By GG-AngelThanatos 2 years, 1 month ago • 2 Comments
I’ve watched the Developer Diaries and visited the official website for updates ever since I heard of this project. I knew it would be dark (we are in Hell, after all) and I’m not easily intimidated, so of course I had to try my hand at it.
Wow.
After playing the demo tonight, I have to say that Dante’s Inferno takes home the prize of single-most disturbing game I’ve ever played. Seriously. And I play Silent Hill to unwind.
Our story begins with the Crusades; a dark and controversial time in religious history during which thousands were killed in the name of holy relics and the battle for Jerusalem. In a mixture of stunning graphics and comic-esque animation, we learn that Dante is a loyal soldier fighting for Christianity. Since the Bishop absolved them of all their sins, Dante faithfully and brutally slays anyone who would oppose their cause – including women and children.
Dante learns humility when he comes face-to-face (literally) with Death and learns that his fate is eternal damnation for his actions – despite what the Bishop has told him. From that point on, Dante is determined to start anew. He just wants to go home to his beloved Beatrice and make things right. When he gets there, however, she’s dead. (And topless.) Her soul is dragged away and Dante bravely gives chase.
The music is beautiful and dramatic – heavenly choirs and organs backed by an epic orchestral score take us on a journey of action and heavy emotion. Multi-tiered and active backgrounds allow for a number of strategies during combat. From stone walls to blazing fires and crumbling buildings, the world is very much alive as you venture from battle to battle.
Dozens of possible combos allow you to wield the powers of both HOLY (a cross that Beatrice gives you) and UNHOLY – Death’s scythe. You have the option of punishing or absolving the souls you defeat, and your decisions will ultimately affect your game play. (Exactly how has not yet been revealed.)
The game moves almost seamlessly between a dramatic, disturbing storyline and button-mashing action. Dante is fast-moving, high-jumping and absolutely deadly with any weapon you choose. You’re going to need it where you’re going – each ring of Hell will get worse and worse as the game progresses.
Dante is indeed a bad ass – going so far as killing a beast rider and riding its fire-breathing monster into the very bowels of Hell.
This is going to be interesting!
In the first two minutes or so, you’ve seen Christians betrayed as murderous hypocrites, Beatrice’s bare breasts half a dozen times, and a whole lot of blood and violence. Dante punishes himself by sewing a red cloth into his chest – in the shape of a cross. Is he truly sorry for his actions during the war and his lust for Beatrice, or will he pursue her simply to prevent his own hellish fate?
Dante’s Inferno is based on (more like inspired by or an homage to) “The Divine Comedy” by Dante Alighieri; first of four in the series – “La Divina Commedia,” “Inferno,” “Pergatorio” and “Paradiso.” His work was the first time that Hell was portrayed as the now-popular vision of a fiery torture chamber. (Prior to this work, written between 1308 and 1321, the idea of Hell was very different and the word “Hell” itself is translated differently depending on language and interpretation. One such translation means simply, ‘trash heap.’)
For those of you who have read this famous and classical poem, you will need to go into this gaming experience with an open mind. If you are familiar with its prose, however, you will no doubt appreciate its references and direct quotes throughout the game. For those of you, like myself, who were raised Catholic, Christian or similar God-fearing religion, please also remember that this is a work of fiction. If after reading this you feel that you might be offended or don’t feel comfortable being associated with such a game, I recommend that you sit this one out. To say that it’s intense would be an understatement.
We shall see how the game and its controversy plays out…
Coming soon...
this game sounds pretty cool. i also have friends who i think would enjoy it lol...
GG-AngelThanatos
2 years, 1 month agobtw, that is a portrait of the real Dante. He's not as buff or nearly as good looking as the VG version. LOL