Metareview - Devil May Cry 4 (Xbox 360, PS3)
by Ludwig Kietzmann 
{ Feb 7th 2008 at 6:25PM }
Shed a tear for those who still feel utterly betrayed by a huge, profit-seeking corporation's decision to release a game on more than one platform. The (fan)boycotters are missing out on all the demon demolishing found in Devil May Cry 4, Capcom's latest take on the continuing struggle between the forces of evil and whichever sword-wielding smack talker walks out of the salon first. Though Beelzebub's fourth bawl brawl clearly sticks to the franchise formula, we think Dante Lite (pictured above) is crashing a party that only got into full swing with the third game.
- Eurogamer (70/100): "After more than seven years, the Devil May Cry series finds itself in the same kind of safe, reliable trough that Resident Evil was in before Resi 4. DMC4 can still fall back on rock-solid combat mechanics and some standout moments, but it feels as though it's comfortable to slowly refine what was good about previous versions rather than evolve into something spectacular."
- 1UP (85/100): "Although it dips into the recycling bin a bit too much, Devil May Cry 4 still remains a must-play title for action-adventure gamers. Its gorgeous trappings, addictive combat, and well-balanced difficulty make it the most satisfying DMC in years, and Dante's such a killer character that you'll actually want to tackle the game on a tougher difficulty in order to fully explore his amazing arsenal."
- IGN: (87/100): "Though the focus might be more on Nero than Dante, and could've been named something else with a Dante cameo, DMC4 still has everything that fans expect of the game – over the top fight sequences, tons of replayability and an experience with an excellent production value. Whether it's on the PS3 or the 360, action fans are going to get one incredible experience with this game, and if you own either system, you'll have a great time."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 6:32PM
I bought the Collectors Edition yesterdar... $79.99... my biggest buyer remorse.
It has excellent graphics... very cinematic... great bosses...
But is boring... very boring, repetitive, and extremely easy.
uberartist @ Feb 7th 2008 7:00PM
Can we add a feature to hide all comments by a person? For me I would love to read this site without Fernando's comments. Pretty please?
samfish @ Feb 7th 2008 7:03PM
Why? What did he say that's so bad this time?
Mr Khan @ Feb 7th 2008 7:10PM
nah, its just baseless Fernando-bashing this time
Save it for when he irrationally slags on the PS3, people...
uberartist @ Feb 7th 2008 7:21PM
He wasn't bad in this post, but in general he's just intollerable. I'm just asking for a nice way that if you are logged in, you can have an ignore list.
The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Feb 7th 2008 7:38PM
if they had an ignore list, I would ignore everyone EXCEPT Fernando
jcd @ Feb 7th 2008 8:10PM
Aha! The Artist and Fernando are the same poster!
I knew it.
milestailsprowe @ Feb 7th 2008 9:06PM
Oh come on guys I kinda like fernados commentsd their funny at times but Im waiting for the cheaper better lookiing better framerate PC version for the people like me who are apart of the golden pc master race you dirty console peasents(yathzee quote)
LongshotX @ Feb 8th 2008 12:02PM
Give it to me if you don't like it.
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 6:33PM
7.9/10 is my score... good, pretty, but it did not reach an 8.
The Artist formally known as Jesus @ Feb 7th 2008 6:46PM
ugh, I hate scores that have a ".9" in them
I prefer round scores to the nearest 10
so you give it a 7.9
I see a 10.0
Marty @ Feb 7th 2008 6:36PM
...alright, I'll be the first to ask - which version is better?
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 6:41PM
Both have the same graphics, and the same sound... I prefer the analog joystiq placement on the 360 controller... the only annoying thing was that the lock on was in the RB rather than in the right trigger, but you can change that. 3 to 5 seconds in the loading screens.
The inconvinient in the PS3 version is the installation... apparently PS fanboys think that with the install you skip load times, but according to several times, the installation is to match the load times of the 360 version.
I like having rumble out of the box, without the need of buying a new controller, and the achievemntes (also in the PS3 version, but without gamer points).
I chose the 360 version.
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 6:42PM
*several sites...
deaftly @ Feb 7th 2008 7:14PM
For once, I agree with the jackass.
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 7:19PM
I'm not a jackass!
*Hey Steve-o... stop stapling youself in my house please!
uberartist @ Feb 7th 2008 7:26PM
So Fernando, did you actually play both versions yourself? Didn't think so.
