When you change up a series, you're going to run into risk. I know I've brought up this little theory before but Devil May Cry is a prime example of it. This Capcom series, which has become a staple in the PlayStation 2 game line-up, started up just fine with the debut chapter, but then ran off-course with the lame duck sequel Devil May Cry 2, ignoring the formula that worked so well and running aground with numerous problems. Fortunately, Capcom wised up and made Devil May Cry 3 shine like the original game, as well as its Special Edition, which arrived not even a year later.

So now we're due for another Devil May Cry, and this title is even more crucial than any of the previous games. That's because it's coming to the PlayStation 3 this time around, and it's going to be Capcom's first big step onto the system (since Resident Evil 5 is still far off in development). And already, months before the game's release, changes are in the air. We've been notified that the main hero in the game is different. Yep, Dante, the fearless gun-toting swordsman we've thrashed with in the first three games, is now just a side character, making room for a newcomer named Nero. Are we in for another Devil May Cry 2-like debacle? Well, don't go looking into the crystal ball just yet. There's a reason to this madness.

Let's start by filling you in on a little back-story. Once again, the Dark Knight Sparda's legacy is brought up, as a new religious group worships him without end. They make a vow to begin wiping out every demon on the planet in tribute to him, and form a group called the Holy Knights. These Knights set out to stop these grotesque beings from wreaking havoc, but a problem arises. Sparda's son, Dante, mercilessly wipes out these Knights, without even stating a reason. One of the few survivors from the attack, Nero, sets out to find the truth, but finds that the road to salvation has speed bumps.

Those fearing that the game will approach a new play style that waivers into Devil May Cry 2's territory need not worry. A recent look at the game at the Tokyo Game Show has indicated that the play will remain just as sharp as it was in Devil May Cry 3, and Nero is just as able to kick demon ass as Dante ever was. He has a sword that he can use for up-close attacks and slicing an enemy up into the air; he packs a devastating pistol that can fire off unlimited ammunition (and the ability to snag new guns); and he also has a demon fist, which is quite the peculiar item. With this fist, he can perform quick jabs that blend seamlessly into a combo, or fire off the fist like a projectile attack, grabbing an enemy and then teleporting himself over to unleash his attack.

What's cool about all these different moves is how you can put them together to form incredible combo attacks. Whether you're airborne or grounded, you'll find yourself mixing up sword attacks, demon fist maneuvers, and bullets to make the enemy break into pieces. There's even a combo system in place to grade you on your combos, going from a typical "C" rating to the top-notch "S" rating, all while using cool little lingo words to give them some style. So far, the game looks to be handling just like Devil May Cry 3 did, with flexible maneuvering and plenty of opportunities to lay down siege on these bastards.

Graphically, from what we've seen so far, Devil May Cry 4 has some good ideas. True, some of the game still needs some work, such as more detail in the locations where you roam through and some touching up on the frame rate, but the game is still heavily in development, so there's plenty of time for these repairs to be applied. The animation looks solid, complete with rag-doll-like animation on enemies when you knock them into the middle of next week and a glimpse of a big, fiery being that could be the first boss battle you encounter. We'll have to see how this shapes up. We haven't heard that much on sound yet, but you can probably expect some rockin' music and decent dialogue.

As far as Dante's role...that's still questionable. Although his motives in the beginning of this game aren't comforting, there probably will be a point during Devil May Cry 4 where you'll take control of him, instead of Nero. How this will come into play is still up in the air, as Capcom is keeping most of the story under wraps. Good for them- last thing we need to do is spoil the game months before we're able to even get our hands on it. However, there is some good news- the game doesn't look to be approaching the cheesiness of Devil May Cry 2. It definitely looks to lean more on the serious side of demon-slaying and not "let's jump from rooftop to rooftop".

Devil May Cry 4 is set to debut sometime during 2007, where it will no doubt be a big title for the PlayStation 3. Some of you might not be sold on the idea yet that you can't control Dante throughout the entire game (at first, probably), but not to worry. Nero looks like he knows what he's doing, and the inclusion of demon fist moves should make him a welcome addition to the series. We'll check back in on this game as it gets closer to its release, complete with hands-on and further impressions. In the meantime, you might want to warm up your skills in Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition. Something tells me that you'll need your mad skills to survive this game's transition to PS3. Can you say "pissed off demon army"?