The Devil May Cry series is known for it's fast-paced, combo-heavy gameplay, and with Devil May Cry 4 refrain, Capcom has attempted to bring that hack-and-slash action to the iPhone. But while the core experience remains the same, this iPhone version of Devil May Cry 4 contains none of the series' signature sizzle.

It's always impressive when a console game can arrive on the iPhone intact - even more so when it's a recent game such as 2008's Devil May Cry 4. Upon entering the game the first time, gamers familiar with the franchise will likely be shocked and impressed by how closely this mobile version resembles the original. Gamers have full control of their character, as well as three different attacks that can be strung together to rack up the franchise's trademark combos.

Devil May Cry 4 refrain's luster fades quickly, however, beginning when users take a closer look at the game's graphics. The game's dark dungeons and small characters are effective at obscuring the lack of detail at first, but eventually, the game's pixilation and lazy, repetitive backgrounds become grating.

It's unfair to expect PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 level graphics on a mobile device, but Devil May Cry 4 refrain is far below even the less ambitious standard set by iPhone games. Not every game needs or even warrants graphics on par with Infinity Blade, but for a franchise that is built so much on style and aesthetics, it is ridiculous that Capcom did not put more care and effort into developing Devil May Cry 4 refrain.

The Devil May Cry games are not known for being particularly intelligent, as their main draw is their fast-paced, over-the-top, explosive gameplay. But when the graphics are dumbed down to such a degree, that major selling point takes a huge hit, as it becomes nearly impossible to get lost in the game.

Uninspiring graphics aren't the only problem plaguing Devil May Cry 4 refrain's gameplay, however. Juggling multiple enemies to rack up huge combos is a major part of the Devil May Cry series, but in this release, the dungeons are conspicuously empty, with most rooms containing only one enemy - two if you're lucky. Thus, after running into an empty room and a quick flurry of action, you're back to guiding your character through Devil May Cry 4 refrain's drab, monotonous dungeons.

There's nothing wrong with a good hack-and-slash game, as long as it keeps users engaged with some combination of great graphics, evolving gameplay or an entertaining story. At their best, the Devil May Cry games are extraordinarily entertaining button-mashers, but once you take away both the franchise's stunning graphics and most of the enemies, there just isn't enough button-mashing to go around. Unfortunately, Devil May Cry 4 refrain doesn't make up any ground when it comes to story either, with plodding, insufferable cut-scenes comprised of bad, unskippable dialogue and still images of the characters.

Console versions of Devil May Cry aren't for everyone, but they do have a certain allure based on their graphics and gameplay. In Devil May Cry 4 refrain, however, everything that works about the franchise has fallen by the wayside, with nothing new added to this bare-bones release to make it even remotely worth its excessive $4.99 pricetag.

Final Score: D-