Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition
Overview -
One half of Capcom's double-tap of 'Devil May Cry' re-releases, following March's 'DmC: Definitive Edition', 'Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition' brings the game into current gen with not only a 1080p/60fps graphical upgrade, but with three new characters, and a host of new tweaks and features.
Video Review
![](http://cdn2.highdefdigest.com/media/2015/06/30/660/58241/Devil_May_Cry_4_Special_Edition_20150628181051.jpg)
Unlike the nifty little once over Capcom gave 'DmC' earlier this year, 'Devil May Cry 4' is the exact same game on PS4, just given a high resolution spitshine. Still, the game was already one of the prettier titles on 360/PS3, and while the character models maintain a very PS2 mannequin quality, environments and enemies benefit huge from the HD upgrade.
The main issue is one that has always plagued the game: An overbearing bloom that's meant to cast the day scenes in idyllic light, but mostly just ends up washing out fine detail, and no amount of lowering the brightness in-game brings any relief. Still, it's hard to make 1080p/60fps look bad in motion, even with lower textures.
Audio Review
![](http://cdn2.highdefdigest.com/media/2015/06/30/660/58242/Devil_May_Cry_4_Special_Edition_20150629144202.jpg)
It's 'Devil May Cry', so, of course, it's a bullet carnival, scored to crunchy guitars, and the howls of the undead. Naturally, it's a ridiculous amount of dynamic sound design going on, full of satisfying slashes and clangs and whooshing supernatural energy. The score does get repetitive, with pseudo-KMFDM's muttered lyrics underscoring one too many fights, but its otherwise a nice little workout for the speakers.
Final Thoughts
![](http://cdn2.highdefdigest.com/media/2015/06/30/660/58243/Devil_May_Cry_4_Special_Edition_20150629231945.jpg)
While remastering Ninja Theory's take on 'Devil May Cry' on current gen consoles felt like giving an underappreciated reinvention the platform it deserved, re-releasing 'Devil May Cry 4' on them is a sobering mirror, showing what the series should be leaving behind as we move forward. It's the kind of throwback that's more important for educational purposes than anything, a rough sketch homage where the series is capable of wild, vibrant ambition. There are those who still prefer the ain't-broke-don't-fix-it approach of the game, and more power to them. They will be pleased by the TLC, But the reboot showed the way forward. The fandom should follow suit.