PS3 PORT (I love saying that...) is closer to completion and is more stable to show off than the 360 version. I know you're not suggesting that the Xbox and the PS3 have identical everythings inside them. The devs have to tweak each game to it's console, and the 360 wasn't shown for whatever reason.
Other than that, I enjoyed the videos - I found myself wondering "It has to be on the 360, right?"... But could it be?... A developer that is properly programming for the PS3?... It's almost blasphemous to speak that line without sarcasm.
I hope for the best... Though, other than the boss fight.. It seemed to be that the AI was rather unintelligent. More standing around waiting to get beaten to death. Perhaps some more info on that could be shared?
This looks delicious and I could care less that the PS3 lost exclusivity to it. Sure it probably would have sold some systems but now more people can kick monster ass devil style, and thats equally as cool.
DMC's writing has never been it's strong suit, but I'll be picking it up anyway...for the 360. Achievements FTW, all my friends have one, it's affordable, and I hate the playstation controller's analog stick layout, my hands get cramped after about 30 minutes, unless that's next gen technology.
looks good and will stay cool and keep those nasty red lights at bay for a long time i hope
"As far as the Xbox [360] and the PS3 are concerned, the capabilities and the features in the game, we expect will be the same. Our plan is to pretty much make them identical. You may be able to use some of the functionality in the PS3 as like a switch, but nothing spectacular."
~kotaku via ign via me, info train ftw