The Dante redesign.

    Dante appeared on the scene in 2001 sporting the trench coat, white hair, and enough leather where it would be safe to assume he has a safe word.  However, the trench coat is is tried and true classic look has lent it's stylish look to such legendary character's as Neo of The Matrix, Rorschach of Watchmen, Humphrey Bogart's Rick Blaine of Casablanca, and Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther films just to name a few. It's flowing brilliant crimson beauty certainly helped gamers everywhere fall in love with the fearless private detective and part time mercenary as he flashed across the screen destroying demonic puppets, monsters and shadow creatures alike.  His smartass remarks, flowing combat styles, and fashion sense have certainly secured him a soft spot in my heart for years to come.

    Now Ninja Theory's redesign of the Japanese character that westerners have come to love has received a lot of flack for it's move to a more hipster/emo vibe.  I just want to say that the criticism, in my opinion, is well deserved.  They are throwing out a timeless look and replacing it with the current trends of the youth of today.  Imagine if you will, if Dante was wearing a tie dye t-shirt and bell bottoms, or a basketball jersey and pants sagging below his ass or any other number of ridiculous fashions the youth have come to wear over the years.  Maybe they can sell custom skins for Dante to better market the game to people of differing fashion styles.  Naruto head-band Dante for the Otaku.  Bullet proof vest, jeans and a baseball cap Dante, for the 50 cent fans.  Leopard costume Dante for the furries out there.   Last but not least, Aquaman Dante, for the DC comic fans out there with bad taste in comic book heroes.

    I can't say if this new look, will influence anyone to actually purchase DMC, but what I can tell you is that I wont be buying it.  Why?  Because this isn't Devil May Cry.  That character isn't Dante, and Ninja Theory isn't exactly the best studio for reviving a damaged series like Devil May Cry.  I am not saying it will be bad.  What I am saying is that the cards are stacked against them.  If I hear that the game is worth playing, I'll rent it.  However, I'll be voting against this new Dante redesign the only way game companies can hear me.  With my money.