Quoting 1UP:
"PS3 versus Xbox 360. The differences are negligible. The 360 has 'load times,' according to some, since it loads off the DVD. But these load times amount to barely noticeable 3 or 4 second loads between areas, while the PS3 version cuts the gap down to a couple seconds. The flipside is that the PS3 requires an initial install on to the harddrive. ... Who wants to delete and reinstall games? The graphics are virtually indistinguishable, but if it makes your life better to hear it, the PS3 doesn't do the screen 'tearing' thing the 360 occasionally does."
http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=1&cId=3165619
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 7:30PM
I prefer rumble, achievements and 5GB free (I have the 120GB Elite and still I don't want to waste my space) to a 2 seconds instead of 4 seconds load times.
itouchmyself @ Feb 7th 2008 7:46PM
You said yourself you hate the ps3 so why are you even giving a judgment on its version? Its not like you could have chose the ps3 version anyway, you dont have one tard.
B1gC72 - PSN: KillaKornbread @ Feb 7th 2008 8:02PM
i think people are making mountains of mole hills out of the 5GB install. i have a 60GB PS3 with about 20GB left, and it took me since August to fill that much of it up with movies and tv shows. 5GB isnt really all that big a deal unless every game starts to require the installation rather than make it optional like some other games do. im going to be upgrading to a 320GB+ hard drive this summer anyway so 5GB will be chump change then.
i havent played the game yet and wont be playing it on 360 so i cant really say much on the graphical differences unless i see a retail version comparison video. on paper, they seem to be pretty feature even except for the eWang/Gamer Score to go with the Achievements/Accomplishments. and if you played without rumble Fernando, you honestly wont miss it. i doubt ill even get the rumble controller honestly since the regular Sixaxis will probably be dirt cheap on eBay and stuff when the DualShock3 drops.
a.j. @ Feb 7th 2008 8:25PM
man, i read comment after comment from Fernando and I'm really tired of reading the bullshit he pushes. i own all 3 consoles so i'm not playing favorites but man, the PS3 install is not to "match the 360 load times"...it has been said time and again (IGN for instance) that it decreses load times drastically and makes the PS3 version the better buy for those interested because it's faster. if you hate sony so much, go camp outside their headquarters so someone can punch your face in.
License to ill @ Feb 7th 2008 8:54PM
Fernando "I chose the 360 version".
Big surprise since you don't own a PS3 and there is no Wii version...
archie91s @ Feb 7th 2008 9:01PM
the ps3 versions graphics are smoother, according to 1up. and the load times are 1-2 seconds, and the 360's are a few seconds longer, which is no big deal.
luckycharms711 @ Feb 7th 2008 9:49PM
Don't Listen to Fernando just go look at the review on IGN. It clearly states that the load times are much faster on the 360 version and that the load times are the only reason to choose the PS3 version over the 360.
ThornedVenom @ Feb 8th 2008 2:25AM
Guys,
Fernando isn't the most annoying thing on the website.
Fernando-trollers are.
copres @ Feb 8th 2008 12:12PM
so whats better:
waiting 20 mins for your game to install 5 gigs on your HDD to save a few seconds on the loading screens,
or
playing it immediately when you get home with no installation and only a few seconds longer on the loading screens?
xFenixKnightx @ Feb 7th 2008 6:54PM
This game blows, the demo was boring. Camera sucks, graphics are sub-par, that boss battle was ok I guess. Maybe just not my cup of tea. I wouldnt shell out no mula for it ever. Im waiting for Ninja Gaiden 2 baby!!! The REAL hack n slash fest.
Off topic I picked up Assassins Creed 2day and Im rather enjoying it, the graphics are ridiculous!
samfish @ Feb 7th 2008 7:04PM
I'm waiting for God Hand 2, which kicks Ninja Gaiden's ass any day of the week as far as action games go.
*sigh*...I'm prepared to wait a loooooong time.
xFenixKnightx @ Feb 7th 2008 7:14PM
Godhand was OK, and your on something if you think itll even touch NG2.
Noshino @ Feb 7th 2008 8:32PM
yah Fenix, guess it isn't your game
I find the DMC games challenging...and, despite the fact that I also like NG a hell lot, I think that DMC keeps a much faster pace, which is something that I prefer in my combofest kind of action game...
