The latest in a series of developer diaries for Dante's Inferno has been released and, as we've come to expect, it's more familiar gameplay wrapped up in the hideous guise of a ruinous literary interpretation (one that Dante himself would supposedly approve of, no less). It's hard to say that the game doesn't look enjoyable, because it really does. The scythe and cross, which feature heavily in the video, look like a lot of fun to wield. The pursuit of a smooth, 60 FPS frame rate is admirable as well.
Unfortunately, the arrival of this "Anger" video also likely means the arrival of something in our own Chris Grant's mailbox. Some grim, tasteless thing that will shake our faith in humanity and the wisdom of EA's marketing department. And so, we wait.
@Yaanu: We have only heard the title "The Ripper" it hasn't even been confirmed to be even a Jack the Ripper game, yet you seem to even know what the gameplay will be like.
I'm with you on that one. I feel compelled to buy this game to support her and Visceral.
It helps that the title is looking buttery smooth....60 fps does seem to make quite a difference.
Speaking of Visceral though, I don't recognize any of these team members from all the developer video interviews for Dead Space. Is this another division or something?
Because of all the publicity this game is getting, and all of the references made to "God of War", I'm actually, seriously, considering getting both this game and "God of War". Even if these games aren't really my genre.
I know it offends the sensibilities of the literati on the Joystiq podcast, but that doesn't change how the game plays. It re-imagines major parts of the story, but that doesn't automatically make it a bad story.
Dante's Inferno wasn't that great of a story to begin with. Why should we care about the ancient Italians Dante was mad at?
I hope the joystiq guys review this as gamers and not as snobbish literature purists or self-described victims of the marketing campaign. Also, if it's fun but it's a huge ripoff of God of War, then it's mostly just fun. Everyone didn't play God of War, and even if we did, it's not too early for another sequel (or ripoff) that plays similarly.
It should be fairly evaluated on it's own merits as if God of War and Dante and the marketing campaign never existed.
I don't know--I think it's ok to bring in the source material and its cultural value on the world because this game did so first. It said, "Hey, we're going to be a game that appropriates well-known literature." So it demands to be compared and considered within the realm of that.
Though I think with God of War, they replicated Greek tragedy and feuding between the gods quite well--compared to this game that's goal is to be bad ass instead of a philosophical interpretation of the medieval world-view of Christianity.
Point is--when you make a game based on existing events and people fiction or nonfiction, you're utilizing that preexisting material to imbued the game with the same emotional and intellectual responses. Such as Inglourious Basterds. That movie could have taken place at any point in time because it was not historically accurate. But, by setting it within the WWII era, they called upon the world's deep hatred for Nazis to motivate our sympathy for its characters.
So ultimately, if this game fails to truly realize or bring more perspective on the concepts the original writer intended with the epic poem, then the game itself fails to be anything more than exploitative, commercial crap. Like Shrek 2.
I'd have to agree with Ben on this one. Yes they said they are basing the game on well known literature. However, the star of the Divine Comedy isn't Dante it's hell itself or rather the vivid description of it. In this regard, I would argue they are doing what they set out to do.
Regardless, I think Chris especially is being rather petty and childish in his comments and overall attitude about the game. Maybe it's just me, but it seems as if he wants to trash the game, want's it to fail, simply because he's a fan of the literature. Why can't you be both? I love the Divine Comedy personally and I don't have a problem with an artistic work based off of that...as long as it does justice to said peace. So far, I think they've done a good job, again, keeping in mind that hell is the "star of the show" not Dante per say. Taking so-called comedic jabs at "VISCERAL!" and all that kinda nonsense doesn't help to support his point IMO. It just makes him fit the image of a gamer in the eyes of those who already see it as childish to begin with.
What's wrong with "exploitative" or "commercial"? Are they worse than snobbish and elite and pretentious? "Edgy" is supposedly an artistic value but "exploitative" isn't?
Dante is dead and has lost his right to object to stuff like this.
There are a zillion works that are re-imaginings of Shakespeare in different places and times, with different scripts. I'm sure someone wanted to make money on some of them. This is similar.
Gamers don't have less fun playing games when those games offend the precious literary sensibilities of publication editors. It's not less fun for us because EA sent you a $200 check either. If you're going to count that stuff against them, you might as well cash the check and say the game is great because they paid you. We'd get equally unbiased coverage and reviews that way.
Just be fair to the game and judge it on it's own merits. It would be nice to know whether it's fun and entertaining for people without all the emotional baggage relating to the Divine Comedy and the marketing campaign.
