DmC: Devil May Cry (Action-Adventure)
This game was has been my introduction to the series. Before all else; a workaround: IF YOUR GAME LOCKS UP, TURN OFF THE TUTORIAL, then reload from the last checkpoint. You can always turn the tutorial back on... and off again, if you get locked up further in :p
I will mention here that this was my first DmC game, so I don't have the bias (or prejudice) of having played the previous incarnations of the game.
From the Main Menu you can Continue, replay Missions, do Training (very nice way to practice your moves!) see your unlocked Extras, and access the Options.
Options are many: Controller or Keyboard & Mouse, separate sliders for Music & Sound Effects, Subtitles (NOT the default -- be sure to visit the options page before you start if you want them on!) and three difficulty levels with FOUR additional modes of play that can be unlocked.
The Extras include Leaderboards, Stats, Achievements, Concept Art, and the ability to replay the intro without restarting the game/mission.
Personally speaking, I was a bit put off by the intro... OK, a lot. This world of excess and corruption disturbed me, and I wasn't sure that I would be able to stomach the game. Happily, there's only one other scene in the game that really bothered me [spoiler]seriously, I did NOT need to see a closeup of that guy's face whilst he was having sex with his mistress... *shudder* [/spoiler] At least it wasn't
too graphic! As a side note, I L-O-V-E-D the sequence where Dante was "getting dressed." SO funny! Should I link it? Oh yes, I must!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWRmH_Uyu6U Yes, it's totally ridiculous, but I grin every time I so much as think about it. XD
So if you watched that video above, you might have noticed three things:
- Language (there is a LOT of cursing... Oh, and innuendo... and disgusting imagery sometimes, too)
- Psychedelic lighting (Seizure warning! There are a lot of locations without it, but one in particular is INTENSE)
- Grunge (Oh yes, that music is peppered throughout the game)
My first impression as I was getting into the gameplay is that DmC is kind of a cross between the
</i>movies and <i>[url=http://genkisgamegab.forumotion.com/t1117-the-hollows-series-by-kim-harrison#2074]The Hollows book series by Kim Harrison. (I know that won't make sense unless you're familiar with them, but I wanted to put in here, anyway.) Gradually my perception changed as the title took on a feeling that was entirely its own.
Cutscenes can be skipped by pushing the <| back button on the controller twice (I'm unsure what the keyboard shortcut would be.) Very handy for when you replay levels.
The primary thrust of the game is the combat. There's definitely more to it, but I'll come back to that in a bit. You can slice, you can dice, you can absolutely pulverize your enemies in the most stylish ways imaginable. I'm not being flippant; this game truly has some of the most beautiful battle mechanics I've ever seen in a game. I cannot imagine how the game could be played without a controller, as there are so many moves and combos that I'll only touch on them here. I gathered from the intro that two of Dante's weapons are standard: His sword, Rebellion, and his guns, Ebony and Ivory. In addition, there is also a demon axe, an angel scythe, a gauntlet, a pair of shurikan-type weapons, a shotgun, and more! You're not limited to one or two weapons at a time, no no. You can switch between them at a touch of a button (or several :p), and ALL of them have multiple upgrades!
So how do these upgrades work? I'm glad you asked!
Every time you defeat an enemy or take out possessed scenery (like lampposts, motorcycles, etc), you will get
red orbs, which are used to buy items such as health stars, gold orbs (to revive if you've died -- won't lose progress in the fight if you use these), health crosses. TIP: This isn't an RPG, so if you want to increase your maximum health, save up for the health crosses! They increase your maximum by 10%!
Green orbs renew a portion of your health, and can be obtained from green pods and killing enemies (though you won't see them very often.)
White orbs come from slaying enemies and by completing levels. Each level is scored, so to speak, and gives you a white orb bonus based on the total points you've accumulated during the level. These orbs are used to purchase ability upgrades, both for yourself and for your weapons.
There are two ways to access the shop & upgrades: Through the menu between levels, or by finding Divinity Statues during gameplay. Here you can not only upgrade and buy items, but you can also practice your moves... You can even try out new abilities before upgrading! Not only that, but unlike other games I've played, the upgrades are not permanent... If you decide that you'd rather put that upgrade point somewhere else, just take it off and reassign it; it's that easy~
During each level there are multiple items to look for. Finding them will not only give you more orbs, but will also earn you some achievements and increase your level score. Things to look for:
Lost Souls - Destroy them to release their souls
Keys - There are multiple kinds to look for: Gold, Copper, Ivory, and Argent.
Secret Doors - You'll need one of the hidden keys to unlock its corresponding door (ie. copper key for copper door.) Behind each door you'll find a secret mission, which will gain you orbs, extra combat, and achievement progress.
There are 58 Achievements to be had, ranging from things as simple as acquiring new weapons to completing the game on the hardest difficulty.
The story, while not earth shattering, was very enjoyable, and the cutscenes are just beautiful (although not all of the content was! lol~) Our character Dante is cocky, but somehow lovable, whereas the antagonist is not just evil, but manages to evoke the purest disgust possible. *shudder*
If you're looking for a game of exploration and discovery, you'll find some here, but if you're looking for some righteous, kick-ass combat, Congratulations! You've just hit the jackpot!
Games finished in 2016
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