MortifiedocAlot @ Feb 7th 2008 9:03PM
Funny, I'm guessing you didn't like God Hand because the graphics where bad. I guess some people just love shiny objects, I'd prefer game play over anything personally.
maylon @ Feb 7th 2008 11:15PM
I groc in fullness with your entire post.
samfish @ Feb 7th 2008 7:02PM
That's kind of an "ouch" for such a big name, established title. The DMC games aren't my cup of tea, but I was expecting 9's with the occasional 8 here and there.
NESv1 @ Feb 7th 2008 7:08PM
I got the game. It has its ups and downs, that's for sure. The story is very interesting. The cinematics are entertaining. The fighting is fun. But, a lot of the time during the game it gets a bit boring and tedius. Whenever I finally beat it (or smash bros comes out) I'll probably take it back for some store credit.
I give it a 7/10
Mr Khan @ Feb 7th 2008 7:09PM
I kinda saw this coming. A little lower than i expected, of course (I expected something only slightly lower than what Samfish expected), but it seemed like they really didn't go the extra mile to make it "wow"
Does not, of course, mean it still isn't a solid title, and of course a must for fans of the series or story
deaftly @ Feb 7th 2008 7:12PM
I picked it up for 360 over ps3 just because of that retarded 5 gig install. I'll take an extra 1 or 2 seconds of loading vs filling up my 40 gig. All in all i like the game alot. Some corny dialog but thats expected with games from the rising sun.
Booxatron @ Feb 8th 2008 2:10PM
@a.j.,
Actually, asshole, English is Fernando's second language and he's pretty damn fluent in it considering.
I hate it when people are dicks just for the sake of being dicks.
Booxatron @ Feb 8th 2008 2:18PM
Joystiq's broken.
Supposed to be in reply to a.j. a few posts down.
Tranando @ Feb 10th 2008 1:22PM
Those 1-2 seconds between scenes soon add up. I would rather take a crap whilst installing for 5 minutes (not 20), and then have a much smoother ingame experience thanks.
zkey14 @ Feb 7th 2008 7:20PM
Lol, babbys all over the place can't cope with a real man's action game. Business as usual in joystiq dot com, I guess.
Fernando Rocker @ Feb 7th 2008 7:20PM
Says the 14 year old men.
Arteen @ Feb 7th 2008 7:27PM
"babbys"? If you were trying to spell "babies," you failed in so many ways.
Ed @ Feb 7th 2008 7:43PM
"can't cope with a real man's action game."
Your kidding right. I own a PS, PS2, and PS3, and I have to say DMC is the most boring game series to ever grace video games. DMC3 I "almost" beat by just standing in one spot, jumping up and down shooting and slashings. And the boss battles snoozers. And I say I 'Almost" beat it because by the time I got close to the second boss, I'd lost all interest in the game, and threw it on the return for store credit pile.
a.j. @ Feb 7th 2008 8:29PM
"says the 14 year old men"....says the fanboy who can't speak English.
Shiba @ Feb 7th 2008 8:39PM
What? Have you played the game? None of the moves require very much effort at all to pull of. Anyone who has ever played a fighting game could easily pull of all the moves in the game and become untouchable.
KayRazy Ken Kutaragi @ Feb 7th 2008 7:28PM
As far as the hack-n-slash genre goes...this game is KRAP compared to Heavenly Sword. HS not only looks WAAAAAAYYYY better, it has much better animations and judging from the DMC4 demo, more varied gameplay.
I give this game a 7 out of 10.
KayRazyKen Kutaragi @ Feb 7th 2008 7:34PM
Sorry guys I was just talking out of my ASS. Heavenly Sword is garbage. PS3 is garbage, and I...am also garbage. Ninja Gaiden2 is going to set the benchmark for hack-n-slash action games!
Praise be to Xbox 360!!!
KayRazy Ken Kutaragi @ Feb 7th 2008 8:22PM
If ur gonna parody me BillyJimBob, at LEAST change up my avatar.
Show some ballz, tell us who you are, go on...I don't mind, my emotional state is not as fragile as the typical poster on this site.
Please, make me laugh and have some fun with it. But JimBobBillyJoe, MAKE IT FUNNY NEXT TIME!!!!
Noshino @ Feb 7th 2008 9:00PM
sorry, but Ninja Gaiden is quite slower compared to DMC...
I'm not denying it isn't a graet game, but the fanbase for the DMC franchise is greater than for NG...that should tell you something...(and don't pull a "Mario has a bigger fanbase" because we are talking about the hardcore crowd"
maylon @ Feb 7th 2008 11:17PM
You are an enigma, sir.