How about waiting till the game come's out, then you can judge if does any justice to the story. Have you played it yet? So lets cut it with the preconcieved notions that this game is going to take a dump all over the story. The marketing behind it is to show the gameplay and how much fun it will be. It is quite possible that there is a good storyline, but idk. I havent played the game yet.
Here is an exhaustive list of the similarities between the literary work and the game: 1. The name of the narrator/author: Dante 2. It's about "Hell" 3. Game follows the structure/levels of Hell as outlined in the book. 4. The name "Inferno" for the work. 5. Some creatures/inhabitants/denizens appear in both.
That's pretty much it.
I don't think the game is gonna do much for the book. It's a painful read and they are so grossly non-correlated that trying to learn about the book/poem by playing the game would be like trying to learn Greek mythology by playing God of War. The book provides some inspiration and source ideas/themes but anyone looking for an education should be looking elsewhere.
So we'll just have to be happy with a sweet game. ;) Just face it. The game looks cool as hell (so to speak), and I personally am psyched for it. It's derivative of God of War but so what? God of War is almost a genre defining product, there's room for several more super well done mythological action platform brawler type games with ultra bad ass protagonists as far as I'm concerned! :)
I don't get why Joystiq and other sites are so negative towards the game. Sure, they have crappy marketing, so what? It's not that offending anyway, there have been much worse things marketed in much worse ways, just enjoy the lame jokes and the game will probably kick ass. Sadly I won't be playing it, even though Tracy promised me a signed copy if I purchased one :D I'm among the few who are console-less. In fact, from the gameplay videos I've seen I would purchase this over God of War. Haven't played any of them, but this one seems better at least on the outside.
And because of the people who argue: "omg this is a ripoff of god of war bawww", I found out how awesome God Of War is. So I'm going to buy 12 of that too.
Why not just 2 weapons? It's not Ninja gaiden. Think nero from devil may cry , he only had one sword and a gun (and his arm) and it was fun playin with him.
From what I've heard in the vid you have like 3 fighting styles with the scythe( maybe u'll be upgrading each style).If your able to switch these styles on the fly , you'd be able to string together some awesome combos, mix in a little demonic/holy magic and the cross and I hardly see it be coming repetitive.
At least some of this game needs to be re-scored. Sepultura did a concept album in '06 "based on the three sections of Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy, Inferno (hell), Purgatorio (purgatory), and Paradiso (paradise). The album has five tracks based on Inferno (with just the band), five tracks based on Purgatorio (featuring the band with guests and other instruments), and the final track based on Paradiso (an instrumental)." - source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_XXI Accessed 2009-10-10.
Well, I know what I'll be listening to when I play it. :p Not that the existing score sucks or anything, but Sepultura's effort on this subject was truly something to behold, and IMO would match up well with parts of this game.
Damn, that looks pretty fricken amazing. First time I've actualy sat down and really looked at it. I didnt even know Visceral was making it.They really came through with Dead Space so I'll be keeping an eye on this one from now on.
Funny that this is coming to fruition...I heard rumors of it a long time ago, but dismissed them as ridiculous because the source material wouldn't make a good game. How silly of me- source material doesn't matter.
Making a small--thoughtless comment about the material being promoted. I remember when I was a child and saw Mortal Kombat for the first time. I was so excited--and up till about 12, I was a devoted fan to the excessively gory franchise. I think as a child, I was greatly entertained by the gore, and special effects that resulted in dismemberment. So much so, that in class I would draw in storyboard format the different fatalities.
But as I got older, story and interactivity became more import than blood and guts. Moments in games like MGS1 where I had to decide whether to fight to save Meryl's life or give in to save my own. And even a game like God of War (to which Dante is so often compared) there was more meaning behind the violence (which is another discussion).
But ultimately, all they seem to care about is being epic and violent--but to what end? What are they trying to say with this violence? What part of human nature are they exploring? And more-so, how dare they reference such an important piece of work only to turn it into a hack-n-slash fun-time afternoon! The Divine Comedy was not the medieval version of Saw--and so should not be treated that way, even in a video game.
Therefore, I feel this game has the intellectual value understandable by a 7 year old: kill the bad guys.
{ Oct 9th 2009 at 10:00PM } 
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Complex @ Oct 9th 2009 10:03PM
every time I see this game, I get more anxious to get God of War.
phobic99 @ Oct 9th 2009 10:07PM
I get more anxious to get both. Dante's Inferno is looking pretty damn good I'd say.
