It is not often I resort to typing up a review, but when playing Dante's Inferno on the Playstation 3 it soon became apparent that I would have to edit most of the video out, due to the adult rated content. So, the 18 Rating is pretty much spot on, not only are some of the scenes very violent and bloody, but they also contain sexualised nudity. You have been warned, or perhaps prepared in advance for what can only be described as the most graphically captivating game I have played in a long time.
Firstly, let me set the scene with a brief excerpt from the publisher Electronic Arts…
EA’s Dante’s Inferno tells an adapted story that focuses on delivering a blockbuster 3rd person action game experience while bringing Alighieri’s depiction of Hell to the medium. Players assume the role of Dante, who descends into Hell after returning home to find his beloved Beatrice murdered, with Lucifer seducing her soul into the underworld. Dante sets out on a rescue mission to save Beatrice, but he soon realizes he is also in Hell to face his own demons and ultimately to redeem himself.
Players will take Dante through nine unique circles of Hell as mapped out and described by Alighieri: limbo, lust, gluttony, greed, anger, heresy, violence, fraud and treachery. Each circle will showcase its own distinct look, with demons, monsters, damned and geography that are crafted straight from the poem’s vivid descriptions.
To take down the demons of Hell, Dante is outfitted with two primary weapons: the Scythe he takes from Death and the Holy Cross given to him by Beatrice, which has spiritual powers that will help Dante collect souls and spells from the creatures he defeats on his journey. The game also features a deep upgrade system so gamers can customize their abilities to their specific gameplay style, something they’ll need as Dante comes face to face with Hell’s fiercest beasts and bosses. If successful, Dante will be able to tame certain beasts, exacting their will and turning Hell’s punishments back on itself.
On with the review… The game leads you into each scene in the storyline with such vigor, that you really do find yourself drawn in. The graphic presentation of the cut scenes is nothing short of awesome. Detail is depicted exceptionally well and the special effects are wonderful. Once the scene is set, the battle ensues and you have great control with quick or power attacks with your choice of two weapons. You can also pick up your enemy and fling them into oblivion. Along the way, you also have access to various magical powers. The familiar 'big boss' pops up now and again, they vary in difficulty of course, but all take multiple hits and avoidance to defeat. I was quite surprised that so early on in the game my eyes were diverted from the fast paced action by my loved one shown baring her flesh for all to see (though I was the only one in the room, er game). It would be nice if the blood and nudity had an option to tame it down, as now I can only grab time on this game when the kids are in bed.
That said, Dante's Inferno impressed me. The control method is pretty much spot on. In some of the battles you don't have to be very accurate with your hits, though further in you will discover that you have to mix things up a little and learn how to block. The fluid action, coupled with the powerful soundtrack and sound effects certainly will capture the serious gamers attention, however, for the casual gamer it may prove too much. This is one game you have to dedicate some time to and I am certain that it will not disappoint.
Game Title: Dante's Inferno
Platform Reviewed on: Sony PS3
Supplied by: Electronic Arts
