Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Devil May Cry 4 continues the franchise’s signature hack-and-slash combat while introducing Nero as a playable lead alongside returning hero Dante. Nero’s move set centers on the Red Queen sword and Blue Rose revolver, but it’s his Devil Bringer arm that truly shakes up the formula. With this demonic limb, you can reel enemies toward you, send them flying with bone-crushing slams, or zip across the battlefield in an instant, adding a fresh layer of strategy to combos and crowd control.

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Combat remains fast-paced and stylish, with the game grading your performance on style points and combo variety. Nero’s abilities encourage experimentation: you might start a combo by yanking an enemy skyward, follow up with a charged Blue Rose shot, then finish with a fiery lunging slash. As you master the Devil Bringer, boss fights and large enemy encounters take on a new dimension of verticality and timing.

When Dante joins the fray midway through the story, the difference in playstyle is immediately apparent. Dante wields dual pistols and an array of melee weapons, switching between Trickster, Sword Master, Gunslinger, and Royal Guard styles on the fly. This versatility rewards players who like to tailor their approach on a moment’s notice—one fight might call for rapid gunfire from Gunslinger mode, while another demands the precise parries of Royal Guard.

On PC, the Legendary Dark Knight mode floods the screen with enemies for relentless action, and Turbo mode speeds up the entire experience. Cut-scenes run at an impressive 120 fps on capable hardware, though console sequences remain at 30 fps. While network ranking isn’t supported on Windows, the added modes and performance options give veteran demon hunters plenty of reasons to dive back in.

Graphics

Visually, Devil May Cry 4 represents a significant step up from its predecessors. Character models are finely detailed, from Nero’s scarred face to Dante’s silver hair, and environmental textures bring the gothic world of Fortuna to life. Whether you’re scaling crumbling castle walls or strolling through the Order of the Sword’s grand cathedral, each locale feels richly realized.

The game’s lighting and particle effects shine during combat, with sparks flying from clashing swords and embers drifting through dim corridors. Boss arenas are designed to showcase both scale and spectacle, casting dramatic shadows as colossal foes charge, leap, or explode in showers of gore and light.

Cut-scenes blend seamlessly into gameplay thanks to smooth transitions and high frame rates, especially on PC where cinematics can hit 120 fps. Even on consoles, environments maintain a steady performance, ensuring that action sequences never feel stuttered or sluggish.

While some textures can appear dated by today’s standards, the overall art direction remains striking. The contrast between the Order’s sterile halls and the monster-infested depths you explore later offers visual variety that keeps each chapter feeling fresh.

Story

The narrative shifts perspective to Nero, a young knight of the Order of the Sword who worships Sparda—the legendary demon knight. You witness the shocking assassination of the Order’s leader, Sanctus, at the hands of Dante, setting Nero on a path of vengeance. As he pursues Dante through the fortress city of Fortuna, loyalties are tested and dark truths about the Order begin to surface.

Along the way, Nero grapples with his own origins and the mysterious powers within his Devil Bringer arm. His stern mentor Credo warns him against unchecked rage, while his childhood friend Kyrie provides moments of warmth amidst the chaos. This human drama adds emotional weight to the demon-slaying spectacle.

Dante’s role shifts from enigmatic antihero to reluctant ally as the plot thickens. His taunting one-liners and devil-may-care attitude contrast sharply with Nero’s earnest determination, creating engaging banter that fans of the series will appreciate. The story balances serious lore revelations with the over-the-top flair the franchise is known for.

Although some plot twists may feel familiar to genre veterans, the intertwining of Nero’s personal journey with the broader mythos of Sparda keeps the narrative compelling. Newcomers might be puzzled by references to past events, but the game does enough world-building to stand on its own.

Overall Experience

Devil May Cry 4 delivers one of the most polished entries in the series, blending adrenaline-pumping combat with a captivating storyline and stylized visuals. Whether you’re chaining air combos as Nero or unleashing Dante’s full arsenal of tricks, the gameplay never grows stale.

Replay value is high thanks to multiple difficulty levels, unlockable weapons, and the challenge of achieving S-Rank scores on every mission. The Legendary Dark Knight and Turbo modes on PC further extend the lifespan for hardcore fans seeking maximum chaos and speed.

Minor hiccups—such as occasional camera angles during crowded skirmishes and the absence of online leaderboards on PC—are easily overshadowed by the fluid combat system and memorable boss battles. The game’s pacing carries you through epic set-pieces and quieter character moments without losing momentum.

For action-game enthusiasts and long-time series devotees alike, Devil May Cry 4 remains a must-play. It refines the formula with innovative mechanics while paying homage to its roots, offering a devilishly good time from start to finish.

Retro Replay Score

8.2/10