Devil May Cry 4

88%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,712 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Devil May Cry 4 Game Cover
Starting at $21.15Buy now
Get on Steam

In Devil May Cry 4, play as Nero, a new protagonist with a demonic arm, battling through hordes of enemies in a gothic-inspired world. The game features fast-paced combat with a variety of weapons and styles, as well as a dramatic storyline with twists and turns. As you progress, unlock new abilities and combos to enhance your fighting style and take on even tougher challenges.

  • PC
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station 3
  • Xbox
  • Xbox 360
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

88%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,712 reviews
story120 positive mentions
grinding22 negative mentions
  • The combat system is deep, complex, and rewarding, allowing for stylish combos and a variety of playstyles with both Nero and Dante.
  • The graphics and animations are stunning, especially for a game released in 2008, and the cutscenes are well-produced and entertaining.
  • The game offers high replay value with multiple difficulty levels, unlockable abilities, and the addition of the Bloody Palace mode.
  • The second half of the game involves significant backtracking, requiring players to replay the same levels and bosses with different characters.
  • The story is considered weak and predictable, with some characters lacking depth, particularly the love interest, Kyrie.
  • The camera angles can be frustrating and hinder gameplay, making it difficult to navigate certain areas and engage in combat effectively.
  • story486 mentions

    The story of Devil May Cry 4 is generally viewed as mediocre, with many players finding it predictable and lacking depth compared to earlier entries in the series. While some appreciate the engaging cutscenes and character dynamics, particularly involving Nero and Dante, others criticize the repetitive mission structure and the reliance on backtracking. Overall, the narrative serves primarily as a backdrop for the game's action, which remains the main draw for players.

    • “This game is really emotional and I love it so much, the characters and story are amazing, the aesthetic is beautiful as well.”
    • “The story itself was really well done actually.”
    • “The story is very well done with incredible cutscenes.”
    • “The story is terrible but you honestly shouldn't care if you're not buying this to read the script.”
    • “The story and the main character you are forced to play for a good part of the game are just ridiculous and boring.”
    • “Dmc 4's story is rough, mostly because it's where the crunch of the development becomes apparent.”
  • gameplay250 mentions

    The gameplay in Devil May Cry 4 is widely praised for its depth, fluidity, and engaging mechanics, particularly highlighting the unique abilities of both Nero and Dante. Players appreciate the fast-paced hack-and-slash action, the variety of combat styles, and the satisfying combo system, although some note that Nero's gameplay can feel repetitive. Despite minor criticisms regarding story and camera angles, the overall consensus is that the gameplay remains a standout feature, solidifying its status as one of the best in the series.

    • “There will be ones with more depth, more polish, more accessible gameplay, better story (DMC5 already did a lot of those things) but I don't think I will ever find a pure 3rd person action game like this where it feels so good just to kill enemies... every time it's such a satisfying cathartic experience regardless of skill level or investment.”
    • “The gameplay is what really makes this game shine.”
    • “DMC4 has great gameplay, amazing graphics for 2008, and heaps of replayability with the multiple difficulties.”
    • “The cutscenes were over-the-top and fun to watch, but unfortunately, I really just wanted there to be more cutscenes, because the gameplay is just... not good.”
    • “The gameplay with Nero is a bit repetitive, as his combat is a bit simple unless you want to use a few odd mechanics, like where you charge up the motor on his sword.”
    • “A bit of forewarning: I found that a lot of the time the camera angles were awkward and hindered gameplay.”
  • graphics170 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their impressive quality, especially considering its 2008 release, with many reviewers noting that they still hold up well today. Players appreciate the beautiful art style, solid animations, and variety of environments, although some mention minor graphical glitches and the game's age showing in certain aspects. Overall, the visuals are described as stunning and well-optimized, making it accessible even on lower-end hardware.

