Cultural differences aren't easily disguised. So why not just accept that?
Such is Ninja Theory's philosophy as they tackle the Devil May Cry reboot, known simply as DMC.
In speaking to OXM , studio boss Tameem Antoniades and Capcom's Alex Jones spoke about the backlash they've received for the style changes in Dante's new adventure. As it turns out, former Capcom executive Keiji Inafune suggested to approach the subject by imagining the game "as a contemporary movie." As for the design differences, Jones had this to say:
"Japanese style ethos does tend to involve make characters look cool for the sake of looking cool, adding odd accessories, crazy hairstyles and colour, cowboy boots and so on simply because they look cool.
We in the West tend to be more functional adding things that have meaning and being able to explain that meaning. Why does Dante have white hair? I want to make a little story around that and explain it. And so on for the rest of his design choices."
Antoniades added to this by saying they haven't "done away with any of the Japanese aspects," but they've built on the foundations of the franchise. They all grew up with US and European movies, comics, music and general culture, so that's what they're using as influences. In the end:
"We're not pretending we are Japanese nor making apologies for that."
…man, what we wouldn't give to hear a Japanese studio say exactly those words in reference to the West.
Related Game(s): DMC
that's kinda racist…
Region and race have nothing to do with it. it's not dante, and without dante, or even passing the torch to nero, it's not DMC. if it's a good game. they need to change it to be their own not a new DMC.
Ninja theory dosn't realize the problem. i would have notified capcom that it's THEIR IP not ours, and if pressed to do it, the backlash from the first trailer would of made me say 'hey capcom. this is sh- compared t Devil May Cry 2. we have to drop this."
I dont think the main problem with the new dante its that its "different", I think the main problem is the character design is not that strong, I may be alone in this but the new hairstyle just look awkward…
Its not because the Japanese try to make their characters look "cool", its because you made a cool character lame.
"We in the West tend to be more functional adding things that have meaning…"
Whats the function in making him a chain smoker other than you think it makes him look edgy and cool?
My god. Why are people so enraged over this new look? It's a younger Dante without white hair. Oh no! I think we need to get over it. I mean…it is pretty obvious that his white hair is going to be in the game at a late stage.
Him and Virgil were born with that hair color. they had it when their mother was killed. so before this.
the hair is not the problem, that is less then 1% the problem.
it's everything, including the crappy music direction.
I agree with Ninja Theory that they shouldn't try to emulate Japanese game developers. They shouldn't insult them either. It sounds like they tried to get as close as they could without actually doing it.
I'm kind of surprised NT accepted this project. They're taking a western approach to a franchise that is distinctly Japanese. Why would you complain about your two previous games' sales, then take on Devil May Cry?
Because Devil May Cry has a history of bring great, and at the very least good. Why not take on something that already has fans? It wasn't a bad choice at all, up until they started abandoning the fans of the series. I'm not a huge DMC fan so I can't speak to the extent of it, but that's what I gather.
The thing is if they made a Heavenly Sword 2 the sale would probably double that of the first. It would sell well regardless. Thats my problem with NT is they can't see past what's in front of them. They are not very optimistic, and dont take chances. DMC definitely isn't a risk, it is to the fans, but as a developer it's almost like being handed gold. How can they screw that up, something with a reputation? We shall see!
I wish they would make Heavenly Sword 2. I think they gave up too soon, as you said they don't seem very optimistic.
There wasn't anything wrong with Dante's design. If ain't broke,then don't fix it. It was the dull and tired game he was trapped in, that was the problem.
"We have a plan and we're bloody well going to stick to it!"
Seriously, that's all I gathered from reading this, and I'm glad for that. Capcom went to NT because they are a Western studio that is known for their storytelling, which is what they wanted. There need be no apologies, and so long as NT can pull off the other core aspects of DMC adequately, we can all rest assured that it'll be a better story than we've seen to date.
building on the foundations of the series my a$$!
this is not DMC, simple as that!
Correction it's not the OLD Devil May Cry it's a New Devil May Cry with a New Dante and that's exactly how it should be looked at by all.
thats exactly the problem.
we dont want a new dante and a new DMC.
if your going to do that, might as well do a new IP.
nothing pisses me off more then when companies make a new game and slap a beloved franchises name on it just for the sake of suckering in old franchise fans!
they already did it with DMC4 that was bad enough!
ill be getting the collection, then that will be the last crapcom game i ever purchase!
"then that will be the last crapcom game i ever purchase!"
Yeah sure it will *rolls eyes*
Last edited by GuyverLT on 2/2/2012 8:41:19 AM
I think NT has been taking way too much heat for this. They're well known for being great storytellers, which DMC will certainly benefit from. The gameplay trailers we've seen thus far seems to indicate that the combat will be as robust as it's always been. And the big thing that everyone hates wasn't their call, it was Capcom's. Exactly what have they done wrong do far?
Kudos to them for sticking to their guns and not apologizing for not being something they aren't.
"Exactly what have they done wrong do far?"
When the 1st trailer showed almost every complaint I saw whether it on youtube, facebook, twitter, any & all gaming websites were simply based around the new design, but since ppl have tried to find other things to complain, like some say they don't like that Tameem guy for some comment he made about the old Dante to the game being run at 30 fps or something like that
I've been on board since the beginning, so I'm waiting to reserve judgment on the final product.
I'll admit. I was pretty miffed when I saw that first trailer. I'm a big fan of Dante's original look. But I've come around.
I think we need to give NT the benefit of the doubt on this one. It's a reboot of sorts, and that always comes with some design changes. We need to be more open minded. I actually hope this games turns out to be great and sells really well. Lets get some confidence back to NT so they can make the game we all REALLY want; Heavenly Sword 2!
Only time will tell. I think most people have nothing better to do than hate. If all people are worried about is the way dante looks then don't play the game. Plain and simple. Stop crying and complaining because he looks different. Honestly, dante moves so fast anyways you don't ever really see his hair or his facial expressions or really even what he's wearing. Sure it's there, but do you really pay that much attention to it? If you do then maybe you should find a new hobby, like fashion. LOL. I've never in my life come across so many crybabies complaining about how a VIDEO GAME character looks!!! It's actually extremely entertaining, but it's unfortunate because it truly makes us gamers look like a bunch of whiners and spoiled brats. It's hilarious because people are so surprised when things change. In reality, change is the nature of the business and in general change is usually good. People just have such a hard time embracing change and it's truly a shame. Anyway, i totally look forward to playing this game. Love dmc and i can't wait to see what they have to throw at us. GO NT!!! LOL
All I have to say is look at Enslaved and how it sold. I'm pretty sure some will buy DMC, but a lot of folks won't. Personally I don't care for it. I prefer the other Dante, but you know for those of you who will enjoy it. Cool. 🙂 I doubt it'll make sales record history and that will be the answer to their "what if we rebooted DMC?" question.
In theory Ninja Theory's theory is a good theory, however they contradict theirselves in terms of the whole "function for fashion" idea: why the f**k can Dante turn into an angel for example? He's supposed to be a demon. So they jacked up the story and completely destroyed the point of the game's title by telling the world that in this version he's half devil, half angel. But hey, I suppose that explains why he has white hair…
So to Westernize it they make Dante look like a strung out meth head? Brilliant!