For the most part, this industry rewards talented studios because gamers typically buy good games.
But for a combination of reasons, Ninja Theory hasn't really experienced blockbuster success this generation. Actually, in point of fact, both Heavenly Sword and Enslaved: Odyssey to the West didn't bring in the big bucks.
It's a little strange in regards to HS, though, as the title apparently sold 1.5 million copies and that still wasn't enough. Then came Enslaved , and as I predicted heading into that launch, it kinda got lost in the typically crazy pre-holiday shuffle. It wasn't as good a game as HS – in my opinion, at least – but it was still extremely entertaining and well worth playing. I still think it had one of the better endings I've seen this generation, and the partner dynamic between Monkey and Trip was both effective and heartfelt. Nothing wrong with that.
And yet, sales were disappointing. So I'm really hoping that their new project, the Devil May Cry reboot, hits big. This time, they don't have to worry about introducing a new IP into a market crammed with sequels and big franchise names; they already have the recognizable franchise name. And although some hardcore fans are still annoyed at the design direction the team took with Dante's new look (which Capcom approved, by the way), I've seen the gameplay. This one definitely looks like a winner, provided everything comes together nicely in the final product.
And if it does, if it garners critical acclaim and everyone seems to like it, it had better sell. Ninja Theory is long overdue for some respect, I say.
They are getting plenty of respect by critics but not in terms of sales. They should be at least getting plenty of support just by brand recognition alone for DMC, if they don't then it speaks to the way gamers feel about NT. I have enjoyed both of their games and I am looking forward to DMC also.
I think it looks fantastic and will probably do 2 million units. NT has the story thing down and Capcom is helping them make the combat deep like it's supposed to be (but that NT isn't known for) so it should all come together nicely except for what appear to be some lacking visuals. I don't think Unreal 3 was a better engine choice than what DMC4 was on, but maybe it made the development easier.
I agree. I don't know why NT didn't try to use the Capcom Framework engine. I think that engine is seriously capable of some awesome graphics and lighting.
I suppose they are just more familiar with the UT engine. It is apparently one of the easier engines to work with. But I agree it doesn't graphically look as good as I think it could.
You lads should see some of the arse-strain reactions this game is getting on some of the DmC forum boards. I've never seen such petty negativity for a game, it borders on cringe-worthy. Some of the bitterness & resentment is absolutely pathetic. You even have some people wanting this game to fail because in their eyes it isn't a DMC game. Wow, it's ok, it's just a game, we will get through this difficult time in life……
There were even threads started from boycott gimps who were trying to put off others who plan on buying the game by saying "If you buy this game you're basically only going to further hamper the franchise by supporting NT's effort"
So basically what they're saying is even if you're interested in the game, not to buy it because it would be an insult to support this & it could have ramifications on the series future if this sells well.
My answer that? Stfu, stop being nerds & let people buy what they want to buy without trying to justify their purchase.
At first i had my doubts & thought this to be nothing more than a stain on the franchise but now that i have seen more & more gameplay vids i have come to terms with NT's direction & i am quite excited to see where they take the series. I don't expect it to match the original DMC or DMC3 but i still reckon this will be solid game nonetheless.
Although i will admit i do find the F bombs a little forced.
Dante: F*** you
Demon minion: F*** you
…….ok we get it, swearing is cool 🙂
So, I I think DMC will do ok based on the name alone. I think that's why Ninja Theory opted to develop a game with a name for itself already established, that way the hard part (getting sales or a fan base) is pretty much taken care of. Now they just have to make sure all the fans are happy and it seems hit and miss right now, but I still say it sells well. Well probably not by Ninja theory' standards, I mean they think 1.5 million isn't much at all. I commend them wanting to be successful though.
Anyways I still say the company is a** backwards, but they certainly know how to make games. So DMC is definitely on my list. Curious to see where they go with it.
Last edited by bigrailer19 on 7/3/2012 12:05:12 AM
The only thing I don't really like is the art direction. I was never a fan of distorted mannequins of different shapes and sizes AND I did hear/read somewhere that this game is set in somewhat alternate universe, so who knows, maybe Dante is just lucid dreaming and Mundus is just having a laugh. 😛
As for Dante, I'm completely fine with his look. I think he looks somewhat… stylishly bad-ass, if you can even say that!
Yeah it's like an alternate universe with an alternate Dante, and I can see how big fans of the original would rather have canon material but I think they should give it a chance anyway.
I like to think NT and Capcom have something big up their sleeve with this.
Well, they've got a day one buyer in me! Seriously love their games and focus on storytelling.
I'm still gonna buy it as a rabid DMC fan, but throwing the canon out the window pissed me off. I hope they don't drop the original storyline and one day return to it.
Can't forget the director of the new DMC said he based the new Dante off of himself when he was younger. Really? It's things like that which make me cringe.
Still looking forward to it for if anything the gameplay. Still looks pretty solid in that department!
Last edited by ZenChichiri on 7/3/2012 5:38:51 AM
why do you think there doing this?
and it will be the final nail in their coffin!
this is not going to do well, it has pissed off FAR too many fans!
crapcom raped and killed dante with DMC4.
than dug him out of his grave, raped him again and left him to rot with the HD collection!
god that was one buggy mess!
umm its a Devil May Cry game… that name alone is gonna get ninja theory lots of sales…… but then again…… I coulda said the same thing about metroid and well we see how that went