[360/PS3]Dantes Inferno

[WinoMcCougarstein]

Alright, played the demo last night.  It was alright but felt lacking compared to the Bayonetta demo.  I know I said in the Bayonetta thread that I would be embarrassed to play that in front of certain people, well, the first boob shot in this game would be far more embarrassing.  My gf laughed at it and said, "Really?  Is that the best most gamers can get?"  Bayonetta feels better than this game and so does both God of War games so far.  That being said, I've watched a lot of videos of this game on Game Trailers and I really like the look of some of the levels.

[Bullwinkle]

Alright, played the demo last night.  It was alright but felt lacking compared to the Bayonetta demo.  I know I said in the Bayonetta thread that I would be embarrassed to play that in front of certain people, well, the first boob shot in this game would be far more embarrassing.  My gf laughed at it and said, "Really?  Is that the best most gamers can get?"  Bayonetta feels better than this game and so does both God of War games so far.  That being said, I've watched a lot of videos of this game on Game Trailers and I really like the look of some of the levels.

The spoilerific boob shot was inappropriate, I thought.  I'm not someone who's offended by that stuff normally, and I wouldn't say I'm morally offended, but I did find it incongruous from a story-telling perspective.

[WinoMcCougarstein]

Alright, played the demo last night.  It was alright but felt lacking compared to the Bayonetta demo.  I know I said in the Bayonetta thread that I would be embarrassed to play that in front of certain people, well, the first boob shot in this game would be far more embarrassing.  My gf laughed at it and said, "Really?  Is that the best most gamers can get?"  Bayonetta feels better than this game and so does both God of War games so far.  That being said, I've watched a lot of videos of this game on Game Trailers and I really like the look of some of the levels.

The spoilerific boob shot was inappropriate, I thought.  I'm not someone who's offended by that stuff normally, and I wouldn't say I'm morally offended, but I did find it incongruous from a story-telling perspective.

I certainly wasn't offended by it, but it really did make it feel like the game was trying way too hard to be mature.  IMO digital nudity is lame and really has no place in a video game.  I don't think it has/well ever actually contribute to a games story.  I think it just shows make some game makers are trying a little too hard to be hardcore.

[ravenvii]

I certainly wasn't offended by it, but it really did make it feel like the game was trying way too hard to be mature.  IMO digital nudity is lame and really has no place in a video game.  I don't think it has/well ever actually contribute to a games story.  I think it just shows make some game makers are trying a little to hard to be hardcore.

Well digital nudity does work in a few situations (see: Parasite Eve and F.E.A.R.)

[Chaz]

Yup, it's definitely God of War.  Since that's pretty much what I've been expecting all along, I'm not surprised at all.  But it's definitely God of War.

I'm thinking that since this is the very beginning of the game, they haven't cranked the Spectacle Meter up to 11 yet, but based on the video that ends the demo, that stuff's coming in later.  Still in on this one.  Considering getting it on the 360 because the icons on the QTEs were really hard to make out on the PS3.  I'll have to check the 360 demo to see if it's better.

[Dante Rising]

After playing Bayonetta, this game feels clumsy and drab. I expected much more, but instead the demo made me feel like this game is simply another anemic pretender to the God of War throne.

[Ridah]

There's a feature on XBL I found this morning that has a bunch of information on this game, I honestly haven't been paying attention to it so it was all new to me. I thought they did a really good job with the world and character designs, they seeemed appropriately hellish and I'm decidedly interested in seeing how this one pans out.

[Ridah]

Check out Giantbomb's quick look: http://www.giantbomb.com/quick-look-dantes-inferno/17-1911/

My interest went from mild to major...

[KePoW]

Since I love this genre, I'll be keeping my eye out for user reviews.  The demo alone wasn't enough to make me pre-order.

[Ridah]

The story is what's starting the interest me, the gameplay itself I'm a bit weary of because I'm playing Darksiders right now and I don't need to go into another Scythe-wielding demon basher.

Did they have any of the animated cutscenes in the demo? Those looked really cool in GiantBomb's quicklook.

[leo8877]

The story is what's starting the interest me, the gameplay itself I'm a bit weary of because I'm playing Darksiders right now and I don't need to go into another Scythe-wielding demon basher.

Did they have any of the animated cutscenes in the demo? Those looked really cool in GiantBomb's quicklook.

iirc there's a cutscene in the demo as well.

[Roman]

Finally played the demo yesterday evening and colour me impressed.

Sure this is God of War – but this time it is on the 360. I admit that I enjoyed hacking and slashing and some of the finishing moves etc etc.

I have to say that I was mightly impressed with the visuals – most notably the part when you are in the cathedral and the wall falls away from you – I was REALLY impressed with the detail and animation there. The visuals overall were really quite crisp and seemed to stand out on my TV.
I also enjoyed the part at the end of the demo when you can ride that big ‘Brumak’ looking thing.
I may make this a day one purchase.


Roman

[Daehawk]

Go to hell superbowl trailer is up.

[Roman]

meh. Not sure the trailer does the game demo any justice. I am really looking forward to playing this.

