Review: Stylish Action Returns in 'DmC: Devil May Cry'

It’s been said that it’s better to deal with the devil you know than the devil you don’t. Apparently, it’s a saying that carries a lot of weight for fans of the “Devil May Cry” series.

Following Capcom’s announcement that it was handing off the reins to U.K. developer Ninja Theory for the latest entry in its beloved franchise, many unhappy fans took to the Interwebs to prove that humans may cry, too. The fact that main character Dante in “DMC: Devil May Cry” looked more like a young Morrissey than his traditional, white-haired self made this particular half-devil even more like a stranger to the aforementioned upset fans.
Despite its different look, however, it doesn’t take long to realize that this game, spiritually, is cut from the same cloth as its predecessors. It’s a realization that becomes obvious the moment you first try racking up style points by chaining ground- and air-based combos with your sword and dual guns.

Yep, this sure feels like the same devil that I know. The game even pays homage to the series’ irreverent humor right off the bat, courtesy of an “interesting” slow-mo wardrobe equip and misplaced wig. Stylish, baby!
Ninja Theory does try its hand on a more fleshed-out story, which likely will be hit-or-miss based on one’s fan preferences. Given its nice graphic style, solid combat — including use of demonic or angelic triggers — and good challenge, however, this is one devilish game worth signing a pact with for action fans.

Original RGJ review: http://on.rgj.com/12auWA5

Spartan Reviews: 'Dishonored' Takes Off White Gloves, Slaps Your Creativity and Challenges It

Reviews in 300 words or less...

It’s been said that life is all about the choices we make. Take the time I decided to high-kick a tree branch at Great America and fell on my butt. In public. Boy, do I wish I could take that back.

Choices also happen to be at the core of Dishonored, a game about a former royal bodyguard turned assassin after being framed for murder. Although divided into chapters, each stage in Dishonored pretty much acts like open world. From the routes you take in the plague-infested city of Dunwall to your decisions on whether to kill or spare practically every character you run into, choosing your own path is baked into the game’s DNA. Want to sneak around and finish the game without killing a single soul? With a little creativity, you can actually do that even with your assassination targets. Want to unleash a Kill Bill murder spree? You can do that, too, albeit at the expense of making the rat plague worse. In fact, hand Dishonored to two people and you’re guaranteed to see different approaches to the game. In one stage, I entered my destination by climbing up to a second-floor window after sneaking around and rendering enemies unconscious. My cousin, meanwhile, mowed everyone down and entered through the front door. Don’t be surprised if you save and reload often to test all sorts of possibilities. 

The only caveat is that this game may not be action-packed enough for folks who prefer a more Michael Bay type of experience. Still, given its overwhelming sense of freedom combined with cool assassin skills and a distinct Victorian steampunk art style, Dishonored is easily one of 2012’s best games.

Recommended if you like: Deus Ex: Human Revolution

Cost: $60, PC, PS3, Xbox 360
Official Dishonored website