Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition

Developer: CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Release: Jun 23rd 2015
Platforms:
Action
Stylish
Addictive
Varied
Buggy
Repetitive
Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition Poster

" Stylish action game with fluid combat and diverse characters but plagued by severe PC bugs "

Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition Review

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.

Highlights

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.

Criticisms

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.

Pros

  • Combat system is fluid, satisfying, and offers diverse playstyles for multiple characters.
  • Nero's Devil Bringer arm adds unique and engaging gameplay mechanics.
  • Graphics support 2K resolution and high frame rates, improving visual fidelity.
  • Multiple playable characters including Lady, Trish, and Vergil add variety.
  • Soundtrack and voice acting, especially Nero's, enhance the game atmosphere.
  • Camera control improved over previous titles, allowing limited manual rotation.
  • Good entry point for newcomers and enjoyable for series veterans.

Cons

  • Severe technical issues on PC cause frequent crashes and freezing.
  • Requires manual fixes like hex editing to run properly on modern systems.
  • Repetitive level design with extensive backtracking reduces enjoyment.
  • Dante's campaign feels less balanced due to enemy design favoring Nero.
  • Story is serviceable but lacks emotional impact or cleverness.
  • Camera can be disorienting at times and occasionally jerky.
  • Limited move sets for some characters reduce combat variety.

Rating Criteria

Story
Difficulty
Graphics
Duration
Stability
Worth the Price
Capsule image

The smash-hit stylish action game DMC4 is back and better than ever, boasting new playable characters and game modes!

Release Date Jun 23rd 2015
Publisher CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Developer CAPCOM Co., Ltd.
Required Age 17+
Platforms

User Reviews

Very Positive (4,960)
87% Positive 13% Negative