DMC Retrospective

Dante May Kleenex – Past, Present, and Rock n’ Roll

Divinity pt 1 – the introduction
Somehow by divine intervention; I stumbled upon this crazy series. It was during the early days of the PS2, when a friend happened to procure one during that years’ Xmas insanity. Plus I followed coverage via Electronic Gaming Monthly (when it was in its magazine form, now an online only publication). At the time, DMC was being helmed as the second coming of the toughest games around. Ghouls n’ Ghosts was by far the most proclaimed game that would punish any player, even the first level took challengers down in a heartbeat.

DMC 1 was released in 2001, before the insanity hit the fan. And censorship was in high gear with many things going on. That aside, its biggest opposition was that the PS2 was barely a few years old. At the time the system was hitting its stride, offering crisp visuals, and surround sound (an option very few consoles actually had) plus the ability of reading disc media in less time. Most consoles read at certain speeds, however its limitation was in its memory. To get down to business, most PS2 owners had to have a memory card (yup those were the days) on the bright side, some retailers included them with a console purchase.

Upon playing the first few missions in DMC, I realized just how tough this game truly was. Even getting past the first mission without taking damage wasn’t a piece of cake. Included that the game was using the Resident Evil engine, at the time it was cutting edge yet offered a bit of a challenge to those who dared it. By far the toughest part about the game altogether was its offensive CPU enemies and bosses. A players’ best bet is to leave an area, head back and obtain more gems. This gem system consisted of a variety, red (money), blue (magic), yellow (life). Given Dante’s status, the more options you buy via the lion statues, there are various abilities granted.

DMC1 opened many doors for its dev team, besides kicking lots of butt. They actually brought back a dying art form in game design. A title that would push players to its limits. This would eventually become a tradition throughout the series.


DMC2 – Pandora’s Box
A few years later DMC returned with a second chapter. However the original team that worked on it was sent to other projects. And a whole different game was made, but it wasn’t admired by fans. Some called the game “too easy” than the first entry. I actually kept up with this one, via our old pals from G4tv. At the time they had an ongoing contest with Capcom regarding various titles. I found myself a bit on the positive end when something arrived. Sadly I never did get a PS2, I told myself I would. So I sat on the backburner for someday. But I did get a chance to play it on a friends’ system. It felt right, but something was a bit different.

(I write this in past tense, as I now own the DMC HD collection. So I actually will add more to these notes regarding the game. It feels weird to play it many years later. Although it’s on another console, something many DMC fans literally thought wasn’t possible because of Sony’s grip on Capcom titles on their system. It took some years of patience, and faith for things to pan out. And gladly I feel humbled to still keep up with this series, even after all these years.)

DMC3 – Awakening
Oddly enough I actually missed playing this chapter. I did check out the boxart, and read the details on what was held within. Like the above note, its part of the collection so more to come here.

DMC4 – Nero May Cry
So onto this fun tale.. along with a fellow DMC fan we composed some notes that garnered a bit of attention. Included with the fact that this entry was different. For one, players took on the mantle of Nero, another Devil Hunter / Holy Knight. Unlike Dante, he garnered his powers from untapped latent abilities. Players are introduced to his fight style from the get go. In the meantime, said contest, and well things panned out. My friend and I were lucky enough to gain some kudos hidden in the game (plus credits) Its hidden, but on a tougher difficulty level. So there’s an easter egg!

While this was the fourth game, it actually branched out from what most were used to. Best part about it was, that the difficulty levels were amped up. No longer was Easy considered a piece of pie, but each next level up would really push buttons. It was regarded as the comeback some thought weren’t possible.

Just Cause – Enter the Dragon
Without this crew, there would be no DMC. Mostly known from independent films that contained action, drama, and a bit of comedy. Okay scratch that, badass action that no one else can master! (hey they were taught by the best, Jackie Chan!) Hence the JC part. The crew within comes from diverse backgrounds and tons of marital arts training all around the world. Each DMC game contains some bonus goodies throughout the credits, so there’s a bit of easter eggs to be found by die hard fans.