Saihna @ Oct 9th 2009 10:21PM
For some really odd reason, Dante's Inferno somehow reminds me of Demon Souls, although they don't really have much in common. At all. xD
Marius @ Oct 9th 2009 10:07PM
So are all the boss battles are going to be giants standing on an edge watching you kill little demons instead of crushing you?
DubiousCow @ Oct 9th 2009 10:29PM
Well, this is positively mediocre.
Obie @ Oct 9th 2009 10:19PM
Impressive, seems like the Dead Space guys might bring some thing interesting to the table again.
Zelgon @ Oct 9th 2009 10:20PM
Damn right Obie.
This is Xbox's own GOW. Except in hell!
bwaha!
Aguiluz @ Oct 9th 2009 11:06PM
It has both the XB and PS tags, so I guess it isn't exclusive.
Dr.House @ Oct 10th 2009 12:06AM
The point is that it's on the 360.
Obie @ Oct 9th 2009 10:24PM
I am sorry but Tracy Espeletta is ridiculously cute. :p
Markez @ Oct 9th 2009 10:28PM
don't be sorry, YOU GO OBIE!
Zelgon @ Oct 9th 2009 10:29PM
Why apoligise? Don't say sorry for the truth :P
Yaanu @ Oct 9th 2009 11:00PM
Having not watched the video, I'm going to assume that Tracy Espeletta : Dante's Inferno :: Jade Raymond : Assassin's Creed.
And, from I have inferred, Dante's Inferno : God of War :: Jack The Ripper : Assassin's Creed.
Is EA cribbing off of Ubisoft now?
Obie @ Oct 9th 2009 11:38PM
@Yaanu: We have only heard the title "The Ripper" it hasn't even been confirmed to be even a Jack the Ripper game, yet you seem to even know what the gameplay will be like.
Amazing!
:-/
kentuckyfried @ Oct 10th 2009 4:23AM
I'm with you on that one. I feel compelled to buy this game to support her and Visceral.
It helps that the title is looking buttery smooth....60 fps does seem to make quite a difference.
Speaking of Visceral though, I don't recognize any of these team members from all the developer video interviews for Dead Space. Is this another division or something?
JP @ Oct 9th 2009 10:38PM
Because of all the publicity this game is getting, and all of the references made to "God of War", I'm actually, seriously, considering getting both this game and "God of War". Even if these games aren't really my genre.
Zelgon @ Oct 9th 2009 11:08PM
Awe :(
Oh well. At least it IS coming to xbox.
cede @ Oct 9th 2009 11:27PM
Looks quaint.
headphase @ Oct 9th 2009 11:48PM
Poor Dante. He's not even supposed to be here today.
johnsonzacharye @ Oct 10th 2009 1:10AM
Hehe
Dr.House @ Oct 10th 2009 12:02AM
Is Dante going to have other weapons besides the scythe and cross?
Saihna @ Oct 10th 2009 12:21AM
Probably, some defensive weapons (like the shield-thingy from gow series) and some magic stuff.
Pretty much anything Kratos has.
Ben @ Oct 10th 2009 12:13AM
This game looks fun.
I know it offends the sensibilities of the literati on the Joystiq podcast, but that doesn't change how the game plays. It re-imagines major parts of the story, but that doesn't automatically make it a bad story.
Dante's Inferno wasn't that great of a story to begin with. Why should we care about the ancient Italians Dante was mad at?
I hope the joystiq guys review this as gamers and not as snobbish literature purists or self-described victims of the marketing campaign. Also, if it's fun but it's a huge ripoff of God of War, then it's mostly just fun. Everyone didn't play God of War, and even if we did, it's not too early for another sequel (or ripoff) that plays similarly.
It should be fairly evaluated on it's own merits as if God of War and Dante and the marketing campaign never existed.
johnsonzacharye @ Oct 10th 2009 1:21AM
I don't know--I think it's ok to bring in the source material and its cultural value on the world because this game did so first. It said, "Hey, we're going to be a game that appropriates well-known literature." So it demands to be compared and considered within the realm of that.
Though I think with God of War, they replicated Greek tragedy and feuding between the gods quite well--compared to this game that's goal is to be bad ass instead of a philosophical interpretation of the medieval world-view of Christianity.
