Shenmue Dojo

- Lots of fun variation in the level design. Dante swings between platforms, avoids incoming trains and explores vertical sewers

- The multiple stage transformations throughout the game is well integrated in the story that is being told

- Ninja Theory is taking a more serious approach than Capcom in the story-department

- The controls in DmC isn't as good as in the previous DMC-games - it's much better

- DMC-veterans will feel "home"

- Basically all the changes has been for the better good; combining Devil May Cry's deep, sophisticated action with the modern action-adventure stage-design

-The otherwise excellent story fades toward the end

-There's nothing here that's nearly as memorable as duking it out with Phantom and Virgil from the 2001 original

-New Dante is younger, meaner and swearier than his predecessor and-despite better voice acting-lacks that certain spark

-DmC combat doesn't feel as progressive as the rest of the game and is let down by the cookie cutter boss battles.

-Despite not making as heavy of an impact as the original rebooted DmC is still a bloody fantastic action game

-It's a close run thing, but 2001 DMC takes it by a hair's width thanks to its smooth combat and iconic hero

*More accessible than its predecessors and a valid reboot.

*There is a "loss of depth" and the game is easier than previous games in the franchise.

*Overall experience is still nice and fun.

*Plot isn't that exciting or technically impressive... fails to rise to the occasion. Game might have scored higher by the review if it was better.

*The art design and different take on the fiction will not rest well with the stalwarts of the franchise but it's far from being a total failure.

*Omission of lock on is absurd and inexplicable. This results in comparatively more chaotic and less tactical combat than in the past.

*Graphics not technically impressive, some low polygon models and low resolution texture with 30FPS.

"The game's core fun of using guns and swords and such to mow down foes is still there," wrote editor Ranbu Yoshida. "The wild side of the Dante you see here really looms large, giving him a cool edge. Once you get used to the controls, which use the L and R buttons for different things, you'll be able to launch a wide variety of combos and expand your attacks."

"This looks like a completely new and different game," added Famitsu writer Jigoro Ashida, "but that stylish action is still inherited from the rest of the series. The controls are very comfortable, and using all your skills to flashily defeat foes is really exhilarating. Like with other games in the series, you can high ranks if you put some thought into battle, making it fun for both beginners and experts."

Meanwhile, most of the complaints from the review crew centered around DmC's control scheme, something that was brought up in pretty much every editor's write-up. "All the skills you have lend themselves to some pretty stylish battles," Yoshida wrote, "but as a side effect of that, you're asked for some pretty technical control moves. This puts the game on the tough side, and I wish there was some kind of easier control mode or something."

"It's nice that the game targets the nearest enemy when you're wielding a gun," Ashida added, "but you have to press L3 to switch targets, which isn't as intuitive as it could be."

Ninja Theory has succeeded in revitalising a classic series, but DmC is almost a classic in its own right. Don't think too much about the lows, because the highs here are so very high, and show without question that Capcom has faith in the right developer. Ninja Theory has absolutely nailed the leading man and the combat system - by far the most important things - and DmC is clearly a labour of love, a tribute as well as a new beginning.

As for Dante, beneath the attitude and the look and the fancy moves, the most important thing hasn't changed. This guy might be new, but he's still hardcore.

Long-time Devil May Cry fans unsure of Ninja Theory's treatment can abandon their fears. DmC hurls Dante into a newer, better world, complete with a glorious combat system and enough style to make old Dante proud.

This is digital action at its finest, steeped in the blood of angels, spiced with gunpowder, and garnished with a middle finger.

Capcom has previously said that, had it continued along the path it was on, it didn't see a future in the Devil May Cry franchise. Ninja Theory has given it new life. DmC is a superb reboot that delivers on all fronts, and does it with aplomb. For the first time in ages, we're excited to see where Devil May Cry goes next.

Superb: A hallmark of excellence. There may be flaws, but they are negligible and won't cause massive damage to what is a supreme title.

SUMMARY: DmC is everything a reboot should be—confident, thoughtful, and brazenly unafraid to sacrifice a few sacred cows along the way. For all the backlash they’ve had to face, developer Ninja Theory has delivered the most polished, refreshing, and memorable hack-and-slash experience in recent memory.

THE GOOD: Stylish combat that manages to be highly technical without sacrificing accessibility.
THE BAD: A story that tries a little too hard to “stick it to the man.”
THE UGLY: The demoness Lillith, who looks suspiciously like she’s wearing Anna Nicole Smith’s skin as a onesie.

Any lingering concerns you may have about Ninja Theory’s restyled Dante will fade within the first few hours. This, despite involving surely the most controversial haircut in videogame history, is still a Devil May Cry game, and a good one. This Dante may be the brattish, obnoxious sort of cocky, but only at the outset, when he’s the orphan with the sad past who’s gone off the rails, spending his days in a trailer park and his nights in strip clubs. Nothing, though, focuses the wayward mind quite like being dragged into Limbo by a demon the size of a skyscraper or two.

Who Really Cares? wrote:

NT are solid devs in my book and Ive enjoyed their other 2 games so Ill be giving this a go.

The DMC HD pack is £15 so i might pick that up at some point aswell.

Who Really Cares? wrote: I like their games Kung Fu Chaos was not my thing but i enjoyed HS and Enslaved so im willing to try what ever they do. And i didn't hate the demo or the fact a guys hair got changed and he drops F bombs.