DMC Team – Origin
Hideki Kamiya and his crew (now known as Platinum Games) formed a unique team unlike any other. Comprised of veterans within the gaming industry, crossing the globe and taking an insight from their fans. Originally they were part of Capcom’s nextgen division. But everything fell apart when DMC2 changed team members, thus they went indie, became Clover (Viewtiful Joe, Okami, God Hand) and were let go again. As PG, they can produce their own projects and avenues without a beef with a publisher. As of late, they’ve had to outsource more titles with various publishers. Perhaps there is a time when the PG crew can return to DMC. But for now that’s another story.

DmC – Ninja Theory
This nextgen take on the series is being done by a completely different team altogether. Their first title was called Heavenly Sword (minus the S, since they actually had to drop a weapon). It was an action oriented title, revolving around a heroine who fought for her people using a sacred sword with untapped powers. At the time it was being called Sony’s next big thing. But it was redeemed by its design, and music. Sadly the game was so short, replay wasn’t really forgiving. Given how much advertising Sony pushed the PS3, the game delivered enough to garner an audience. But the NT team decided to part ways and sought another company. Capcom was looking for new talent, and voila there’s the story. But wait.. next year DmC hits stores and maybe a few new fans. However the DMC fanbase is up in arms over the rebooting of the series, plus character designs. All negative stuff aside, it looks like it will live up to some of the insane hype that the first game held.

Adios, Kids.

DMC HD

Devil May Cry HD Collection
Pipeworks + DMC Dev Team 2012

Many years ago, a crew from the Biohazard developers team designed a new concept. Mixing up horror with science fiction, and action all rolled into one. Players would delve into dark worlds playing a hunter named Dante (named after the lead character within Dante’s Devine Comedy) *which for literature readers or historians is by far not an actual comedy, just the title is misleading. During the turning point of Dante’s adventures, he comes to realize he’s not alone, with others like him in the world, venturing to find out their identity. With one exception, his father is the one who put all of the monsters away.

DMC Chapter 1 -
Back in 2001, DMC was first brought to live as part of the Resident Evil series. In fact, using the same engine: (enclosed spaces, and limited range of whereabouts, until finding lock and key). Oh, and the game was notoriously difficult (unless you decided to play easy mode).  Overall it’s a challenging title, but with many expectations from people who loved something difficult.  Another most loved aspect of the first entry in this captivating series, is just being to let loose.

DMC Chapter 2 – (the left behind child of the trilogy)
So a sequel was in order, but the producers of the original weren’t allowed to make it again. I still wonder why Capcom has such issues. So in regards, Dante returns with a new ally Lucia (who is a remnant of a lost set of hunters) their mission is to stop the end of the world. (plus this chapter is regarded as too easy). But its redeemable quality is that its actually set later in the series… Dante’s much older and ready to hang up his sword.  Oddly enough this game came out during this reviewer’s birthday, what are the odds..

DMC Chapter 3 – Dante’s Awakening
In the 3^rd piece of the complete sonata, Dante’s origins are finally unlocked. But his brother Virgil is also along for the ride. Along with a new partner Lady (who aims to end her evil’s fathers powers of bringing creatures from the other side) In fact, Lady is a fallen angel’s daughter.. and that’s all that can be said. Why? Well that would give too much away.

Oh, and the difficulty level is amped up! And this is where the series hits its stride in both level, music, and character design. In fact, it doesn’t feel like a PS2 game… it was ahead of its time.

DMC4 – Dan-ero
As far as fans know, the last actual chapter was DMC4. Released on Xbox360, and PS3 (and PC) for those keeping track. Balancing out everything that made the series work. DMC4 mixes it up letting players take the helm of a Holy Knight named Nero. Oddly enough this new hero may be the lost brother to Dante.. but many fans weren’t happy with the fact that we could only play the badass a quarter of the game. That bump aside, DMC4 still dished out some sweet justice with a bevy of difficulty levels that would make a puppet blush.

