Capcom's console game business was the primary driver behind the company's 11.5 percent net sales gain on the fiscal year, the company announced today, crediting overseas performance of Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition, Umbrella Chronicles and Devil May Cry 4 in particular.

Shipments of RE4 and Umbrella Chronicles for Wii "greatly exceeded" expectations, with shipments surpassing one million units, Capcom said, while DMC4 brought "record" sales for the company with over 2 million units. Additionally, PSP's Monster Hunter Freedom 2nd G" is off to a "strong start," Capcom said, with nearly one million units sold.

Sales increased to ¥83,097 million ($805.79 million), while the company's operating income saw a 15.7 percent gain on the year to ¥12,267 million ($118.95 million). Net income increased 33.4 percent to ¥7,807 ($75.70).

The company forecasts a 14.7 percent increase in net sales to ¥95,300 million ($924.12 million) in the coming year, alongside 20.6 percent income growth to ¥14,800 million ($145 million) driven by "the steady growth of each segments, which will be the best records of Capcom Co., Ltd."

There's an offer out on the Internets for a swell DVD case for the animated series DVDs included within. You also get $5 off your purchase of Vol. 2 of the anime. The Right Stuf International is taking the orders on behalf of publisher ADV. The site has the details and everything you need to order. It's $3.99, but clearly, this thing pays for itself.

Devil May Cry DVD Case/Insert/Coupon Offer [Anime Superstore]

Turbo mode will turn-up the action to insane speeds, while Legendary Dark Knight Mode will harness advanced PC processing power and fill the screen with an unbelievable number of enemies for extra difficulty. Moreover, familiar enemies from the console versions will show-up in new locations in the PC version.

CAPCOM®'S DEVIL MAY CRY® 4 COMING TO PC THIS SUMMER Demo With System Benchmark Mode Will Be Available Before the Game's Release

SAN MATEO, Calif — April 23, 2008 — Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that the highly anticipated PC version of Devil May Cry® 4 is locked and loaded for release this summer. Devil May Cry 4 is already a certifiable hit in the console world, having shipped over 2 million units world wide since its release in North America in February. A demo of the game will be released for PC players before the retail version ships, allowing PC gamers to try the game ahead of time, as well as testing their system's prowess with the included benchmark mode. The PC version of Devil May Cry 4 will feature new modes, enhanced graphics options and some additional content. Devil May Cry 4 has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board.

Good things come to those who wait as PC owners will benefit from having more modes and more visual customization options to help enhance their demon-slaying action. Turbo mode will turn-up the action to insane speeds, while Legendary Dark Knight Mode will harness advanced PC processing power and fill the screen with an unbelievable number of enemies for extra difficulty. Moreover, familiar enemies from the console versions will show-up in new locations in the PC version. The high resolution screen settings allow the cut scenes of the game to run at up to 120 frames per second (up from 30 frames per second in the console version of the game). Slider options are available to manage various visual effects seen throughout the game. Devil May Cry 4 for the PC will have both DirectX® 9 and DirectX® 10 modes, and will also be compliant with the Games For Windows® program.

From the producer of the original Devil May Cry® and Resident Evil® 4 comes the next installment in the hugely successful stylized action series that has so far achieved global sales of nearly seven million units. Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with a familiar hero. As the new leading man, Nero, players will unleash incredible attacks and non-stop combos using a unique new gameplay mechanic: the powerful "Devil Bringer" on his right arm.

The Xbox 360 and the PC are close in structure, so it was easy to switch over. The PS3, the CPU and the design are unique... our programmer is extremely talented, and was able to figure it out. I think after repeated meetings with Sony that we were able to tap into the PS3.

The month saw some impressive debuts, including strong sales for Lost Odyssey and Turok. Wii Play and Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games continue to be lapped up by the masses, with Guitar Hero III and Rock Band taking the open slots on the top ten. Numbers are after this.

01. Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare (Xbox 360) - 296,200
02. Devil May Cry 4 (Xbox 360) - 295,200
03. Wii Play (Wii) - 289,700
04. Devil May Cry 4 (PS3) - 233,500
05. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (Wii) - 222,900
06. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games (DS) - 205,600
07. Lost Odyssey (Xbox 360) - 203,600
08. Turok (Xbox 360) - 197,700
09. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (PS2) - 183,800
10. Rock Band (Xbox 360) - 161,800

Total software sales topped a staggering $668 million, up 47% from last year. Just one more record setting month for the video game industry.

