|
 Devil
Kings is a repetitious affair that is better suited
for the arcades of the world rather than home systems.
There's some good solid action but it's all relegated
to the shallow end of the pool.
Devil
Kings is heavy on the action and if that's all you're
looking for then by all means dive right in - but
don't break your neck. On the surface it seems to
have everything that a button masher could want, including
hordes of enemies to slaughter, special moves, different
colorful characters and RPG elements that allow you
to gain experience. The problem is that even though
the characters are different and the attacks vary,
the execution is the same throughout the game.
Cross-genre
features such as leveling-up, collecting items, gaining
experience points, special attacks and unlockables
is fashionable these days. Devil Kings has these elements
attached like barnacles to a ship - or like perfume
on a pig if you prefer. It's the core gameplay that
needs to be addressed and throwing all kinds of filler
in isn't going to change anything. Continual fighting
has its limits. Doing it with different characters
in the same basic format will test many players' patience.
 Taking
place in what appears to be ancient China, futuristic
weapons and superhero types make their appearance
juxtaposing any specific epoch. These superheroes
are special warriors that possess special attacks
that let them clear a path through a swarm of enemies.
You will get to play as numerous warriors, all surrounded
by a sea of enemies. Whether you blast your way through
the crowd with thunder and lightning, energy waves
or multiple rotating knives, the results are still
the same.
Lasers,
swords, guns and spears are just some of the weapons
available. Through the acquiring of experience points
you can upgrade your favorite weapon to take out more
enemies. The animations of the battle scenes are great
and even better than those of Dynasty Warriors on
which this game is so shamelessly based.
Combat
is relegated to the same two buttons. It's the same
moves over and over and while I applaud simplicity,
there has to be some depth to go along with it. This
is nothing but mindless button mashing made all the
more mindless due to the unintelligent enemies that
do little than present any threat other than their
sheer numbers.
 I
don't know what's going on in the cutscenes. I thought
the cutscenes were supposed to explain situations,
not muddy them. I don't know if there's some kind
of bad translation thing going on but they don't make
any sense. When characters talk to you in-game their
text bubbles obscures your view which can cost you
dearly in mid battle. I guess the pen is mightier
than the sword.
The
music is an eclectic mix of crap that doesn't seem
appropriate for any game I've ever seen. The graphics
are exceptional but it's just too bad they are wasted
on such a simple and repetitive gameplay style. The
lack of a multi-player mode might just indicate that
Capcom knows it's got a stinker on its hands and doesn't
need to spend more time and money on a game that won't
see much of a return.
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It
was only a matter of time before another company attempted
to steal some of the thunder from Koei's long standing
Dynasty Warriors series. I'm surprised it's actually
taken this long. Capcom steps up to the plate with
Devil Kings which, let's be honest, bears more than
a passing resemblance to Koei's flagship series -
but that doesn't mean Capcom shouldn't attempt to
evolve the genre or "build a better mousetrap".
In
Devil Kings, players assume the role of various warriors
who must lead their hero into a succession of hostile
confrontations against an onslaught of opponents.
The action explodes on-screen when awesome "critical
moves" are performed on the battlefield as players
plow through enemy hordes. Unleash the special powers
from within to bombard those who stand against you
with ruthless attacks or summon a powerful storm of
fiery meteors and watch them explode in a whirlwind
of destruction. Using experience points earned during
combat, gamers can level up their characters' personal
attributes and weapons. There are over 80 special
items to find and unlock in hidden treasure chests
located throughout the game. It's up to the player
to build up their heroes, collect items, and carve
a new path to victory and ultimate domination.
Features:
