From start to finish DMC4’s stylised graphics, animations and cut scenes are breathtakingly beautiful, setting a new precedent for the next gen consoles. Thankfully, beauty isn’t only skin deep and the dazzling visuals are backed up by a solid plot and excellent gameplay. You play as newcomer Nero, who comes armed (quite literally) with a demonic limb, as well as the obligatory gun and ridiculously oversized sword. A scrolling beat-’em-up at heart; action is fast paced, with flurries of bloody combat interspersed with puzzle and platform sections, thankfully giving you a chance to catch your breath.

The Devil May Cry series has long had a reputation for being beautiful but infuriatingly difficult. Developers Capcom have taken this on board and as a result DMC4 is far more accessible, moving the difficulty notch down from infuriating to challenging. Accessibility is aided by the addition of an ‘automatic’ mode that simplifies the controls, quickly allowing you to become immersed in the action, pulling off spectacular combos with a few deft button presses. With this setting disengaged, combat becomes far trickier, adding further depth to the game, extending the re-playability and satisfying the die-hard fans.

With a gritty, twist filled plot, spectacular combat and a smattering of humour, Devil May Cry 4 offers action fans a refreshing alternative to the current glut of first person shooters.