Devil May Cry 4
Publisher: Capcom
Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
Rated: M — Mature
Game type: Action
Rating: **** 1/2 (out of five)
What’s the premise?
The classic action franchise explodes into the next-generation systems with sensational graphics, incomparable action and a twist: Dante, the hero of the first three games, assassinates a powerful religious leader right at the beginning of the game and players must take on the role of a new protagonist, Nero, in order to stop him.
This game is most similar to…?
Devil May Cry 1-3. God Of War II.
Is it suitable for younger gamers?
If you let your kids play DMC4 you run the risk of them naming the kitchen utensils. This game is so violent that Nero’s initial weapons each have their own names: Blue Rose (a gas-powered flame sword — I kid you not!) and Red Queen (an automatic pistol).
One player or more?
It’s just you and your beloved weaponry.
What’s missing?
More high-flying, sword-swinging, guns-blazing killing. OK, maybe not.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Blame it on the devil. Nero’s got an awesome extra power by having a demonic arm that he can use to do major damage to his enemies. Be sure to mix it into your repertoire.
And in the end?
Devil May Cry 4 is a visual treat, packed with incredible action and likely the best game you’ll play in the first half of 2008.
Professor Layton And The Curious Village
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo DS
Rated: E — Everyone
Game type: Action/puzzle
Rating: **** (out of five)
What’s the premise?
An eccentric puzzle maker has died and left his entire fortune to the person who can solve his ultimate riddle. It’s up to the quick-minded Professor Layton, along with his able protégé, Luke, to crack the case as they explore the quaint and quirky village of St. Mystere and solve over 130 different brain-rattling puzzles.
This game is most similar to…?
It’ll make your gray matter work like Brain Age.
Is it suitable for younger gamers?
Many of the puzzles will challenge the wits of adults, let alone young kids. It would make an excellent child-parent bonding game, though.
One player or more?
It’s just you, the professor and Luke.
What’s missing?
Enough hair on your head — since you’ll be pulling it out trying to figure out some of the perplexing puzzles.
The (not-so) secret to success is…?
Take a hint. As you explore the village of St. Mystere, you’ll uncover plenty of “hint coins” which you can then use to help you solve some of the tougher tests. Just remember to spend them wisely or you won’t have any left over for when you really need them.
And in the end?
Professor Layton And The Curious Village has an undeniable charm, from the cute anime-inspired animation to the quirky characters and even the design of the puzzles. It’s a mystery well worth solving.
Jonathan P. Kuehlein/Metro Toronto