Point is--when you make a game based on existing events and people fiction or nonfiction, you're utilizing that preexisting material to imbued the game with the same emotional and intellectual responses. Such as Inglourious Basterds. That movie could have taken place at any point in time because it was not historically accurate. But, by setting it within the WWII era, they called upon the world's deep hatred for Nazis to motivate our sympathy for its characters.
So ultimately, if this game fails to truly realize or bring more perspective on the concepts the original writer intended with the epic poem, then the game itself fails to be anything more than exploitative, commercial crap. Like Shrek 2.
wages of sin @ Oct 10th 2009 1:37PM
I'd have to agree with Ben on this one. Yes they said they are basing the game on well known literature. However, the star of the Divine Comedy isn't Dante it's hell itself or rather the vivid description of it. In this regard, I would argue they are doing what they set out to do.
Regardless, I think Chris especially is being rather petty and childish in his comments and overall attitude about the game. Maybe it's just me, but it seems as if he wants to trash the game, want's it to fail, simply because he's a fan of the literature. Why can't you be both? I love the Divine Comedy personally and I don't have a problem with an artistic work based off of that...as long as it does justice to said peace. So far, I think they've done a good job, again, keeping in mind that hell is the "star of the show" not Dante per say. Taking so-called comedic jabs at "VISCERAL!" and all that kinda nonsense doesn't help to support his point IMO. It just makes him fit the image of a gamer in the eyes of those who already see it as childish to begin with.
Ben @ Oct 10th 2009 2:08PM
What's wrong with "exploitative" or "commercial"? Are they worse than snobbish and elite and pretentious? "Edgy" is supposedly an artistic value but "exploitative" isn't?
Dante is dead and has lost his right to object to stuff like this.
There are a zillion works that are re-imaginings of Shakespeare in different places and times, with different scripts. I'm sure someone wanted to make money on some of them. This is similar.
Gamers don't have less fun playing games when those games offend the precious literary sensibilities of publication editors. It's not less fun for us because EA sent you a $200 check either. If you're going to count that stuff against them, you might as well cash the check and say the game is great because they paid you. We'd get equally unbiased coverage and reviews that way.
Just be fair to the game and judge it on it's own merits. It would be nice to know whether it's fun and entertaining for people without all the emotional baggage relating to the Divine Comedy and the marketing campaign.
Cutty @ Oct 10th 2009 6:22PM
Unibiased opinion(if its possible).
How about waiting till the game come's out, then you can judge if does any justice to the story. Have you played it yet? So lets cut it with the preconcieved notions that this game is going to take a dump all over the story. The marketing behind it is to show the gameplay and how much fun it will be. It is quite possible that there is a good storyline, but idk. I havent played the game yet.
zenaxe @ Oct 13th 2009 12:47PM
Here is an exhaustive list of the similarities between the literary work and the game:
1. The name of the narrator/author: Dante
2. It's about "Hell"
3. Game follows the structure/levels of Hell as outlined in the book.
4. The name "Inferno" for the work.
5. Some creatures/inhabitants/denizens appear in both.
That's pretty much it.
I don't think the game is gonna do much for the book. It's a painful read and they are so grossly non-correlated that trying to learn about the book/poem by playing the game would be like trying to learn Greek mythology by playing God of War. The book provides some inspiration and source ideas/themes but anyone looking for an education should be looking elsewhere.
So we'll just have to be happy with a sweet game. ;) Just face it. The game looks cool as hell (so to speak), and I personally am psyched for it. It's derivative of God of War but so what? God of War is almost a genre defining product, there's room for several more super well done mythological action platform brawler type games with ultra bad ass protagonists as far as I'm concerned! :)
liquid @ Oct 10th 2009 12:25AM
I don't get why Joystiq and other sites are so negative towards the game. Sure, they have crappy marketing, so what? It's not that offending anyway, there have been much worse things marketed in much worse ways, just enjoy the lame jokes and the game will probably kick ass. Sadly I won't be playing it, even though Tracy promised me a signed copy if I purchased one :D I'm among the few who are console-less. In fact, from the gameplay videos I've seen I would purchase this over God of War. Haven't played any of them, but this one seems better at least on the outside.
Joey @ Oct 10th 2009 1:19AM
This looks both tight and hot. I'll buy 12.
And because of the people who argue: "omg this is a ripoff of god of war bawww", I found out how awesome God Of War is. So I'm going to buy 12 of that too.
Thank you.
johnsonzacharye @ Oct 10th 2009 1:22AM
It appears that despite an expected Mature rating, this game is indeed for "kids."
wages of sin @ Oct 10th 2009 1:40PM
To whom or what is this comment addressed to? Not starting anything, just trying to follow your point...
