Fret Not, Ninja Theory Did Us Right...

Posted 2 months ago By DMolinski - Dave Molinski

It was a bold move to reboot the popular Devil May Cry series, but it was a risk worth taking as Ninja Theory so evidently showed us with DmC: Devil May Cry. While Dante’s physical characteristics have changed, he retains his badass attitude, showing no fear towards the demonic threat that is unleashed upon him. Fans and newcomers alike will be delighted as they thrust their weapon, or rain fury, upon the demons that stand before them...

“There have always been angels, demons, and war.” Now there is Dante. He is a Nephilim: half demon and half angel. It is this unstoppable joining of power that attracts Mundus, the demon king, as he is aware of the potential threat that Dante poses to his dominance. Hunted by demons, Dante is introduced to Kat and Vergil, who happen to be of the same blood. Dante’s initial unwillingness to help their cause is thwarted by Vergil helping Dante discover the truth of his origins. A plan is then strategized to dismantle the hold that Mundus has on the world. The infiltration of all of mankind’s major organizations such as banks and the media portrays the tight grasp that Mundus holds on the humans. However, the major influential piece of the puzzle is a manufacturing plant that is responsible for creating a soft drink called Virility, which is distributed to subdue humanity. It is these locations that they must first travel to in order to extinguish each individual hold so as to destroy the root of all the evil: Mundus.

The creativity behind the environments depicted throughout the game present the demonic realm very well. The seamless transition, which occurs frequently, from the real world to a demon infested limbo always looks incredible. Environments also crumble, piece by piece, creating new obstacles for Dante to traverse as he strives towards completing his objectives, which displays the complexity of the developer’s imaginative level design. There is also an instance within a mission where the environment is momentarily altered into a sketch-like presentation that features arrows outlining directions to take, which highlights the strategy that was formulated by Vergil and Dante. This momentary shift in presentation, again, highlights the team’s creative mindset. However, environment grappling is repetitive and can slow the game’s pace at times. Combat is also visually stunning. Each individual slash from Dante’s sword Rebellion, and other attacks, are represented by stylish colored strokes that culminate with the collection of souls as the demonic enemies are dismembered when a killing blow is made.

While sound plays a large role in creating the atmosphere throughout DmC, it also helps identify enemy movement as they utter a demonic sound before performing an attack, which increases your defensive tactics. The voice acting also aids in creating immersive characters, most notably the demonic villains through their constant anger towards Dante. The music by Noisia and Combichrist featured throughout the game definitely shines, even though it is more on the chaotic side. Its inclusion tends to dictate the pace and action of many sequences, which begins during the introductory cut-scene and continues to the credits. Games are not only meant to be played, but also heard. Turning up the volume, if your location permits, is a wise investment. The soundtrack adds to the overall experience that DmC has to offer. Dispatching waves of demons has never sounded so good.

Variety is the theme that is present throughout DmC due to the amount of weapons that Dante has at his disposal. Not only does each weapon have its own strengths, but they also feature numerous unique attacks that will benefit you in all demonic encounters. Your initial human loadout comprises of your trusty blade, Rebellion, and unruly companions, Ebony and Ivory. Their weakness is overlooked by the quick firepower that it unleashes upon your foes. Game progression is paced well in terms of introducing new enemies and weapons to enhance the gameplay experience. The simplistic nature of combat is also enhanced as the inclusion of several new weapons will have you experiment with different combinations, increasing combat complexity, but also making you strive towards chaining unreal combinations to attain higher style points such as the SSS. This inclusion also helps alleviate the thought of repetitive gameplay as it provides you with the tools to create a unique and different experience each encounter.

“While Dante’s physical characteristics have changed, he retains his badass attitude, showing no fear towards the demonic threat that is unleashed upon him.”

Dante’s discovery of demon and angel form grants him access to these additional weapons that cause increased chaos. Demon weapons are slow, but powerful, while angel weapons are fast and excellent for crowd control. You can also enter the training mode to practice, or master, the many combat skills that are available. Devil trigger slows down time and unleashes Dante’s true power against his enemies as they are thrown helplessly into the air where you are able to unleash a destructive combination of attacks against them. Damage is increased and health is regained within Devil Trigger mode, and so it is wise to use it when you are greatly outnumbered, or in need of a health replenishment.

Controls will be familiar to DmC fans, but newcomers to the franchise will spend little time figuring out the controls as combat is very fluid and simplistic. However, the sky’s the limit in terms of chaining attacks to increase your overall stylistic points, which will then increase your overall acquisition of white orbs. These orbs will accumulate and present you with credits to be used to unlock new abilities, or attacks, for each specific weapon currently available. An issue that may arise pertains to the camera’s interference in tight corridors and having off-screen demons strike you, ruining your style points.

Many games offer compelling gameplay, which can, at times, be hampered by lackluster boss encounters. This is also true with DmC. Boss encounters are monotonous. All you have to do is learn their repetitive movements and formulate your attack at opportune moments to inflict damage upon their demonic flesh. The design of the bosses truly depicts horrendous demons that are meant to be feared by all. The confrontation with the demon Bob Barbas, who is a reporter and owner of Raptor News Network, stood out among the lot. Upon depleting Bob’s life, you take part in live news broadcasts where you are filmed engaging demons from a helicopter. It is Bob’s attempt to single out Dante, call him a terrorist, and blame him for the tragedies that have befallen the city.

Replayability has always been a determining factor within the DmC franchise and it continues to present itself in this installment. There are four types of keys that are situated throughout missions for Dante to discover: copper, argent, gold, and ivory. These keys are used to unlock secret doors where Dante will find himself participating in tasks such as defeating enemies within an allotted time, defeating enemies that only take damage midair, or going from point A to point B within a certain amount of time. It can also be argued that the first three difficulties presented in DmC are easier than previous installments, but this forces you to continue to play through all difficulties that are unlocked, which greatly increases replayability. The longevity of DmC, and all titles in the franchise, is due to the replayability offered by the many difficulty levels. However, be warned that the last two modes titled “Heaven or Hell” and “Hell or Hell” offers the most challenging gameplay as Dante dies on one hit. DmC succeeds in providing high replayability, which is very important for games that offer no multiplayer. The story, while coming in at around 9-10 hours, leaves you wanting more.

Final Focus

DmC: Devil May Cry is a worthy rebirth of the franchise as it possesses fast-paced chaotic action, which is diversified by the several weapons that make up Dante’s arsenal, an engaging soundtrack, and a story worthy of the DmC franchise. Ninja Theory ventured into the deep end and managed to arise successful. Those still curious should simply acquire DmC and begin unleashing Dante’s power against the demonic horde that threatens humanity. Satisfaction is guaranteed.