While in combat, the Devil Bringer allows characters to grapple and throw enemies.  How the throw works is dependent on the enemy, since this standard attack works differently against boss Berial than it does the usual level trash.  A secondary function, unlocked part-way through the level, allows Nero to grab an enemy for afar and pull them to him.  This grants players a great way to chain combos together, or simply bring the fight a little closer to home.

This secondary Devil Bringer ability is used out of combat as well, as a platforming mechanic.  Small sigils on the ground connect via the Devil Bringer to other areas (think hook-shot) for one- or two-way transit.  It’s a mundane-yet-welcome addition to the game’s platforming that I can only hope is expanded in the full title.

Gunplay and swordplay haven’t changed much, though Nero’s sword has an interesting modification that allows it to rev similarly to a motorcycle throttle.  Proper use of the left trigger allows the player to store a charge in the sword that is unleashed during the next attack to great effect, but charging the sword mid-combat is a bit unwieldy since it limits your mobility.  I found it useful against Berial and nowhere else.

Graphically, the demo unfolds like all current gen titles should, and I was happy with how close Capcom stood to the past titles.  You could see the gothic impressions left upon the game’s artists in the settings, while the enemies carried the same air of insanity and disease.  Players with HDTVs and their counterparts waiting to make the upgrade from SD will equally enjoy the visuals, though there isn’t much to write home about.

Veterans:  don’t be alarmed that someone new has taken over the franchise, or that you’re (possibly) playing it on a new console with a foreign controller, because the game simply enhances everything you’ve come to enjoy.  Newbs:  there’s plenty to learn, but none of it is necessary if you simply wish to have a good time killing demons and hell-spawn.

Oh, and as a side note, there’s really no difference between the two versions.  Stop asking.