Everyone's favorite half-demon is back in Devil May Cry 3. This time around, we'll get a peek into Dante's past as this game takes place before the events of the original Devil May Cry. For those who have been paying attention to the first two stories, Dante's character will be fleshed out a little more clearly. But whether or not you're familiar with the demonic baggage involved in the Devil May Cry series, DMC3 will introduce you in a fast-paced, challenging workout of action gaming.

The opening sequence offers a glimpse into a quiet time with Dante as he unwinds. But the life of an action game hero hardly ever has time for such luxuries, and it's not long before otherworldly baddies start to flood the room and demand a taste of soul. DMC3, for those not already aware, is an action game of the highest order. From the opening whistle, you'll be attacked on all sides by a host of enemies, so it's a good thing Dante is your man.

He's half demon, and he can fight like you'd imagine a demon would. He has handguns, a huge sword and a fair amount of supernatural physical prowess. You'll start with a simple tutorial on basic controls - jump, attack, shoot, etc., but the progression to more complicated techniques is quick. You'll have several styles to choose from, one of which focuses on shooting, while another focuses on flashy swordplay. The idea is to find out what makes you the most comfortable, because the whole point of DMC3 is to become one with the controls. The result is often a splendid ballet of violence, with baddies dropping left and right at your whim.

The separate fighting styles are intended to add a layer of strategy, the implication being that you switch from one to the other depending on the situation, or your mood. But in the early going, you're better off just sticking with the "trickster" style. The name, though, is incredibly misleading, because you'll only survive if you remain very careful about your attacks and gauging the enemy's movements in your direction. Tendencies to hammer away at the attack buttons, no matter how rhythmically or well-aimed, will be punished.

Once you get past the initial tutorials, this is one of the most challenging games in memory. It's so unforgiving, if (when) you die a few times early in the game you'll automatically unlock an easier mode - and it's not that much easier. The enemies simply don't make many stupid mistakes. They're constantly trying to kill you, efficiently, and the moment you lose concentration and give them an opening to get close, you're done.

In the early levels, your small health meter means it only takes a few quick attacks before you're dead. The enemy comes at you en masse, constantly threatening to overwhelm you with sheer numbers. You'll have at your disposal a grand total of one defensive move, a roll, so not only must you be careful, but you must think offensively. But if you charge recklessly, no matter how much fun it can be or how cool it can look, you'll die.

Adding to the difficulty is a save system that forces you to replay a fair bit when you fail. Frankly, the extra practice isn't a bad idea. But it's a little frustrating to know that if you lose to the boss, again, you're going backtracking. It's discouraging when the game itself is already a struggle. On the other hand, if you play it long enough for the save system to matter to you, you've already made the decision that you're up for a challenge.

Strangely, the game gets a little easier after an early initiation. It's as if the designer decided to test the blood pressure capacities of the players, weeding out the weak and those who rent. And it's not just a matter of getting the hang of the game, though that certainly is a factor. Only later, for example, do you get the power to transform into a demon, who is faster, stronger and regenerates. There are also different colored orbs to collect that raise your maximum health, power up your guns, offer new moves for melee weapons and improve your fighting styles.

So once you figure it out, DMC3 is a blast. You can slam enemies into walls, toss them in the air, shoot at them from the air, stomp on and slice them to bits after you've knocked them down - there are so many options it's conceivable you could play the game a few times and, if you're creative, never make the same movie twice. That's what it feels like at times, a tool to make your own fight scenes for a movie.

Because the fighting takes so much concentration, it's almost as fun to sit back and watch DMC3 played well as it is to play it. The action is always smooth, colorful and just plain cool. That said, there are games that look better on the PS2. There are too many jagged edges where there shouldn't be, and so many blurry textures that it's impossible to ignore. But it still looks very good. The art direction is strong - the monster and character designs are fully realized and have an identity all their own. But the graphics aren't going to be the first thing you remember looking back on the game - it's the action.

The music is nicely tuned to the game, featuring grinding heavy metal riffs that fit the main character and the subject matter perfectly. If you aren't into the tunes, chances are you won't be into Dante, either. It's a whole package - a very well thought out package of distinct elements that complement each other very well.

For those who like a challenge, DMC3 is a good choice. The game is less about story, experience or ambience and more about mastering the artful techniques and challenges presented by the game. It's a very time-consuming, frustrating but rewarding and unique experience. Anyone who just picks it up with the attitude that they'll give it a try won't be trying it for long, and that's too bad. The learning curve will scare away a lot of window shoppers.