Considering the impressive line up of marquee titles released this month—Super Smash Bros. Brawl, God of War: Chains of Olympus, Condemned 2: Bloodshot, Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, to name a few—expect March to outperform February's record-breaking take.

Ben "Yahtzee" Croshaw and I can agree on one thing. Devil May Cry has long been, in our shared opinion, "as aggressively juvenile as a 12 year old on pixie stix" and suffers from "truly obnoxious level design." But that doesn't mean it's not fun. It just requires the shutting off of a cynical brain, one that's jaded from one too many mid-air dick-waving sword fights, infinite ammo and the constant din of stylized violence to enjoy the demon puppet juggling.

Zero Punctuation: Devil May Cry 4 [The Escapist]

UPDATE - Courtesy of an anonymous tipster, we've got another pic after the jump. This one's rather unsuitable for work, though, so...bear that in mind.

You know, a lot of people ask us if we are going to bring out a Wii version. I simply don't think you can make the game the type of game it is, with the awesome graphics and control — I don't think that would work on the Wii. So, I don't think we're going to bring one out, no.

Devil May Cry 4 (PS3, 360)
Heavenly Sword (PS3)
Assassin's Creed (PS3, 360)
Call of Duty 4 (PS3, 360)
Halo 3 (360)
Mass Effect (360)
Lost Odyssey (360)

If you're feeling like a shopping spree you could pick up a couple games and use those gift cards to put towards that Rock Band bundle bringing the price down to a comfortable $129.

Best of the Sunday Ad Video Game Deals (2/17 - 2/23) [CheapAssGamer]

But it's been 7 years since the first game's incarnation, and Dante has been subverted by a remarkably similar looking chap sporting a glowy blue arm. So how does the series hold up? Hit the jump for our Frankenreview of Devil May Cry 4—because the suspense is killing you.

GameDaily
As for presentation, it's simply jaw-dropping. The visuals are absolutely spectacular throughout Devil May Cry 4, bursting with exquisite details. Whether you're storming the rooftop of an ice castle, fighting your way through underground caverns or slashing your way through a tropical jungle, they really come alive better than any current-gen Capcom effort we've seen. Occasionally, there is some slight flicker and slowdown, but this never dwindles the quality of the graphics.

1UP
Nero offers a remarkably different style of play thanks to the Devil Bringer, his demonically enhanced right arm. Its various uses include tossing foes around, pulling off unique finishing moves, and grappling across ...Devil May Cry has always rewarded pinpoint timing, and the Red Queen reconfirms that commitment with its brilliant "Instant Rev" mechanic that dishes out maximum damage by perfectly timing a button press during a combo. It's a seemingly insubstantial, purely optional gameplay addition that deepens combat immeasurably.

VideoGamer
Getting to a boss or a mini-boss demon and seeing what happens when you grapple them is what keeps Nero's combat interesting through the first play through. We won't spoil anything for you, but Nero brutally pummels one of the bosses during a mission about half way through the game in an attack that ends with a super-slow motion punch to the face that'll have you wincing every time you see it. This is what the DMC games are all about - over-the-top, brutal, Japanese-style violence. And we love it.

Xbox World
While the mechanics of the game aren't problematic in the least, a lot of gamers may have an issue with camera placement. Capcom has kept the same detached camera system in use for many of its staple franchises - for dramatic effect. Inexplicably, however, it also sought to break the 180º rule at every turn, literally, which means that with every cut to a new camera angle, you will find your running direction reversed, causing unnecessary frustration.

Eurogamer
There are other areas where the gameplay feels old - like the way you're penned into a predetermined area to fight demons, which respawn upon your return but with no requirement to fight them other than as a means to harvest more of the game's currency. Elsewhere, the accessibility doesn't extend to keeping you informed as to what to do or where to go next, so you're left to wander around until you find an arbitrary object...When it does things like this, it just feels like a high-def re-skin of a 2001 game design.I really wasn't a fan when I tried it out at TGS. The whole thing just felt like more of the same, but evidently that's what people want.

