Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition is praised for its stylish, fluid combat and engaging gameplay, especially the introduction of Nero with his unique Devil Bringer arm mechanics. Players appreciate the improved graphics and 2K resolution support, alongside the ability to switch combat styles on the fly, which adds depth to the experience. The game also features multiple playable characters, including Dante, Vergil, Lady, and Trish, each with distinct playstyles.
However, the game suffers from significant technical issues on PC, particularly crashing on startup and freezing when alt-tabbing, making it nearly unplayable without applying community-made fixes such as hex editing. This has led to frustration and refund requests. Additionally, some players criticize the repetitive level design, especially the backtracking with different characters, and feel the story is serviceable but not exceptional. Despite these flaws, the core gameplay remains solid and enjoyable for fans of the series.
Players highly praise the game's fluid and satisfying combat mechanics, especially Nero's Devil Bringer and the ability to switch styles with Dante. The graphics are considered a significant step up from previous entries, supporting 2K resolution and 180 FPS. The inclusion of multiple playable characters, including fan favorites Lady and Trish, adds variety. The soundtrack and voice acting, particularly Nero's, receive positive mentions. The game serves as a good entry point for newcomers and a solid continuation for series veterans.
Overall, the gameplay and character design stand out as the strongest elements.
The most common criticism revolves around technical problems on PC, including crashes on startup, freezing during alt-tab, and the need for manual fixes like hex editing, which deters many players. The level design is often described as repetitive, with significant backtracking when playing as different characters, reducing the freshness of later stages. Some players find Dante's campaign less enjoyable due to enemies designed around Nero's abilities. The story, while decent, is seen as less compelling compared to other series entries. Additionally, camera control issues and limited move sets for some characters are noted as minor drawbacks.
The smash-hit stylish action game DMC4 is back and better than ever, boasting new playable characters and game modes!