Summary
- Release Year: 2010
- Genres: Adventure, Hack and slash/Beat ’em up
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, Xbox 360
- Developers: Visceral Games
- Publishers: Electronic Arts
Dante’s Inferno: A Journey Through the Depths of Hell
Released in 2010, Dante’s Inferno is an epic single-player, third-person action-adventure game inspired by “Inferno,” part one of Dante Alighieri’s classic Italian poem, “The Divine Comedy.” Developed by Visceral Games and published by Electronic Arts, the game takes players on a harrowing journey through the nine circles of Hell, as depicted by Dante in his epic poem.
Story
Dante’s Inferno follows the story of Dante, a disillusioned Crusader who returns home to find his beloved Beatrice murdered. Driven by grief and a thirst for vengeance, Dante descends into the depths of Hell to rescue Beatrice’s soul from the clutches of Lucifer himself.
Along the way, Dante encounters a cast of characters from both Christian mythology and classical literature, including Virgil, the Roman poet who serves as Dante’s guide through Hell; Beatrice, Dante’s lost love; and a host of demons and otherworldly creatures.
Gameplay
Dante’s Inferno is a fast-paced, action-packed game that combines hack-and-slash combat with platforming and puzzle-solving elements. Players control Dante as he battles his way through hordes of demons, using a variety of weapons and abilities, including his signature scythe, the Death Scythe.
The game features a unique combat system that allows players to perform a variety of attacks and combos. Dante can also use his mana to cast spells and abilities, such as a holy shield or a healing spell.
In addition to combat, the game also features platforming and puzzle-solving elements. Players must navigate treacherous environments, solve puzzles, and overcome obstacles in order to progress through the game.
Setting
Dante’s Inferno is set in a dark and nightmarish rendition of Hell, based on Dante’s vivid descriptions in “Inferno.” The game’s environments are filled with grotesque and terrifying creatures, as well as the souls of the damned, who are punished for their sins in gruesome and imaginative ways.
The nine circles of Hell are each themed after a different type of sin, such as lust, gluttony, and violence. As Dante descends deeper into Hell, the environments become more and more horrific, and the punishments inflicted on the damned become more and more severe.
Themes
Dante’s Inferno explores a number of dark and mature themes, including sin, redemption, and the nature of good and evil. The game challenges players to question their own beliefs and morality as they witness the horrors of Hell and the suffering of the damned.
The game also features a strong sense of justice and retribution. Dante is driven by a desire to punish the wicked and avenge the death of his beloved Beatrice. However, the game also shows the dangers of unchecked vengeance and the importance of forgiveness.
Critical Reception
Dante’s Inferno received mixed reviews upon release. Some critics praised the game’s fast-paced combat, unique setting, and dark and mature themes. However, other critics criticized the game’s repetitive gameplay, linear level design, and lack of innovation.
Despite the mixed reviews, Dante’s Inferno was a commercial success, selling over two million copies worldwide. The game also received a number of awards and nominations, including an award for “Best Action Game” at the 2010 Spike Video Game Awards.
Legacy
Dante’s Inferno remains a popular and influential game today. The game’s unique setting, dark and mature themes, and fast-paced combat have inspired a number of other games, including the God of War series and the Darksiders series.
The game has also been praised for its innovative use of the Dante Alighieri’s classic poem as source material. Dante’s Inferno has helped to introduce a new generation of gamers to the work of Dante and his timeless tale of sin, redemption, and the nature of good and evil.
Review Score
7.5/10
Art
Cover Art
Screenshots