But wait there’s more! So a somewhat new team is assembling a new DmC. Sad part is, its no longer with the crew that’s worked on past games. In spirit it will retain the same inertia, and energy that brought the series to life. On the bright side, the series will keep going. But time will tell if this “reboot” may actually work. From the teaser trailers, it dishes the same madness the past games retained. But with some things missing… we’ll find out more next year.

Sonic And Sega All Stars Transformed

Sonic and Sega All Stars Racing – Transformed
2012 / Sega & Sumo Digital (formerly Sega R&D the Racing Game team)
UK/ US/ JP project

Start Your Engines  (intro)
Welcome to an all new racing experience! From the starting introduction video, it gives you a small sample of what this new racer is capable of. No longer just limited to the ground, but sea and air. With a new set of racers ready to take on all sorts of crazy SEGA themed worlds. Plus a bevy of surprises. So buckle up and drive!

Select your vehicle (menu)
World Tour –
Take on the new Transformed world! Featuring a variety of Sega based worlds from past and present. Anything can happen within each location, from the land changing as you cross every track obtaining new areas to challenge.

Grand Prix –
Tournament mode!  Choose from a set amount of tracks to obtain bonus points. And you might unlock all sorts of goodies.

Time Attack –
Beat the best time! Take on any track at your leisure. Or take on ghosts from the in-game demo staff to obtain your best track time + position.

Single Race –
Tackle any of the tracks you’ve unlocked, and challenge a set of AI characters. Plus during any of these set races, you can earn XP points to upgrade your character, vehicle, and skills.


Rev It Up! (bgm)
Sometime ago, a certain videogame OST changed the way we heard music altogether. Jet Set Radio paved the way for unique ideas. Giving the player a fun experience where the music came to life, and literally become a live DJ. As soon as a certain Sonic community website heard that fans could add some input in regards to this next racer.. we took on it in a heartbeat. With a ton of classic tracks, there was only one to take it another awesome level, let’s mix it up! No longer just a one set bgm tune, every stage’s theme actually shifts into different themes, so each has its own distinct sound. Making Transformed a whole new experience every time you play!






Get In Gear! (tracks)
Each track takes place in a Sega themed game. But these tracks aren’t your normal race tracks from the last game. Now even the levels transform! Depending on how much area you cover, the level will literally shift into a different perspective, altering the entire track. Even your vehicle has its own personality. And the more you race, even the car begins to evolve!  (Plus for those who joined us back In the SNES days, each track shifts into a F-Zero design, from insane curves to flying high in the sky. ) Every level has its difficulties, from easy, normal and hard. (even the levels get tougher, so its not just the competition anymore, but the in-game world!)


Tagging the Road (characters)
From the start you are given a choice between 10 characters. The rest of the cast is unlockable via the new World Tour mode. The more you play, the more you unlock. For a total of 24 characters! (and who knows who else might show up!)



XP (Got Rings?)
For those in our audience who aren’t role playing efficient. This term means experience points, giving your vehicle more abilities. From better boost, power, handling, and tons of capabilities (in all forms from flight, driving, and over water). As you progress, your character and vehicle “level up” with the points you’ve obtained from beating challenges or races. And when you bring in friends, it gets even more intense (even your opponents characters will benefit from taking track position, and winning!
There are many levels to upgrade, so just try every mode with any character to learn which suits your playing style.

Stars – (Hey Ristar buddy!)
These unique elements are collected by winning races. Although they aren’t trophies, collecting a various amount of them will give players access to a bundle of new content via World Tour mode. From races; challenges, new characters to unlock. But wait it’s not that simple, given certain difficulty levels, from easy to hard. If you play the tougher modes, the more stars you obtain. But be warned, some of the tracks and challenges are pretty tough!

http://www.sonicthehedgehog.com/racing/?t=en_US

Assassins Creed III Review

Assassins Creed III
Ubisoft – AC Team

In the beginning AC began as a test project of allowing players to divulge through time and space.
Within each chapter of the AC series, they touch on important events in world history. AC3 covers deeper into what becomes of the factions behind the founding of the United States. However those choices have ramifications, further in AC3 this one is based on actual history that unraveled the United States forever. Not just the past, but the present, Desmond and his team find themselves having to saving the world from the dreaded “end of 2012” predicition with the aid of past, present, and future.

