Devil May Cry 4 Review
Capcom brings the style to 360
Devil May Cry 4 was the series' multiplatform debut, and the Xbox 360 version put Capcom's lavish, high-speed action on Microsoft's hardware for the first time. For fans of stylish character action, it was a landmark — a chance to chase SSS combat rankings in glorious high definition, with the franchise's signature blend of swordplay, gunplay and theatrical flair intact.
More than a decade and a half on, DMC4 holds up as one of the genre's defining entries, and the 360 release remains a perfectly good way to experience it.
Nero, the Devil Bringer and a new hook
The big change was the protagonist. Newcomer Nero took the lead for much of the campaign, armed with the Devil Bringer — a demonic right arm that could grab enemies and yank them across the arena, or pull Nero toward distant foes. The Red Queen sword's rev mechanic, revving the blade like a motorcycle for extra damage, added a satisfying rhythm to combat that set Nero apart from his predecessor.
Then Dante returned, and with him the series' deepest combat toolkit — multiple styles, swappable weapons, and the freedom to improvise extravagant combos. Switching between the two characters gave the game variety, even if the back half's recycled environments drew fair criticism.
Combat that still sings
What elevates DMC4 is the moment-to-moment feel. Few action games of its generation matched the responsiveness, the depth of expression or the sheer spectacle of a well-executed run. The stylish ranking system rewarded creativity and variety, pushing players to keep their combos fresh, and the boss fights delivered the over-the-top set pieces the series is known for.
The presentation was a showcase too — slick cutscenes, a bombastic soundtrack and the kind of confident, melodramatic tone that defines Devil May Cry. On Xbox 360 it ran cleanly and looked the part.
The verdict, in hindsight
Devil May Cry 4 is not flawless — the level reuse and some backtracking keep it a notch below the very best in the series — but its combat is so good that it remains essential for action fans. It paved the way for the acclaimed Devil May Cry 5, and Nero's introduction here proved a smart long-term bet for the franchise.
For Xbox 360 owners, DMC4 was a stylish, demanding and deeply rewarding action game, and it earns a hearty recommendation even now. If you want to understand why character-action devotees are so passionate, this is a fine place to start.
Legacy and the road to DMC5
Devil May Cry 4's importance grew clearer with hindsight. Nero, introduced here as a slightly controversial newcomer, became a cornerstone of the franchise's future, returning as a co-lead in the rapturously received Devil May Cry 5. The Devil Bringer and the rev mechanic he debuted were refined rather than discarded, proof that DMC4's experiments were building toward something larger.
The 360 version also played its part in widening the series' audience. As the franchise's multiplatform debut, it introduced stylish character action to a wave of players who had never owned the earlier PlayStation entries. Many of today's devotees trace their obsession back to chasing SSS rankings on Xbox 360, which makes this release a genuine inflection point in the series' long history.