[Razgon]

After playing Bayonetta, this game feels clumsy and drab. I expected much more, but instead the demo made me feel like this game is simply another anemic pretender to the God of War throne.

but...isnt that kinda your own fault? ;-)

[Bullwinkle]

After playing Bayonetta, this game feels clumsy and drab. I expected much more, but instead the demo made me feel like this game is simply another anemic pretender to the God of War throne.

but...isnt that kinda your own fault? ;-)

 

First review I've seen is out.  Gamereactor gave it an 8/10

In all, Dante's Inferno is exactly what I hoped for it to be. Perhaps it's my old interest in religion and religious imagery that is talking here (not my love for 14th century poetry, which is more or less non-existent), but I adore Visceral Games' vision of Hell. With some of the most intense action in a long time, and some of the coolest bosses in many years, Dante's Inferno offers an intense experience to all the people who are waiting for God of War III. It's a good action game with some great design, even though it might be a bit too much for more sensitive people. Killing unbaptized babies, even though they have blades for arms, is not for everyone. You have been warned.

EDIT:  Oops, two more.  Still no one major, but both are positive.

Planet Xbox 360: 8.6

Being an avid God of War fan for a good part of my gaming career I had high-expectations for Dante’s Inferno, especially considering the studio’s last Xbox 360 outing Dead Space. The obvious comparisons between the two franchises were evident from the moment I booted up – the presentation was amazing and as I said before the game has a certain amount of polish to it that is always evident in titles from Visceral. Each one of the nine circles of hell was a unique gaming experience, adding something different to the overall feel of the title up to the very last boss battle. I would have liked to see a few more major, large-scale fights in Dante’s Inferno but there is always the hopeful sequel (and possible DLC). The last line in the game was “to be continued…” - only time will tell if Dante’s Inferno becomes a flagship franchise for EA but if my enjoyment of the first game is a sign of things to come I am very excited for the future. Sony Playstation owners have always had one franchise that I was super-jealous of, that being God of War, and thanks to Dante’s Inferno there is finally something of comparison available to us Xbox 360 adopters. If you are looking for a mature title that features some of the best action-adventure gameplay on Microsoft’s system look no further than Dante’s Inferno – in stores next week.

Digital Chumps gave 8.8

Gameplay Epic story and setting, with intriguing characters and a lot of entertaining combat and adventure. Expect familiar gameplay elements alongside a few cool unique ones that mix to make for an enjoyable experience with only a handful of snags. 
Presentation Visceral, impressive graphics with varied and smooth animations complimented by a nice color palette and a great framerate. The soundtrack is good, and the effects and voiceovers are even better. If anything, I thought Hell could have been a little spookier and more intimidating than it was, but Visceral still did an excellent job capturing this vision of Hell. 
Value I think this is the start of what will become a long lasting and consistently solid IP. Some very interesting DLC is already on the way and the game itself is plenty long and offers fans of the genre a ton of reason to play it at least once over. The included extra features, Resurrection Mode, the Gates of Hell challenges, and upcoming co-op multiplayer, add a lot to what already feels like a complete package. 
Fun Factor A handful of areas had me shaking my head in frustration, but the majority of the game is a tremendous amount of brutal action fun. 

[Roman]

looks promising. Thanks for posting the reviews

[leo8877]

Very promising news!

[The Grue]

For some reason, I have it in my head to not want this game.  Darksiders borrowed from GoW with its combat, but this game just seems to be a direct copy, though not set in Greek mythology.  I just watched some of the Giant Bomb Quick Look and it basically confirms that for me.  I've got a PS3 and so I can wait for GoW3.  I will say, that I do think they added a little to it with the absolve vs. punish thing, but I just don't see this as something I would pay $60 for.  I might get it later this year if it drops in price.

[Roguetad]

I think some reviewers and gamers forget that not all gamers have PS3s.  There's a seemingly widespread assumption that all of us have PS3s, and that Dantes Inferno might be a good diversion until GoW3 arrives.  I don't own a PS3, and probably won't ever own one, so none of that applies to me.  I can't compare GoW to anything, since I've never played any of the GoW titles.  I also won't get offended or turned off by games that are labled as GoW clones.  If they're good games, I'm in.  There was an interesting backlash with Darksiders too, from GoW and Zelda fans (the G4tv review of Darksiders a good example).  It was almost like they were offended that the game followed or ripped successfull formulas from their favorite titles.

I would like to play the GoW series someday, but for me, even if DI is a direct rip off of GoW, it just doesn't matter.  If anything, maybe DI will inspire me to get a PS3 to play GoW3.   
     

[The Grue]

There was an interesting backlash with Darksiders too, from GoW and Zelda fans (the G4tv review of Darksiders a good example). 

As both a GoW fan and a Zelda fan, Darksiders didn't bother me in any way.  As I mentioned, I felt it more borrowed from those titles (and Portal and Panzer Dragoon, etc.) than ripped them off.  Maybe it is because it is a hybrid of all those games and not just only using the GoW idea and making it dramatic and pulling it from mythology (albeit a different one).

[Bullwinkle]

Dante's Inferno pulls a little too obviously from its source, no question.

