This is just the basics to Capcom’s latest release, Devil May Cry 4. It features the same game play elements as its predecessors as well as new additions, the biggest being a new playable character, Nero, and his unique Devil Bringer ability. There is not much back story as to how or why Nero acquired this ability. All that is known is that he was injured during a demon attack on the city. The Devil Bringer has an arsenal of new techniques that increase your Style meter. The Style meter is one of the key elements of the Devil May Cry Series. You are given a ranking between D and SSS depending on the variety of combos performed on the enemies. The higher the style, the more orbs and points you receive. I found it to be easier to increase your style than in the previous games. Of course this could be the fact that I have gotten better over the years but the difficulty of DMC4 has definitely been toned down to accommodate for new audiences. Having 6 different difficulties, there is definitely one for any player of experience, novice or expert. The Devil May Cry series is known for the infamous Dante Must Die mode and that does not disappoint, giving veterans a run for their money.

Aside from Nero, Dante is playable as well. With 4 different styles; Trickster, Swordmaster, Gunslinger, and Royalguard available, there are a multitude of moves to be had. One great improvement is the fact that these styles can be switched instantaneously; making for easier combo chaining and style points. Styles and abilities can then be upgraded using Proud Souls so there is always more collecting after the game has been completed. Bloody Palace, a death match against enemies that get progressively harder as you climb the stages, returns as well. This offers more replay value as well as gaining more red orbs and proud souls. There are also Achievements to be earned, for both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3. They range from beating the game to reaching certain amounts of orbs, souls, and defeated enemies. It will definitely take many hours of game play to unlock them all.

The game itself is absolutely beautiful. The environment is gorgeous and everything save one area runs fluid. There is a little lag, I found, in one of the forest areas but that was no major problem. One thing that was the most bothersome was the level rehashing. You progress with Nero for half the game, defeating bosses and earning abilities in the process, only to play the same levels backwards with Dante for part of the later missions. I couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed by the fact that bosses are faced multiple times. Other than that, I have no qualms with this game. The visuals are stunning, the game play was excellent, and overall I was satisfied with what has been a great installment in the series.

-Matt has been a writer for Shakefire.com since 2007.  Contact her at

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