That’s not to say that there haven’t been more varied titles using the core tenets of character action. PlatinumGames has been a particular innovator in the space, adding such genre trappings to its third-person shooter Vanquish and its experimental action title The Wonderful 101. First-person shooters like the modern Doom titles have taken some inspiration from the frenetic, skill-based nature of character action, and the upcoming Ultrakill openly describes itself as Devil May Cry-meets-Quake. However, there’s one first-person shooter that adheres closer to Devil May Cry than most.
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Bright Memory: Infinite Draws Its Influence From Devil May Cry
It won’t take long for players familiar with Devil May Cry to recognize its elements in Bright Memory: Infinite. Initially released as a prototype called Bright Memory: Episode 1 in 2019, this game was developed by Zeng “FYQD” Xiancheng. Players take control of Shelia, a cybernetically-enhanced special agent who must fight both modern soldiers and an army of monstrous warriors dredged up from the ancient past. The game is short and linear, focusing almost exclusively on combat with the occasional platforming, stealth, or driving sequence.
Plenty of games share a focus on fighting, but Bright Memory is notable for how close it stays to the design of Devil May Cry. That Shelia and Dante both have swords and assorted guns is obvious, but Shelia employs several other techniques taken straight from Capcom’s legendary series. Shelia’s ability to launch enemies and follow them into the air for a sword combo is a clear homage, and Shelia can also make use of an aerial Helm Splitter and something similar to Nero’s enemy-pulling Snatch. There is even an upgrade shop that allows Shelia to purchase a nearly-identical Round Trip ability to throw a charged energy blade like a boomerang. Combined with the prototype grading the player’s fights and Infinite using a Resident Evil-inspired results screen, it’s hard to deny that Bright Memory: Infinite wears its inspiration on its sleeve.
Bright Memory Takes Devil May Cry’s Action in a Whole Different Direction
With that said, Bright Memory is a first-person shooter first and foremost, and a tough, fast-paced character action game second. The game takes the combat loop and stylish priorities of Devil May Cry and changes them to work in a modern shooter context. Shelia’s main weapons are her guns, of which she starts with four that have different firing modes. The game encourages their use, as Shelia’s sword relies on a recharging energy bar to strike. The sword has a projectile component to its slashes to ensure that there will be no frustration in the mid-range battles Bright Memory often creates. Bright Memory: Infinite is a very short game, so Shelia will not gain as many powers or weapons in her adventure like Dante does. That won’t be an issue, as her kit is designed to excel in its environment.
Bright Memory wants the player to keep moving in a manner similar to the modern Doom games. Shelia is equipped with a wall run, double jump, and a dash that the player must use frequently. She is encouraged to get up-close as she has something that Dante sometimes doesn’t: a projectile-reflecting and enemy-staggering parry. This, combined with the massive stun state launched enemies enter, alters the way players approach gunfights and enemy attacks, while still supporting the player’s ability to continuously pressure their foes. For all that it calls back to Devil May Cry, Bright Memory: Infinite still represents a successful conversion of its ideas into a different genre, and hopefully more games will follow suit.
Bright Memory: Infinite is available now on PC, and will release on July 21st for PS5, Switch, and Xbox Series X/S.
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