Dante's Inferno Review
Unless Rockstar Games have an adaptation of The Canterbury Tales in the pipeline, EA’s Dante’s Inferno stands apart in the hack n’ slash genre as the first to be inspired by 14th century literature. Of course, this isn’t any old 14th century literature; this is Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, which documents the epic journey of poet Dante through the nine levels of hell and beyond. It’s juicy stuff, for sure, and EA were quite right to jump at the opportunity to reboot the yarn for 21st Century gamers.
Of course, the word “reboot” really must be stressed – out goes Dante the poet, and in comes Dante the Russell-Crowe-type. This Dante is on a quest to rescue the soul of his beloved Beatrice from the clutches of Old Nick himself. At the very top of the game our titular hero picks a fight with Death – and wins. He steals his scythe. With this weapon, he distributes his own form of holy (or unholy) justice on the myriad of gloomy spirits sent forth to stop him. It’s safe to say that you won’t remember much of this from the book.
Dante's Inferno - out goes Dante the poet, and in comes Dante the Russell-Crowe-type
But, this is a video game after all, and I’m pleased to say that the new Dante’s Inferno is a master-class in pounding (and often bloody) action. It’s a highly playable medieval romp and an unquestionable visual spectacle.
Alighieri’s “nine levels” have inspired artists for centuries, so it’s no surprise that Inferno’s creative team had such a field day poring over every last detail of the game’s effects. Visually, it’s dark and gruesome. When combined with the bone-crunching battle FX and the screams, groans and moans of the recently deceased, it’s downright chilling. Combat is straightforward, offering light/heavy attacks and simple blocking and evading moves, and the option to purchase new combos with the souls of defeated enemies gives incentive for hanging around and knocking off just a few more than is necessary to progress. Another nice touch is Inferno’s finishing move, which gives you the opportunity to “punish” or “absolve” your attackers (depending, presumably, on how good or bad a day you’ve just had).
It’s unfortunate that Dante’s Inferno has been released so soon after Sega’s Bayonetta, as comparisons between the two will inevitably be drawn. Inferno may not be as original (or even as cerebral) as it’s counterpart, but it does feel a whole lot less frantic. This gives the player time to experience the visuals, and remain in control of the action. It never feels like you’re aimlessly button-bashing, meaning novice gamers can actually plan to use those extra special combos, rather than them sneaking out by accident.
Dante’s Inferno plays and feels like a big Hollywood blockbuster. It’s like 300 for video games; an enjoyable, gory adventure that stops just short of being essential but remains hugely entertaining all the less. Just don’t rely on it to help you pass a classic literature exam!
