September 6, 2006 - Dante is going to be taken a back seat in the first next generation entry in the Devil May Cry series. The new issue of Famitsu reveals that Devil May Cry 4 will feature a new lead in the form of Nero, a new character who slightly resembles Dante in that he has white hair and sports a long coat.

Speaking with the magazine, director Hideaki Itsuno stated that the change was made in part to put fans and newcomers on equal ground with the game. One of the worries was that if the game looks too much like a sequel, new players will have a hard time of playing.

The classic Devil May Cry hero will appear in the game as a "mysterious person." From Nero's perspective, Dante is an enemy who appears out of nowhere and kills his allies. Chronologically, the Dante that appears in this game comes after part 1 but before part 2 (the series chronology is 3, 1, 4, 2).

Kobayashi wouldn't state for sure if Dante will be playable (Famitsu shows some shots of Dante shooting his gun, but these may just be event scenes), but Nero seems to have enough tricks that you won't want to go back to the classic hero. Nero has access to a new array of attacks using his "Devil Right Hand." Nero's right hand can be used to pull distant enemies in and send enemies that are close by flying away.

All the classic Devil May Cry moves are also planned for the game. Nero can wield two guns and has access to a variety of swords, including the powerful Red Queen. The combo system is based on that of part 3, Itsuno revealed to the magazine, noting that Capcom has been making adjustments by listening to user feedback. There are a few mysterious new systems, including one where your sword has an element of "acceleration" about it, but details will have to wait until a certain late-September game show.

Devil May Cry is also about stylish drama sequences between the action, and Itsuno and crew seem to have this covered as well. Like part 3, DMC4 will have its event scenes directed by movie director Yuji Shimomura. The story volume will be greater than that of the previous games, Itsuno noted to the magazine.

Itsuno also shared some details on how the game is tapping the power of the PS3. The visuals attempt to deliver a satisfying feel of being in the air. Nero's right arm actions are, according to Itsuno, something that could not be done on current machines.

Closing off the Famitsu feature, producer Hiroyuki Kobayashi commented on Capcom's Devil May Cry 4 showing at the Tokyo Game Show. Players will be able to sample the game as Nero. In addition, Capcom will hold a Devil May Cry stage event which will include a surprise announcement.