[And...we're done! Final install time was right on Capcom's estimates: 22 minutes, which gave him plenty of time to both make a delicious salami sandwich and polish off a beer]

However, without PS3 to PS3 comparisons we may be discounting the possibility that the Xbox 360 version has better disc load times than the PS3 version, so there could still be a considerable loading benefit for PS3 owners. Even for 2 second savings, I'd leave the game installing while I did something else.

PS3 Devil will make you CRY with 20 min install time [CVG]

Devil May Cry 4 (PS3, X360)
The stylish fighting styles are back with a whole new hero.

Turok (X360, PS3, PC)
It's a dinosaur massacre!

Assassin's Creed: Altair's Chronicles (DS)
The fate of Altair rests in the palm of your hand.

Sins of a Solar Empire (PC)
Space strategy!

Culdcept SAGA (X360)
Think Monopoly meets Magic the Gathering.

Twisted Metal: Head On: Extra Twisted Edition (PS2)
Get out of that ice cream truck for the very first time.

Spaceforce: Captains (PC)
Create your own space station and control the galaxy.

Downstream Panic! (PSP)
Lead your school of fish to freedom

Karaoke Revolution Presents: American Idol Encore (X360, WII, PS2)
Let a virtual Simon tell you how bad your virtual voice is, virtually!

Nobunaga's Ambition: Rise to Power (PS2)
Experience Feudal Japan like you may have never experienced it before but probably have.

The Spiderwick Chronicles (X360, PS2, PC, DS)
The creepy kid's novels spawn a game.

Zoo Tycoon 2 DS (DS)
Own your own miniature zoo.

My Horse and Me (WII, DS)
It's my horse and me, er well ...your horse and you.

Medieval II Total War: Gold Pack (PC)
Medieval II: Total War and its expansion Medieval II: Total War Kingdoms in one box.

Laruku In DMC4 [Japanator]

Capcom Releases DMC4 Downloads For PC-Darts [Game Watch]

We contacted both Capcom and ADV Films to learn more.

Update: While we still haven't heard back from ADV PR, a statement from the company reads in part "While we can't go into any detail at this time, please know that ADV is working through a few short-term challenges and fully intends to continue our releases." The original ICv2 article has also been described as a "contingency" draft by its editors.

Capcom reps told us that while they can't speak for ADV Films' release schedule, a cancellation of the DVD release of the series would not affect the Devil May Cry 4 Collector's Edition. It comes with the first disc of the DVD release, containing 4 episodes of the cartoon, which may now be the only option for those looking for an English language release.

We have yet to hear back from ADV reps. Alleged word from ADV to retailers listed some 37 titles as "on indefinite hiatus, effective immediately" but the title is still listed as shipping on February 5 at retailers like Amazon and CD Universe.

We'll update if we hear more details.

Thanks to... um, Bonertown for the heads up.

We don't set the prices of our games, that's at the discretion of the retailer. In this specific instance, the process has resulted in a price difference, but the process itself is not something we completely control.

It is very difficult to separate them — which should please gamers on both side of the console fence. Japanese game site Iroinaki Coin Ikko Ireru did the comparison. If you click through the pics on the site, be aware that some of the PS3 version is blurry in a few pics due to the difficulty of capturing at 60 frames per second on the PS3.
DMC 4 Comparison [Iroinaki Coin Ikko Ireru]

Circuit City's weekly ad offers a $10 gift card with a pre-order of Devil May Cry 4 for either the Xbox 360 version or the PS3 version. A $10 gift card is also available for pre-orders of the 360 and PS3 versions of Turok. For a full rundown of all the weekly ad deals, check out CheapAssGamer.com.

New add-ons for Folklore, Rock Band, Stranglehold and Need for Speed: ProStreet also arrive. It's all designed to put pressure on your internet connection. For the full list, keep on keepin' on.

Games and Demos
PixelJunk Monsters ($7.99) - This price is listed as "for a limited time" so strike now!
Devil May Cry 4 demo (free)
The Club demo (free)
Jet Moto 2 for PS3/PSP ($5.99)

Expansions and Add-ons
Folklore Create-a-Creature Winner add-on (free)

Rock Band ($1.99 each) - "Wonderwall", "Live Forever" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" by Oasis.
Rock Band Oasis Pack ($5.49)

Stranglehold Map Pack ($14.99) - Also comes in Collector's Edition style.

