Devil May Cry 2

PS2 review by James Frazer, published on Sunday 6th April 2003

When a development company creates a game that sells by the bucket-load and is generally loved by everyone who plays it, the process of coming up with a sequel must be an absolute nightmare. Not only do you have to produce something that’s more impressive, but you also need to include enough new elements to create more than just a rehash of the original. Unfortunately, we’ve seen sequels fail on either one or two counts so many times that it’s difficult not to be wary when yet another game with the ‘follow-up to the hugely successful original’ moniker pops up; even when its from a company with such a prestigious reputation as Capcom.

From the opening cutscene of Devil May Cry, one in which the hero is impaled on a sword, yet still manages to crack off a few one-liners and destroy a motorcycle, the gaming world was aware that Dante was the new bad-ass on the scene. The game was chock full of amazing moments from beginning to end, and behind it all were some amazing graphics and incredibly polished gameplay that made Devil May Cry a shoe-in into the Thunderbolt PS2 Hall of Fame as an action title. But the success of the first game has made it a benchmark from which even the sequel, Devil May Cry 2, is not exempt.

Devil May Cry was everything that those who thought the horror genre needed to make the next step- faster pace and more action with gothic undertones and a revamped control system. What we were blown away with was a gun blasting, sword-slashing demon slaying adventure that was way too cool for school. With so many simple yet effective ideas it would seem pretty tough to make a satisfying sequel. Perhaps that’s why I’m slightly stunned and reaching for the original. How can two games look and sound the same yet feel and give a totally different experience? All the makings of a potential classic are here; Ultra-cool hero with big sword and awesome firepower - check. Lush levels complete with those gothic undertones- check. Tons of bad guys from the darkness to slice ‘n’ dice - check. The million dollar question is how the hell has Devil May Cry 2 become so shallow and repetitive?

In truth there are many reasons, but at a glance they aren’t totally apparent. This might be something to do with the faultless graphics carried from the original, complete with Dante’s coat blowing in the wind and beauty of the areas. There are plenty of areas to play in including an oilrig and a towering skyscraper. Not forgetting the demon underworld.

Beyond the stunning visuals is a twisted concept of a confusing plot and disappointing battles. With the story being such a highlight in the original one would have expected much more in its style. Instead we are left confused, as new characters suddenly appear for no reason, plot threads are introduced as though you already know why- even though you don’t, and Dante barely says a word. Whilst some people might argue that an action game doesn’t require an involving story line, its disappointing considering the greatness of the original. Part of the appeal before was Dante coming across as the Solid Snake of the underworld; he played it cool, was a badass and was loved by almost every gamer. Now we have a character that is ’strong and silent’ which makes him look a bit crap. Think Steven Seagal.

In the same vein as the story feeling like an afterthought, the boss fights feel tacked-on. Once parallel to the plot progression, each boss gave Dante plenty of ‘agro’ and lip and fired up the gamer to slaughter it and then dance around like an NFL player scoring a try- sorry a touch down. Now they just pop up at the end (or beginning) of a mission for no reason and basically go ‘I’m a giant demon blocking your path- now kill me’. What’s more- they are actually very easy to kill. All you do is find a ’safe’ spot and blast it with your long-range arsenal. Fun the first time round, but after three bosses it gets tiring with no challenge posed and essentially a waste of time. Not exactly inspiring seeing it was done oh so much better first time round.

The problem of using guns over swordplay continues- hardly any enemies actually offer a genuine threat which kills off the scare factor a horror game is useless without. It could be better if the weapons were flashy and interesting but they’re not. Your arsenal is rather flaccid and obvious compared to before but the swords are boring against the likes of Alastor or Ifrit from the first game. Again it seems that Capcom have toned down the game which is exactly what fans don’t want.

These ‘improvements’ that took over news columns across the net don’t actually enhance the gameplay at all. Virtually all the puzzles in the game that used to tax your brain for a short while have been replaced by ‘hit this with your sword’ tasks which makes for some incredibly dull gameplay. Secret areas that were once actually quite hard to find are now much easier to find with just a few enemies to kill. The change in setting means that most stages are different, which is a good thing, however the removal of the need to backtrack through levels leaves little more than running from point A to point B killing everything in sight. Worst of all though are Dante and new girl Lucia’s improved acrobatic styling; while impressive, they ultimately amount to nothing. Abilities such as running up walls, shooting in two directions at once and being able to fire straight down in mid-air might look lovely and make your friends go ‘ooh’ when you give them a demonstration, but they don’t actually improve the gameplay. Why? Because you’ll never need to use them, that’s why. On paper these things might look cool and a great enhancement but when they are detrimental to the gameplay or just plain unnecessary. Well, what’s the point?

On the positive side Devil May Cry 2 can’t be called a ‘bad’ game. Aside from the shortcomings is a great looking action game with non-stop action, if a little repetitive. Compared to the benchmark original it feels soulless. Having experienced the rich combination of storytelling, logical puzzles and frantic demon slaughter in Devil May Cry, the sequel just seems like it’s had all the essence removed. Those new to the series will revel in the fast-paced action and demon slaying but experienced gamers will feel the same disappointment as I did.

Capcom has accidentally taken out all the things that made Devil May Cry worth playing in the first place; something that can be said for quite a few titles these days.

Oh Dante. What’s happened to you?