    • “The graphics are incredible given its age and the gameplay is off the charts.”
    • “The graphics hold up really well for being made in 2008.”
    • “This game has it all, skills, demons, blood, gore, swords, devil arms, devil arms (weapons), big bosses, stunning graphics!”
    • “Unlike the special edition, this runs on a goddamn toaster, or, more specifically, laptops with Intel graphics.”
    • “No achievements, poor graphics, and no Virgil.”
    • “When I played this game on the PS3, it was a bit bad, only for how some of the graphics and quality overall.”
  • music100 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its high quality, blending rock and drum-and-bass for combat sequences, while also incorporating orchestral and ambient tracks for cutscenes and exploration. Many players find the soundtrack exhilarating and fitting for the game's intense action, although some note that it can become repetitive over time. Overall, the music significantly enhances the gameplay experience, contributing to the game's fun and engaging atmosphere.

    • “The soundtrack is a solid mix of rock and drum-&-bass for fights, using lyrical tracks to help amp up the mood, with orchestral/piano stuff for cutscenes/end bosses and even some ambient tracks while exploring, and it's all really high quality.”
    • “Soundtrack is epic and provides you with just enough adrenaline you need to fight hordes of demons.”
    • “The tight gameplay, great music and unforgettable characters make this game very worthwhile to pick up if you're a fan of the genre.”
    • “Good game, bad soundtrack.”
    • “But there was so much action, and the music was extremely annoying.”
    • “Anytime there was action, the same music would start up.”
  • optimization62 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game is highly praised, with many users noting its ability to run smoothly on a wide range of hardware, including older systems, often achieving high frame rates without significant performance issues. In contrast, the special edition is criticized for its poor optimization, including stuttering and reduced performance. While some users experienced minor drops or issues, the general consensus is that the game is exceptionally well-optimized, making it a standout title in terms of performance.

    • “The superior version of DMC4, better combat, all tech are included, the best optimized game I've ever played on PC, it'll run on any toaster with 60+ frames.”
    • “Runs smoother than the finest silk even on a toaster: a miracle of modern optimization.”
    • “This game is also really well optimized and will most likely run like a dream on your computer even if it's several years old.”
    • “Prevents modding, cheat engine, and reduces performance by up to 10-15 fps with stutters.”
    • “The special edition also has annoying microstuttering issues which can make you fail your combos/advanced techniques.”
    • “Combat sucks a rusty bucket of nails, the dodge move is a pile of junk, the PC optimization might as well not exist, since there's no bloody mouse controls!”
  • replayability42 mentions

    The game is praised for its high replayability, offering various difficulty modes, unlockables, and challenges like the Bloody Palace survival mode. However, some players note that it may feel less replayable compared to other entries in the series, particularly due to the game's structure and the existence of a more content-rich special edition. Overall, it remains a solid choice for those seeking a game with substantial replay value.

    • “There's a lot of replay value if you like the idea of harder challenges or just want to get a better score.”
    • “The game is also packed to the brim with content, and has plenty of replayability with all its difficulty modes and the Bloody Palace (survival mode).”
    • “The replay value is really high, having many difficulties, different characters, and secret mini missions.”
    • “First off, this version of the game has been made obsolete by the special edition, which has more playable characters, a couple new modes, and more content for your buck.”
    • “While I feel this game has a ton of replayability, the game starts to lose its flow by having you play as Nero and then switch to Dante in the second half, replaying pretty much the majority of the game backwards.”
    • “My only complaint is that this game doesn't seem to have near as high of a replayability value as the other DMCs.”
  • humor30 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its entertaining and over-the-top moments, particularly through the character Dante, whose cocky and funny demeanor adds a lighthearted touch to the gameplay. Players highlight hilarious cut-scenes, including theatrical exchanges between characters, which contribute to the game's charm and enjoyment. Overall, the humor enhances the experience, making it a standout feature despite some criticisms of the game's other elements.