Players are introduced to Desmond, the keyholder of the “Apple of Eden” device. Its energy channels through time and space, giving its users untapped knowledge. (but from the intro it displays that this might be the end of series?)

Like the past chapters in AC, players are introduced through a set of virtual reality tests. Given procession and well chosen moves they begin their journey. (Oddly enough there is no quick intro, its done in real time, so it takes some getting used to.)

Mission 1 – Snag and run – Introduced via the classic opera house where many a play be done. Finding your way in and out is not hard, it’s the balancing act of being stealthy. Once done, you move onward.
(this game does not hold your way, just like the past games. If you mess up, you restart before the error was made)

Haytham – a nobleman who travels across the world and seas (his story has yet to be revealed) However he is tied to the crusade of Assassins that protect humanity. Speaking of the said seas, the 2^nd mission unfolds as your quest goes across the waters towards your next heading.

What I have found unique about this series, is that it unfolds around you. Not just throwing so many cutscenes in your direction but it flows along with your progression.

Further into the story, you eventually take on the Mantle as Connor (Haytham’s son). On his journey: setting things right, vesting on Boston and further beyond the hills. However he Is not alone, as he undergoes training to become a member of the Assassins and finds out more hidden truths. (In turn the player also learns a bit more of the unraveling history that actually happened.) While in the real world, you piece together clues on how to prevent an unfathomable pretext to happen.

AC3 is a solid title that isn’t quite a game, but a guide through history that still has more to share. If you’ve played the past entries this completes the trilogy as far as we know. But anything is possible.

Tomb Raider - A Fan's Perspective

Tomb Raider – A Fan’s Perspective

  Sometime ago in the mid-nineties, I found myself in the middle of a new generation of gamers. Some of us were moving towards 3D gaming, with a 360 perspective and all sorts of new ideas. I come from the 2D classic gaming era, the usual platformer, or catchy tune that plays in every level. Little did I know, I was part of something bigger, something evolving before our very eyes.

  It was the summer of 1996, the PSX was just narrowly overtaking the Nintendo 64. I recall this pretty well because it was advertised in every toy shop from KB’s to Toys R’ US. Oddly enough everyone’s reaction was different, maybe it was just the job they had, or it was just some way to keep themselves afloat. Even with times changing I hadn’t saved up for a console in years. And just that upcoming crazy season, did a friend offer to let me hangout and play a few Playstation games with them.

  Within their gaming library was a mix of role playing, to action titles. There were a few sparse games, I think they had close to 20 at the time. They were doing a few summer jobs, which I was also keeping myself busy. But during the weekends, it was just our game time. Come the fall, then winter a bunch more games were hitting shelves. As it turns out my friend was hyped about this new platformer called Tomb Raider. I thought at first, maybe it’s because my friend is a woman its why she looks up to characters like this. Then it made me think back to Metroid, where Samus Aran turned heads…

  So with money saved, we put our cash together and voila. Except the fact that she had plans to visit family elsewhere, so it would be a little while longer till we indulged this crazy adventure. So I kept my mind off of the game for awhile, till I stumbled upon a kiosk in one of the local stores. Turns out Tower Records actually had a competition for the best time trials in the first stage demo. I tried out, and found my way around the level, even winding up getting over a bunch of pitfalls. And sadly not getting past a few key areas, without screwing up and, seeing the poor character fall many times. I phoned my friend to let her know about this contest, she got a bit jealous but wished me luck. I braved the level various times to pinpoint where the hazards were till I finally got adjusted to the unique setup. Although I didn’t win, I learned that this game would not be a cakewalk.