If the game is better than the demo, then I can get over that and enjoy it, but there's no question it's the most direct GoW rip off I've seen.

[Bullwinkle]

IGN liked it, for the most part.  7.5

Closing Comments
Dante’s Inferno takes a bold, visually impressive take on a literary classic and adds in an intriguing action focus to create a different kind of action title. Unfortunately, some derivative combat sequences and a shallow combo system prevent the title from becoming a truly great experience. The ending is obviously setting up a full-fledged series, but Dante’s Inferno suffers from unoriginal gameplay features that action fans have seen before, which keeps it from making its true mark.

[leo8877]

While it's nice to see reviews coming out, it makes it even more annoying that Bioshock 2 reviews are embargoed.

[MaxSteele]

I watched about 2-3 hours of gameplay from the final version on Tuesday.  I saw two boss fights.  It's God of War in Hell, with scenes and enemies designed to be offensive and grotesque on purpose.

It could be a rental for me, possibly.  Definitely not a game for the kiddies.

[Chaz]

I like the art style they're going with, so I'm definitely in.  I find various visual takes on hell really interesting.  If the gameplay is very similar to GoW, that's fine.  GoW's gameplay has always been on the bland button-mashy side, and it set itself apart in the extreme gore and epic-ness department.  Dante's looks like it does the same thing, but in a different environment.  That's fine by me.

[Graham]

While it's nice to see reviews coming out, it makes it even more annoying that Bioshock 2 reviews are embargoed.

I wouldn't be surprised if the DI reviews were embargoed until yesterday because the game is available today in Europe.

[Misguided]

The spoilerific boob shot was inappropriate, I thought.  I'm not someone who's offended by that stuff normally, and I wouldn't say I'm morally offended, but I did find it incongruous from a story-telling perspective.

It's funny, but the thing that seemed incongruous to me wasn't that, so much as the complete lack of blood. She's got a sword piercing her abdomen, yet there's no blood, and she looks as if she's simply resting. I found it really curious that they chose to depict her like that, looking peaceful and beautiful, even in that state. It would be interesting if there were a story-related reason for this, such as Dante's psyche simply being unable to register how horrific the scene really was.

[Soulchilde]

Well, I am looking forward to Dante's Inferno especially since I don't own or played any of the PS GOW

[leo8877]

Gamefly is shipping this today, it's gonna be a good week with Bioshock 2 and this at home! 

[MaxSteele]

Well, my first attempt at using Gamefly to get a new release has proved successful!  Dante's Inferno has populated my "Games I Have Out" section.

[Pharaoh]

As long as its even half the game God of War is, I'll enjoy it. Its going to be a wonderful companion to Bio-shock, as when I tire of Rapture and the first person mechanics, I can play some brainless action brawler, refreshing my palette for each back and forth.

The Superbowl commercial was very successful too IMO....multiple people at my Superbowl party commented "ooo whats that?"

[Roman]

Gamefly is shipping this today, it's gonna be a good week with Bioshock 2 and this at home! 

  Both Ebgames near my work and home are waiting until tmrw to sell. Was really hoping to pick this up today and play later tonight - ah well.

Roman

[MaxSteele]

Holy cow!  With Gamefly, they're telling me I can buy it for $43.  That's $17 off the price and it would be a new copy.

Not that I'm interested in purchasing it, but a person could definitely save money on new game purchases if they have an open slot with Gamefly when a new release ships.

[leo8877]

Holy cow!  With Gamefly, they're telling me I can buy it for $43.  That's $17 off the price and it would be a new copy.

Not that I'm interested in purchasing it, but a person could definitely save money on new game purchases if they have an open slot with Gamefly when a new release ships.

Yeah I noticed that too.  Not bad!  I got the PS3 Divine Edition, I wonder if they ship you the codes if you keep it?

[Caine]

Holy cow!  With Gamefly, they're telling me I can buy it for $43.  That's $17 off the price and it would be a new copy.

Not that I'm interested in purchasing it, but a person could definitely save money on new game purchases if they have an open slot with Gamefly when a new release ships.

Yeah I noticed that too.  Not bad!  I got the PS3 Divine Edition, I wonder if they ship you the codes if you keep it?

I've never bought one that did, but I am curious about this too as I have ME2 out from them. Obviously, I'm a little hesitant with a $15 card though, so I'm waiting until the buy price drops a bit.

[Nonnahob]

Toys R' Us is offering a $20 gift card on any future purchase today from 10 AM - 2 PM EST on purchases of Dantes Inferno, FYI if you're interested in picking it up and haven't pre-ordered.

[Roman]

friggin' Yanks and your deep discounts! 

I am looking at 69.99!!! At least I have $100 on a trade in credit.

[Roman]

just got back from lunch with the 360 version. PS3 version looked nice with all the extras - but I like the 360 controller better.

Might try to play this evening - although after playin MW2 last night until 1ish I am pretty beat today.......

Roman

[Mystic95Z]

The ONE time I decided meh I'll just preorder it on Amazon... We get a boatload of snow on release day. That UPS drive better frakkin put the chains on his truck.