Dante gets some company in Devil May Cry 4, thanks to a new character named Nero. Dante doesn't become playable until halfway through the game, but luckily, Nero bears a strong resemblance to the legendary demon hunter. His moves are also very similar, but ramps up the classic Devil May Cry gameplay another notch by introducing devil bringer powers.

Nero picks up an artifact early in the game that imbues his arms with "devil bringer" capabilities, so they transform and stretch out to perform crazy maneuvers. His powers let him grapple onto distant enemies and quickly pull them in for a beat down or a context-sensitive throw. He can also power-up his sword for three different attack strengths determined by how long the player holds down the button, which goes well with the up-close and visceral combat fans appreciate. Devil May Cry 4 also has a renewed emphasis on air moves, as Nero can lunge with his sword while in midair to skewer enemies. Additionally, devil bringer powers allow Nero to scale huge walls by letting him grab onto blue orbs scattered around levels. Nero can also call in backup by using his powers to summon spirits that double his offensive strength. The spirit follows closely behind, landing follow-up moves for all of Nero's gun attacks.

Although Nero commands the first half of the game, Dante gets plenty of screen time. The two mistake each other for enemies at the start of the game and fight it out in an all-out brawl. After a lightning-fast sword and gun battle, the two soon realize that they're fighting for the same cause. Dante's controls are the same as in previous games and still switches between the trickster, gunslinger, sword master and royal guard fighting styles. Although he won't be as ramped up with devil bringer powers like Nero, Dante will have a couple of new tricks, including a devastating uppercut to pulverize enemies. He will also carry a multipurpose super weapon called Pandora's Box, which looks like an unassuming briefcase. However, the case transforms into a gigantic airborne tank when thrown in the air, pouring down rockets and immense firepower onto enemies. Alternatively, the case morphs into a chain gun to mow down foes. Lastly, the suitcase can be laid down on the ground to turn into a giant death trap, as it sucks in and consumes all nearby enemies.

As gamers progress, they'll encounter stunning boss fights. One fiery demon in particular, named Berial, towers over Nero while it swings its tremendous sword and destroys all the nearby buildings. When it gets bored of that, it launches a volley of explosive fireballs. Luckily, the houses have plenty of health orbs inside them, but players will need to figure out how to extinguish some of Berial's fire to make him vulnerable to gun attacks.

Scheduled to release early February 2008 on the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC, DMC 4 will introduce players to a new level of demon hunting mayhem. Look for our review in the near future.