  Metroid, taught me a lesson of patience (it was actually this same female friend that told me about it). Then I turned things around, to find out Samus was all along a lady fighting a horde of space pirates. Still to this day, its something I can never forget, and the look on her face when we took turns going through every pitfall, and how many screams of glee or terror whenever we hit a snag.

  I have to be honest faithful reader, this is actually the first time I’m writing about my misadventures in gaming. So let’s press on shall we?

  Back to Tomb Raider, it contained tons of chills, spills, and narrow platforms that would make Mario, Sonic, and Samus blush. Even though the graphics at the time were the best they could deliver. That PSX pushed itself so much, it was crisp, and the atmosphere truly felt alive. Just getting past every obstacle was a feat of itself, and every time you missed something it was totally your fault. (and I learned the hard way along with my friend as we went through every peril together, and I got hit with pillows every time!) Each and every level contained unique levels of difficulty. The further you explored, the tougher it would get. But the main headache to overcome was the loading screens. Oh the nightmares! Just for one mis-step that made you Swiss cheese over spikes, or a pancake thanks to a boulder. Loading screens in TR were such a pain, but getting over that it was a joy to get back into spelunking.

  Looking back to those days of the first TR was a blast. And I was thankful I wasn’t alone in the journey. And now, Tomb Raider is undergoing a rebirth, thanks to the team that worked on the original game. (Along with another friends’ guiding wing) It’s going to be a fantastic chapter, every Lara Croft fan will want to play and share with others.

Resident Evil NET

I remember reading a few comments from Capcom’s staff within the forums about networking games in the possible future. Sure many companies have forums, or use social networks. But never pushing it this far, in the past Sega and Nintendo tried their own outsourcing. SegaNet was Sega’s intended brainchild to outsource their Dreamcast’s internet gaming all over the world. With Nintendo, it was branched out via arcade cabinets, and some of their classic gaming systems like the SNES (in certain countries there were internet capable consoles).

Years later, we’re back to this idea again. How do we branch out gaming in a whole new way? Turns out, it can be done. And its not just the consumers using it, but the world 24/7. It’s a scary idea at first, because there are so many people that turn on their consoles, login, and get their gaming sessions on.

After renting RE6, and watching the credits. I dug online to find out just what this project has been up to. Actually it was a fun idea back when the first RE film came out. Sure it was labeled as an Umbrella ISP for fun, but in reality it was a fully functional system that could be made. Only thing was, console gamers weren’t quite ready. PC gamers have founded networking since day one, and for console users they usually just plugin their Ethernet cord to the back and voila. I never envied friends who were PC gamers, I sometimes sat back and watched them go nuts with Red Bulls and a few Twizzlers nearby. Oh, and Counter Strike or Rainbow Six was the catch of the day.

I never quite got the jist of some gathered together. Till I realized what we console gamers actually had all along. When arcades were alive, we were gathered together watching two people insert quarters, and enjoy a good 3 set match and there was the fun. For PC gamers, it was strategy, or team work catching a flag, or tag teaming how many of the opposing team they can knock out of the match. In the beginning Resident Evil was simple, it was built on horror, suspense, and storytelling.

Evolving a franchise like this is risky, even the films based off the series have detoured into popcorn action flicks. And the odd thing about it, is that people love it no matter the format. Sure critics may bitch and moan, but that’s what makes an underdog stand up to prove that it has something to deliver. Its entertaining, and won’t back away from being unique. Same goes with each recent chapter of Resident Evil. As I’ve read reviews about RE5, it mended various fences yet upped the level of action, and it still carried some moments to give players the chills.

RE5 however broke the mold, no longer did the game move clunky or slow. It was sped up just like the films based upon its foundations. Players actually had to use more or their environment, cover, defense, offense, and using enemies as shields given bad circumstances. And the heroes in the story were familiar faces from the series past pushed into some newer challenges that players weren’t quite ready for.