Anemos @ Oct 10th 2009 1:25AM
"SASSY."
Arturo @ Oct 10th 2009 1:53AM
I'll get both games (gow), but I'm more excited for this.
CrabBattle @ Oct 10th 2009 2:07AM
Finally, someone that actually cares about gameplay and fluidity. This is the kind of game people should look for, instead of "graphikz-only" games.
ben.barbera @ Oct 10th 2009 2:31AM
stupid! its two weapons! "personality", i dont think so. repetitive gameplay
GreeD @ Oct 10th 2009 6:59AM
Why not just 2 weapons? It's not Ninja gaiden. Think nero from devil may cry , he only had one sword and a gun (and his arm) and it was fun playin with him.
From what I've heard in the vid you have like 3 fighting styles with the scythe( maybe u'll be upgrading each style).If your able to switch these styles on the fly , you'd be able to string together some awesome combos, mix in a little demonic/holy magic and the cross and I hardly see it be coming repetitive.
mahouneko @ Oct 10th 2009 3:26AM
It seems like Dante has some Anger issues! Zing!
syed chowdhury @ Oct 10th 2009 7:47AM
yo once i read the title i thought it was gnna be about devil may cry 5...lol
taurus82 (HD ICO and Shadow of the Colossus, Please) @ Oct 10th 2009 8:09AM
Why couldn't they have called the fifth circle Wrath and Sloth (as it is in the book)?http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inferno_(Dante)#Fifth_Circle_.28Wrath_and_Sloth.29
John @ Oct 10th 2009 9:01AM
At least some of this game needs to be re-scored. Sepultura did a concept album in '06 "based on the three sections of Dante Alighieri's The Divine Comedy, Inferno (hell), Purgatorio (purgatory), and Paradiso (paradise). The album has five tracks based on Inferno (with just the band), five tracks based on Purgatorio (featuring the band with guests and other instruments), and the final track based on Paradiso (an instrumental)." - source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dante_XXI Accessed 2009-10-10.
Well, I know what I'll be listening to when I play it. :p Not that the existing score sucks or anything, but Sepultura's effort on this subject was truly something to behold, and IMO would match up well with parts of this game.
No it's not standard metal, it's ... well, you'll have to just listen to it. At least listen to Ostia and Convicted in Life (video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YGwmPC8OYI&fmt=18)
... Is this coming to PC?
Whocares @ Oct 10th 2009 9:02AM
maybe the marketing will give you nothing....that may cause some anger.
and we all no what anger leads to
xFenixKnightx @ Oct 10th 2009 10:31AM
Damn, that looks pretty fricken amazing. First time I've actualy sat down and really looked at it. I didnt even know Visceral was making it.They really came through with Dead Space so I'll be keeping an eye on this one from now on.
WINterfang ( Now with the power to piss you off ) @ Oct 10th 2009 12:28PM
This and Bayonetta will fill my needs on early 10, I'm still very jealous of God of War III but I will do just fine with those too :D.
GTMoney519 @ Oct 10th 2009 2:43PM
Funny that this is coming to fruition...I heard rumors of it a long time ago, but dismissed them as ridiculous because the source material wouldn't make a good game. How silly of me- source material doesn't matter.
Abi @ Oct 10th 2009 4:50PM
Whoa! Got to get this game. *preordered*
johnsonzacharye @ Oct 11th 2009 9:12PM
Making a small--thoughtless comment about the material being promoted. I remember when I was a child and saw Mortal Kombat for the first time. I was so excited--and up till about 12, I was a devoted fan to the excessively gory franchise. I think as a child, I was greatly entertained by the gore, and special effects that resulted in dismemberment. So much so, that in class I would draw in storyboard format the different fatalities.
But as I got older, story and interactivity became more import than blood and guts. Moments in games like MGS1 where I had to decide whether to fight to save Meryl's life or give in to save my own. And even a game like God of War (to which Dante is so often compared) there was more meaning behind the violence (which is another discussion).
But ultimately, all they seem to care about is being epic and violent--but to what end? What are they trying to say with this violence? What part of human nature are they exploring? And more-so, how dare they reference such an important piece of work only to turn it into a hack-n-slash fun-time afternoon! The Divine Comedy was not the medieval version of Saw--and so should not be treated that way, even in a video game.
Therefore, I feel this game has the intellectual value understandable by a 7 year old: kill the bad guys.