Cruising the Inferno is fun, brutal, and raw.
Early in the game, (and in the demo) you bear witness to Dante's death, but he has a far too strong will to just let that happen. After wrestling the all- powerful scythe from Death's hands, he sets off home, hoping to repent for his sins. However, he finds his beloved Beatrice murdered, as well as his father. This starts off an epic adventure, where Dante travels to hell itself and through all Nine Circles (Limbo, Lust, Gluttony, Greed, Anger, Heresy, Violence, Fraud, Treason) to find his beloved.
Dante's Inferno is an action packed game, gory and brutal. It reminds a lot of the God of War games when it comes to fighting, pushing the right buttons to finish off a huge boss, or breaking the fountains for much needed health or mana.
Unlike God of War, this game focuses almost entirely on action, with a rare puzzle inbetween. There are still lots of secrets to find, however. You must seek out relics to help in your quest, hidden treasures, and lost souls to judge.
Small enemies, or weakened bigger ones, can be defeated in another way than just cleaving them in two: you can choose to either punish or absolve them. Doing this boosts either your Holy or Unholy level, which opens up new magic, bigger health bar and new techniques. You can purchase these with souls you collected by defeating enemies.
When you find a lost soul (Shades), you find out who they were in life, and then you also choose between either punishment or absolution. Doing this gives a great boost to your (un)holy XP. Absolving starts a mini- game, which can also give you a lot of extra souls.
When it comes to graphics, Dante's Inferno is amazing. The levels are incredibly detailed, sometimes disgusting or beautiful, and vary greatly. The enemies are cool, and the boss fights are pure adrenaline, although some may be predictable.
The only downside I could think of: the plot is very straightforward. There's not a lot to digest plotwise, and your ghostly guide Virgil is only there for some flavour text, and sometimes a useful item. The conversations and lip sync are done well, however.
So, all in all, Dante's Inferno is a hack 'n slash game with a lot of really cool levels, huge and disgusting bosses, and a great atmosphere. I think Hell is portrayed very well in this game. It really shows what hell could be like, if there is one, and by what sin you could end up there. As far as I can see, judging from the sins and this game (which has a lot of bible references), you'd best not do ANYthing or you'll end up in hell! Oh wait, that would be sloth, and you'd still be screwed.. Ahem...
After 8 to 10 hours maximum, you'll see the end credits rolling, and get some rewards: a new costume, a new difficulty setting, video's and concept art, and the possibility to replay with all items and powers intact. Oh, and the Hell's Arena where you can show off your fighting skills.
The game is a bit short, but I think that's okay, since it's very action focused. You'll get to beat the hell (pun intended) out of some real fiends, see 9 fantastic levels of hell (although the 8th is actually boring, repetitive and uninspired) and get your girl back from the clutches of Lucifer himself. It's a nice game to play, and, although it could have a bit more depth, definitely very enjoyable in the end.