RE6 on its own feels like a remixed chapter of the series combined. Its something I didn’t quite expect at first. Because I remember playing the series on a friend’s PSX some years ago. I never was a fan of the clunky movement, or the fact that anything could take down your character in a second. Most games I remember had a hero that leaped and dashed all obstacles (a plumber or a hedgehog). But to actually play as a human being stuck in the middle of the worst situation, it gave it more ground that anyone could come up with. So the same formula that made the series work from the start is back in full force. But the best part is that you’re not alone (RE 0, was another chapter that was lead by a team of two characters. One an ex STARS member, and the other a former military officer. Just those two alone, and against some crazy odds find themselves running into a few more friends that gets the ball rolling.

Move several years forward, RE6 is built on a network that relies on the gaming community that plays it. Its not just a simple update, or extra, its founded on the fact that its people actually use the system. I give the team credit for going all out on a project that wasn’t possible years ago. It makes me humble that the team that comprised such a series, actually thinks up ways on how to include the people that are connected to a part of who they are.

I really look forward to what its capable of, and that is so many things. Not just a community website, but people actually communicating, sharing, and forming teams with other players. And the points system seems to deliver some neat rewards when certain conditions are met. Aside from the fact that Capcom has been known to push too much downloadable content on consumers. Its fresh for a change, that they want to get out of such a rut, and allow users to actually obtain stuff via its social network within the very game itself. I can’t wait to see what they’ll do with this system next.

Btw it still has a few kinks that are being worked out. But check it out if you're interested.
http://residentevil.net/

RE 6 Backup Doc File

RE6 Backup Doc

This is a file I personally want to share about how Capcom wants to change the way they’ve been given bad press. Most of us known for years they have had a bad wrap about PR stunts. With a majority of their titles being re-released with too many revisions. RE6 I believe finally breaks the mold. Looking the data over, it says they saved game data is worth 7.7 GB (RE5 I read somewhere only scraped 6GB) Normally DVD or GD types contain up to 7 if maxed out. Could be a sign that the developers for this entry want to push a game disc to its limits (which makes me wonder if the Blu-Ray version may actually have met its match in storage).

Second, this game for once isn’t focused on online play. The campaign is the main event (thank goodness, because I am not a fan of a skimmed story just for the sake of online gameplay). According to the achievements given so far, there are a few secret hidden awards. However, DLC could be added later pushing a few more to the list. But these awards only forward to the in-game campaign, which are pretty challenging the further you play in other modes.

**Actually there are in-game rewards, depending on accomplishments delivers more goodies. So there is a significant amount of extra content. Haha! Take that MVC3!

Btw for those that have kept up with RE since the beginning. I cannot say enough about how many rewards are in this game. Even a few you might not expect…

Closed quarters, there are several moments where you ar e boxed in. It may feel like you have plenty of room, try in normal and above. (see what happens)

Herbal remedy – As I played normal, I learned the hard way that the herbs come across very rarely. In fact there is a hidden skill you can obtain, and upgrade to snag more goodies not matter what mode you play. Definitely add this to your skill play list.

Mad Skillz – This achievement is not kidding, there are in fact tons of skills to obtain and use. Don’t let that skill list fool you, it can be opened to a various amounts of options. From what I gather, there are over 10+ skill list setups. A majority of the obtainable skills can be bought through game play. But some are limited to what level of difficulty. (and some via online modes, it’s a bit unfair, but it could be worse)

Options – Although I didn’t get the chance to play as Helena in Leon’s campaign. I get the feeling that her story takes place sometime before they meet while trying to rescue a specific person at the beginning of the game. Given how much depth her story was to begin with (be sure to read her bio via the collectibles option in Special Features)  I am sure that follows for Sherry, and the newcomer in Chris’s campaign.

What bugs me is that the loading screens given some specific details. But they seem to fly by, including some of the helpful standbys. I remember most of us old school fans never were fans of loading screens with our past consoles.  But it did give us some time to take a breath, or drink some water. Now blink and you might miss something important.