Need for Speed ProStreet Extender Pack Bundle 1 ($5.99) - Pay for the privilege of driving the Aston Martin DBR9, Porsche Carrera GT, Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Lancia Delta Integrale Evo, and Dodge Challenger Concept.

Need for Speed ProStreet Extender Pack Bundle 2 ($5.99) - More stuff that's already on the disc, but requires cash to play includes the Koeniggsigg CCX, Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Aston Martin DB9, Audi R8, Porsche 911 GT3, and Honda S2000.

Game Videos
Tony Hawk's Proving Ground - Stevie's Skater Story

Movie Trailers
Step Up 2: The Streets trailer
Dragon Wars Blu-ray trailer

Wallpapers and Themes
PixelJunk Monsters theme
Lemmings theme

Devil May Cry 4 Demo Available This Thursday [Capcom Blog]

The sharp eyes over at IGN have spotted what may be a juicy bit of news over on the Devil May Cry 4 fansite. If you click on the option to download a DMC4 widget, the site loads up an example picture which shows that the demo for the game will be hitting the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 on January 31.

Of course, as IGN also points out, this could just be bad placeholder text for the widget example. But with the game hitting just a week into February it doesn't seem like too far a stretch for that demo date to be right.

DMC4 Demo Dated? [IGN]

Most games these days tend to hold your hand all the way through," says PSM3, adding "Devil May Cry is not like that. It'll throw a million demons at you because it wants to, put in half a dozen arbitrary fights in a 30-foot stretch of map, force you to survive for ages on a tiny sliver of health... and then give you a D at the end of the level because you weren't doing enough combos... Weirdest of all, the difficulty curve seems to peak in the middle of the game... There are bits in DMC4 that you'll absolutely love, and bits that you'll hate.

And if you aren't lucky enough to be one of the hundred with a genuine Kobayashi signature on your copy of DMC4, you can always make your own. Silver Sharpies are only $5.19 per 4-pack at Staples!

Thinking Of You... (aka Announcing the signed DMC4 Collector's Edition "Golden Ticket") [Capcom Blogs]

Make the jump for a few more shots...

You can check out the whole gallery here on Famitsu.

No, there isn't some super cool Power Glove-esque Devil Bringer controller pack-in, nor is there a sweet limited Nero action figure bonus. Capcom couldn't even be bothered to throw in a t-shirt. It's just the console and the game. I suppose the custom cardboard box will appeal to some, but for 37,800 yen, I'd have expected at the very least a huggable Trish pillow.

Devil May Cry 4 Xbox 360 Premium Package [Game Watch]

It [the engine] is not a 360 engine. It's not an engine for the 360. It's the internal engine that we use at Capcom for next generation machines called the MT Framework [note: MT stands for multi-target]. That actually runs on PC. As you know, we did originally plan to have this title just on PS3, but actually the development was done on a PC, not on a particular console. So because it's all done on the PC... it makes it very easy to move it put it on the 360 and use the power of that machine, or to put it on the PS3 and use the power of that machine, each in different ways. It's really pretty easy to do it, developing it from this PC base.

DEMO FOR CAPCOM®'S DEVIL MAY CRY® 4 COMING TO PLAYSTATION®3 SYSTEM AND XBOX LIVE® ONLINE SERVICES EARLY 2008

Gamers Will Have the Opportunity to Experience the Power of the "Devil Bringer" Before Purchasing the Game
Capcom®, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today confirmed that owners of Sony Computer Entertainment's PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft will be able to experience Devil May Cry® 4 early, thanks to the release of a playable demo. A free downloadable demo of the game will be available on the PLAYSTATION®Store and Xbox LIVE® Marketplace in early 2008. Devil May Cry 4 has been rated M for Mature by the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB).

