Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening - Special Edition

After being blown away with the fantastic Devil May Cry 3 (which I still play), this special edition version is just that more special as it allows you to play through Dante's missions as his evil brother Vergil. You know the one thing I asked myself: it's a shame that although in DMC 3 we had a vergil costume it was basically Dante with the same moves. This is why I feel Capcom must have being listening and decided to release a special edition that will appeal to all true DMC fans and even those are not fans.

So whats different about this special edition, Plenty!! We finally get to play as Dante's brother Vergil who despite only having the Intro cutscene is fantastic to play with. Vergil has only one style though the dark slayer style but just like Dante his moves can be updated by gathering red orbs to purchase new actions. You will notice the difference: Dante practically starts the game with limited moves, whereas Vergil has three types of devil arms available straight away and check this, he can also devil trigger. Still though I prefer Dante.

Also, you finally get the chance to whip that annoying clown Jester and amazingly hes not that difficult either (but then again I haven't got up to Must Die mode yet). Other notable changes is a selection of the new Yellow and Gold orb continue system. The yellow orb is basically the same procedure with the first and third DMC games, if you lose or die within the mission, you start back at the nearest checkpoint, whereas the gold orb system (taken from DMC 2) allows you to continue directly from where you died, so for instance if your facing a boss and die you can resurrect instantly and carry on fighting.

The gold orb system would probably suit casual gamers as it is more of a life saver really but true devil may cry fans (such as me) would prefer the original and more difficult yellow orb continue system. Whichever way you look at it, both is great in its way. There is also a new option to speed up the gameplay by 20% just imagine a million stab move in this crazy mode!!! Also not forgetting, there is the Bloody Palace mode (last seen in DMC 2) this is just an excuse to play through as many enemy levels as possible kind of like a Survival mode. In addition theres the usual gallery, artwork and video clips to be unlocked.

So there you have it!! Its basically DMC 3 with vergil!! Some may feel disappointed that Vergil doesn't have his own cutscenes (apart from the intro) as this would have helped the story go further, but to me it doesn't matter as the gameplay is far more important and trust me this game wont disappoint on that merit. If you liked DMC 3 you will LOVE this too!!!

Now then, Capcom roll on Devil May Cry 4 for the future Playstation 3.

Since I don't own a PS2, I've been unable to play the original Devil May Cry (DMC) or its sequel. That hasn't stopped me from thoroughly enjoying this effort, though. My computer isn't up to scratch but the graphics are still slick and the gameplay is most of the time, very smooth.

*For the geeks - yes that's right. My 64MB onboard graphics can handle this beast. Well, just about. I love Konami but Capcom's conversion skills are winning at the moment. Pah!*

You start the game playing a half-demon called Dante and can choose one of 4 'styles' to use when fighting with your enemies (though you can change your choice throughout the game). The experience doesn't end when you complete it either (but for me to say any more would spoil it)...

One thing I will say is that I've read reviews and from what I can see, DMC fans prefer this version.

As for bad points, the only 'problem' I had was with the controls. I use a keyboard even though I know a gamepad would obviously be a far better option. I needed around an hour to get used to it all and everything after that was pure poetry.

4 stars would be the lowest score I could give but since the controls were not THAT much of a problem, it has to be 5!

Anyway, whoever hates Matrix-style martial art moves, funny one-liners, well-designed opponents/weapons and an interesting storyline should stay far away from this game. You don't want a heart attack now, do you?

Devil May Cry 3 is a prequel game, and returns the series' status to number one in Stylish Action, practically redefining the genre. I was jealous of XBox owners when Ninja Gaiden came out - but now PlayStation 2 owners will have the satisfaction of knowing they will be holding the MUST HAVE Stylish Action game of the year.

So to start, an overview of the story. As a prequel, Dante is younger than in previous titles and isn't afraid to show it off. He trash-talks to any enemy who stands in his way, and happily runs the game shirtless, his trademark red trenchcoat the only top he needs.
Then there's Dante's brother, who finally makes a human appearance. Vergil appears to be enacting a plan to unlock the seal their father, the Legendary Dark Knight Sparda, had once placed to stop demons from pouring into our world and destroying it. His goal is to attain true power from the Demon Realm, and as Dante you have to stop him. Well, that's the plan but most of the time Dante will be too busy shouting "This is gonna be one hell of a party!"

Graphically, the character models are better than in previous DMCs, although the backgrounds are slightly less vibrant than DMC 1. The sounds are nice and chunky, the usually good work we can expect from Capcom. The music is nicely done, with work from Capcom and Shootie HG performing the demonic lyrics, the combined work resulting in a powerful soundtrack, especially the magnificent 'Devils Never Cry', the trademark track of the game (with additional vocals from David Baker).

The gameplay though is definately where this game is at - throughout the game you can acquire 5 different Guns and 5 different Devil Arms, giving you a total of 10 weapons to play with. You choose 2 of each at the start of a Mission, and you can swap between them during gameplay with a simple push of L2 for Guns and R2 for Devil Arms. Combined with the expanded movelist for each Devil Arm, you can rack up some SSStylish combos that will leave you gaping in awe, as you watch yourself pummel enemies senselessly with your zweihander Rebellion one moment, and then whirl into them with increasing momentum with the triple-pronged nunchuku Cerberus.

Additionally to the on-the-fly weapon switching is the inclusion of Styles. By choosing a Style at the start of the Mission, you can use the Circle button to execute moves unique to that Style. They are levelled up by defeating enemies and bosses, and once you get them to max level, you'll have a powerful ally by your side.
Use Trickster, and you'll be able Dash through enemy attacks unharmed, perform Wall Hikes (wall runs) and even dash through the air with the power of SkyStar.
Choose Swordmaster, and you will gain an even larger movelist for your Devil Arms - perform a devastating twister as scorching fire is whipped about violently by hurricane winds courtesy of Agni and Rudra's Tempest attack, or launch an insanely powerful uppercut known as Real Impact by using Beowulf, gauntlets and greaves of light.
Gunslinger expands your Guns movelist and allows you to tackle multiple enemies at once with your twin pistols Ebony and ivory via Twosome Time. Or choose the Shotgun and dash into enemies, blasting Charged Shots straight into them with Point Blank.
Royal Guard allows you to block, but just mindlessly blocking results in enemies chipping your health away slowly, and maybe even breaking your guard. Those who can block at the exact time of an enemy's attack will be rewarded by sustaining no damage, and rapidly charging a Release Charge Gauge. Release the charge you collect and you can perform a powerful attack that if used correctly, can bring even the strongest boss to their knees.

You can change your Style and Equip during gameplay by going to special Divinity Statues located in Missions, often before Bosses to allow you to prepare yourself sufficiently. Also, they allow you to buy things like health expansions and items to make your life a bit easier, although true veterans will disregard these in favour of higher ranks, which is one of the defining points of replay value in this game. Trying to better your ranks for each level is extremely fun, and the satisfaction of SS Ranking an entire difficulty level is an absolute joy (SS Ranking requires you to attain an S Rank in all categories of gameplay - Time, Orbs, Style Points, Damage and Items).

This is just the tip of the iceberg - if you are looking for Stylish Action that will leave you wanting more and more every time you play, then this is THE must have title to pick up.