    • “Over-the-top hilarious cut-scenes such as a back-and-forth theatrical soliloquy between Dante and one of the game's bosses that is one of the funniest moments I've experienced in a game :)”
    • “There's a particularly funny moment when he and one of the villains act like they're in a play when they meet to fight on a stage.”
    • “I really enjoyed the conversations between these two characters, Dante the funny, outgoing, laid-back guy, and Nero who is more determined and out to prove himself yet a little disrespectful in a good way.”
  • grinding22 mentions

    Overall, players find the grinding aspect of the game to be quite tedious, with repetitive puzzles, slow upgrade processes, and excessive backtracking detracting from the experience. While the combat and cutscenes are enjoyable, the reliance on RNG and the need for constant grinding in arenas contribute to a sense of monotony, especially in the latter half of the game. Despite these frustrations, some players still appreciate the fun combat mechanics and overall enjoyment of the game.

    • “The end game is rather tedious because it relies on RNG to keep you occupied before the final moments of the game.”
    • “It does have a downside; it has a very tedious story mode compared to the other DMC games, and involves way too much backtracking, covering the same ground, and reusing assets.”
    • “The first half is pretty fun, but the second half is just tedious.”
  • stability12 mentions

    Overall, the game's stability is praised for its smooth performance and ability to run well even on low-end hardware, with only minor graphical glitches reported. However, some users noted issues with controls and camera angles, suggesting that while the game is generally stable, there are occasional bugs that can affect gameplay experience.

    • “The game runs great and is really worth the price tag.”
    • “Great hack-n-slash game, runs great even on low-grade components!”
    • “Making a game which you can virtually forget is on a computer in your home, due to its smooth, bug-free performance, is the mark of an elite developer team at the top of their game!”
    • “Can be some graphical glitches here and there, though, but nothing too big of a problem.”
    • “Anyway, this game is not as good as the other games; the controls are a bit crap at times, even buggy as well. The godawful camera angles and the non-existent character development make it boring. You never really get introduced to a character; they just sort of show up in a cutscene, and your player character already knows their name, and then that's it, no backstory.”
  • character development8 mentions

    Character development in the game is praised for its well-rounded characters, enhanced by excellent voice acting and appealing designs. The character and world design closely mirrors previous titles in the series, showcasing the artistic contributions of notable designers like Nan Yaegashi and Yukinori Kitajima. Overall, the combination of strong character portrayal and engaging gameplay elements contributes to a rich gaming experience.

    • “The characters are well-rounded with great voice acting, along with the character designs themselves.”
    • “Perfect art and character design, epic soundtrack, and insane gameplay (with a turbo option to make the combat faster).”
    • “The world design and character design is very similar to the previous games.”
    • “Senran Kagura will feature character designs from Nan Yaegashi and scenario work from Yukinori Kitajima.”
  • emotional6 mentions

    Players find the game deeply emotional, praising its compelling characters, captivating story, and beautiful aesthetics. The challenging gameplay heightens the emotional experience, often evoking strong feelings, making it a recommended choice for those who appreciate action games with a meaningful narrative.

    • “This game is really emotional and I love it so much. The characters and story are amazing, and the aesthetic is beautiful as well.”
    • “The hardest difficulty really makes me want to cry. The time has come, and so have I.”
    • “I recommend it for those who like action games with a touch of emotion and comedy, enjoy decimating evil, and appreciate a story that has a build-up and conclusion.”
  • atmosphere6 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is predominantly characterized by a creepy, horror-like ambiance, enhanced by dark level design that effectively contributes to the overall experience. Many players find this unsettling atmosphere to be both engaging and enjoyable, adding depth to the gameplay.

    • “Most of the time, it gives the impression that it's a horror game due to its creepy atmosphere and level design.”
    • “The level design is suitably dark, and the atmosphere is appropriate.”
    • “Most of the time it gives an impression that it's a horror game due to its creepy atmosphere and level design.”
    • “The level design is suitably dark and the atmosphere is appropriate.”
    • “The fresh atmosphere of this game made things actually more enjoyable than I thought beforehand.”
  • monetization2 mentions

    The monetization strategy for the game is effectively supported by promotional events like the true style tournament, which enhances visibility and engagement. Players appreciate the advertising efforts, indicating a positive reception towards how the game is marketed.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Buy Devil May Cry 4

Play time

8hMedian play time
8hAverage play time
11hMain story
62hCompletionist
8-8hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

Videos

Similar Games

Game News