The demo introduces gamers to the gothic-inspired supernatural world of Devil May Cry 4, new protagonist Nero and the awesome power of his Devil Bringer. The demo consists of a sampling of sections from the full game, chosen to showcase Devil May Cry 4's varied locales and allows gamers to familiarize themselves with Nero's unique abilities. Players will receive instruction on the various new actions that the Devil Bringer bestows, such as the ability to slam creatures to the ground, cover great distances in a single bound or even grab enemies while on the ground or in the air and pull them towards Nero to continue the attack combo. The Exceed system allows Nero to "rev up" his sword as if it were a motorcycle throttle and unleash devastating attacks. Players will need to master all these techniques before the end of demo showdown with the mighty Berial.

Fully demonstrating the power of the next generation of consoles, the Devil May Cry 4 demo brings to life the coastal city of Fortuna and its surroundings, such as the port and snow-capped mountain ranges in exquisite detail. Devil May Cry 4 delivers its intense action at a constant 60 frames per second at 720P resolution on HD monitors, ensuring seamless and breathtaking gameplay all in stunning high definition.

That line ballparked between 6 and 8 people throughout the day. Do people here even know it's multiplat?

CAPCOM® ANNOUNCES DEVIL MAY CRY® 4 COLLECTOR'S EDITION

Four Episode Anime DVD, SteelbookTM Case and Bonus Disc Included

Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced the contents of the Devil May Cry® 4 Collector's Edition package, which includes volume 1 of ADV Films' Devil May Cry: The Animated Series, a Steelbook™ case and a bonus DVD filled with extras. The $79.99 Devil May Cry 4 Collector's Edition will be available February 5, 2008, for both the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft.

The Devil May Cry: The Animated Series anime disc will be packed with the Steelbook case, and will include the first four episodes of the 12 episode anime series. Volume one of the four-disc DVD anime series will be available from ADV Films at the same time the game launches. Inside the case will be a second bonus DVD alongside the game that users can slip into their computers. The bonus DVD will contain a "making of" feature on the game, music from the Devil May Cry 4 soundtrack, a digital art book with images and sketches from the development team, wallpapers, icons and screen savers.

The highly anticipated Devil May Cry 4 immerses gamers in a gothic supernatural world, where a new protagonist clashes with series mainstay Dante. As new leading man Nero players will be able to unleash incredibly powerful and stylish attacks and non-stop combos using a combination of the Devil Bringer arm and the Exceed system, both of which are new gameplay mechanics for the series. Fans of Dante won't be disappointed as he too will be playable during the course of the game.

Devil May Cry 4 is an epic story where the lines between good and evil are constantly blurred. Taking full advantage of the advanced graphical and processing power of the next-gen systems and Windows PC it draws gamers into the rich and highly detailed world of Fortuna and its surrounds with more enemies than ever before and some of the most breath-taking bosses ever conceived.

Devil May Cry 4 includes the following features:
• From the producer of the original Devil May Cry® and Resident Evil® 4
• 2 playable characters - take control of both Nero & Dante
• High-definition visuals moving at 60 frames per second
• Blend of familiar and new: newcomer Nero clashes with veteran Dante plus appearances from Trish, Lady and others from the DMC series
• Exceed System allows Nero to easily charge up his sword with a throttle effect, revving up to three levels with powerful and varied attack options
• Deep combo system rewards stylish dispatching of enemies
• Unique "Devil Bringer" arm opens up a range of never seen before combo options
• Distinct set of weaponry and moves for Nero and Dante
• New active style change system for Dante allows him to switch styles and weapons on the fly, producing crazy combo possibilities
• Numerous new characters and environments
• Signature blend of guns and swordplay

Devil May Cry 4 Collector's Edition contains the following extras:
• Volume 1 of ADV Film's Devil May Cry: The Animated Series on DVD, including four complete episodes of the anime (a retail value of $29.99)
• Unique Steelbook™ metal case
• Bonus DVD
o Making of Devil May Cry 4
o Music from the soundtrack
o Digital artbook
o PC content (screen savers, wallpapers, icons)

Please put a check next to the console you own

1. PlayStation (PS one)
2. PlayStation 2
3. GameCube
4. Dreamcast
5. Xbox
6. Xbox 360
7. Gameboy Advance (SP, Micro)
8. Nintendo DS (Lite)
9. PSP
10. Other

Capcom must be doing okay for themselves, as they're running these ads in Tokyo Station in search of new talent. Good luck, future applicants!