bit-tech Shopping: Capcom Devil May Cry 4 (Xbox 360)

• Action/Adventure
• Fighting

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Graphics

Weaknesses: Limited custom buttons settings in the options menu

Summary: I've never been a big fan of the DMC series. Played the original on the PS2 and it was a decent title. Skipped 2 and 3 because there was a much better title of its kind on the market (Ninja Gaiden/Ninja Gaiden Black). I've decided to give the latest DMC4 a try after completing Ninja Gaiden 2, God of War series, and Heavenly Sword; it is a very similar experience compares to the original on the PS2, with updated graphic of course. Everything is relatively the same as previous. Why fix when its not broken right? Well, this series is on #4 already and it is time to add some more innovation before it gets really stale. All in all, it's a decent 3D action hack 'n slash game. Fan of this genre (like myself) won't be disappointed. But if you truly want the best, get Ninja Gaiden 2 instead. It's a much more intense experience.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Great gameplay, graphics, Nero is actually fun

Weaknesses: story, could have been a non-DMC game easily

Summary: Let's get the bad out of the way first. The story is horrible. There is little to no reason this even needs to be a DMC game other than seemingly tacked on references and Dante as a playable character. I think I would have enjoyed the story more if Dante was a bonus character to play as, and it was a new franchise starring Nero. It starts with promise, build up, and potential for tying into key events of the DMC series. It all dies out quickly though, and even by the time the credits role, you'll be asking yourself "Is that it?".Good thing the gameplay is so darn good though. Nero is actually more fun than Dante in this game, and if you were worried he'd be another Raiden (ala MGS2), don't be. By the time I switched to Dante, it was hard to play without Nero's Devil Bringer (his arm).Still a great action game, but maybe not the sequel fans were hoping for.

Rating: 10

Time with product:

Strengths: great graphics, stylish gameplay, good length

Weaknesses: bosses repeat themselves, questionable level design

Summary: Devil May Cry 4 is the newest addition to the DMC series and the jump to next gen consoles has given the game a great look. Graphics are very good, with real time cutscenes and beautiful environments. The gameplay is what you would expect from a DMC game. The action is stylish and combos can get crazy once you figure out how to exploit the combat system. A must have for a DMC fan or someone who wants an action game

Rating: 8

Time with product: 1 Days

Strengths: (1) Intense, action-oriented gameplay (2) New character offers more interesting combat and puzzle options (3) Great graphics and character designs

Weaknesses: (1) 50% of the game feels like an add-on pack made of cheaply recycled levels and backtracking (2) Story gets silly and loses direction when you switch to Dante

Summary: The first 50% of Devil May Cry 4 is a great experience with nicely designed levels, interesting enemies, great graphics and engaging gameplay. This is the section where you control the new character, Nero. His Devil-Bringer arm opens up new and enjoyable gameplay options and his story is a bit more seriously done. Nero's part of the adventure alone would be a satisfying but relatively short game. However, the developers chose to cheaply extend the game by having you switch over to the series' original Character, Dante, and then retracing Nero's exact steps - only backwards. Dante even fights the same boss characters in reverse order. Dante also hams it up in the cutscenes which trivializes the almost-worthy story. When you finally get to switch back to the more-fun-to-play Nero, he is in some sort of jarring demon world that haphazardly throws you into small arena fights - again recycling level and boss character assets (you fight each boss character a total three times without much of an explanation why they are still around). Devil May Cry 4 is still a great game, but I think it would have been much better had it been developed another year or so to allow for every level to be original for Nero and Dante's paths.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Month

Strengths: Stunning Graphics!!! Super Smooth Gameplay!!!

Weaknesses: Storyline

Summary: This game has beautiful graphics and Super smooth gameplay and controls.... It flows very well.... The only drawback is the Story... The only gamers that will have a problem with this are the ones that have played through the first 3 games in the series... This is definitely a welcome addition to the Xbox 360 game lineup.