Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio - The Canceled Sequel’s Epic War in Purgatory Detailed
In 2010, Dante’s Inferno, a visceral action-adventure title from Visceral Games and Electronic Arts, burst onto the gaming scene, offering a distinct take on Dante Alighieri’s “Inferno,” the first canticle of The Divine Comedy. While liberties were taken with the source material, the game provided a compelling narrative centered around Dante’s descent into Hell to rescue the soul of his beloved Beatrice. Fifteen years later, tantalizing details have surfaced regarding the ambitious sequel, Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio, a project ultimately abandoned but brimming with potential. Our extensive investigation unveils the envisioned story, gameplay mechanics, and the overarching themes that would have shaped this follow-up, painting a vivid picture of what could have been one of gaming’s most captivating journeys.
Scaling Mount Purgatory: A Journey of Redemption and War
The concept behind Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio was ingeniously designed as a mirror image of its predecessor. Instead of a descent into the depths of Hell, players would have guided Dante on an arduous ascent of Mount Purgatory. This climb was not merely a physical challenge; it represented Dante’s personal journey of purification, a quest to cleanse himself of the Seven Deadly Sins and ultimately reunite with Beatrice in the Garden of Eden atop the mountain.
The Seven Deadly Sins as Levels: A Gauntlet of Self-Confrontation
Each terrace of Mount Purgatory was meticulously crafted to embody one of the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust. Dante would have been forced to confront the embodiment of each sin, battling not only monstrous manifestations but also the lingering traces of these vices within himself. This internal struggle would have been a central theme, adding a layer of psychological depth rarely seen in action-adventure games.
Pride: The first terrace would have likely featured towering structures and arrogant figures, forcing Dante to confront his own ego and past actions. Gameplay might have emphasized humility and cooperation to overcome challenges.
Envy: Expect illusions, deceit, and twisted reflections designed to sow discord and jealousy. Dante could have faced enemies mirroring his abilities, forcing him to innovate and find new strengths.
Wrath: This terrace would have been a fiery landscape of rage and destruction, testing Dante’s control and patience. Gameplay might have involved managing Dante’s anger to avoid succumbing to the sin.
Sloth: A stagnant and lethargic environment, hindering Dante’s progress and demanding constant vigilance against apathy. Puzzles might have required strategic thinking and efficient resource management to overcome inertia.
Greed: This area could have presented a labyrinth of traps and temptations, forcing Dante to choose between material gain and his ultimate goal. Moral choices and resource management would have been key.
Gluttony: A grotesque feast gone awry, overflowing with excess and decay. Combat might have focused on endurance and resisting the urge to indulge in destructive behaviors.
Lust: Illusions and seductive figures would have populated this terrace, testing Dante’s resolve and devotion to Beatrice. Gameplay might have involved resisting temptations and choosing the path of true love.
A War Between Heaven and Hell: Dante as an Unwitting Catalyst
The storyline would have taken an unexpected turn with the outbreak of a full-scale war between Heaven and Hell. Dante’s actions in the first game, specifically his defeat of Lucifer, inadvertently unleashed the forces of Hell upon Purgatory. This conflict would have served as a backdrop to Dante’s personal journey, with celestial and demonic armies clashing around him. Dante’s role as an unwitting catalyst would have added a layer of complexity to his character, forcing him to grapple with the consequences of his actions.
Returning Allies and Formidable Foes
Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio would have seen the return of familiar faces, including St. Lucia, Dante’s guardian angel from the first game’s DLC, and the poet Virgil, his guide through Hell. These characters would have provided invaluable assistance and guidance as Dante navigated the treacherous slopes of Mount Purgatory. However, Dante would have also faced formidable new adversaries, including lethal archangels who viewed him as a threat to the established order.
St. Lucia and Virgil: Guiding Lights in the Darkness
St. Lucia, with her divine wisdom and healing abilities, would have offered Dante solace and protection against the temptations of Purgatory. Virgil, possessing intimate knowledge of the afterlife, would have continued to serve as Dante’s guide, interpreting the symbolism and dangers of each terrace. Their presence would have reinforced the themes of redemption and divine grace.
Archangels as Antagonists: Celestial Opposition
The concept of archangels as antagonists is particularly intriguing. These powerful beings, traditionally seen as benevolent protectors, would have viewed Dante as a threat to the balance between Heaven and Hell. Their motivations could have stemmed from a fear of change, a desire to maintain the status quo, or a belief that Dante’s actions would ultimately lead to chaos. These encounters would have been challenging, requiring Dante to utilize all his skills and knowledge to overcome celestial opposition.
Gameplay Mechanics and Enhancements
While the core combat mechanics of the first game would likely have been retained, Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio would have introduced new elements to enhance the gameplay experience. These could have included:
Purification System: A New Gameplay Layer
A key mechanic would have revolved around the purification of Dante’s sins. As he progressed through each terrace, Dante would have been presented with opportunities to atone for his past transgressions. This could have involved completing specific tasks, making moral choices, or engaging in challenging combat encounters. Successfully purifying himself would have unlocked new abilities, upgrades, and pathways, allowing players to tailor Dante’s progression to their play style.
Heavenly and Hellish Powers: A Dichotomy of Combat Styles
Drawing upon the war between Heaven and Hell, Dante could have gained access to both celestial and demonic powers. These powers would have offered distinct combat styles and strategic advantages. Heavenly powers might have focused on healing, defense, and ranged attacks, while hellish powers could have emphasized aggression, crowd control, and close-quarters combat. Players would have been able to switch between these powers on the fly, adapting to the challenges of each encounter.
Mount Purgatory Traversal: Platforming and Exploration
Given the vertical nature of Mount Purgatory, platforming and exploration would have played a more prominent role in the sequel. Dante could have utilized new abilities, such as grappling hooks or angelic wings, to navigate treacherous terrain and uncover hidden secrets. The environment itself would have served as a puzzle, requiring players to think creatively and utilize Dante’s skills to overcome obstacles.
Themes of Redemption, Choice, and the Nature of Good and Evil
Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio had the potential to explore profound themes related to redemption, choice, and the complex nature of good and evil. Dante’s journey of purification would have forced players to confront their own moral compass, questioning the choices they make and the consequences that follow. The war between Heaven and Hell would have challenged the traditional notions of good and evil, blurring the lines between the two and forcing players to consider the motivations behind each side’s actions.
Redemption as a Central Narrative Arc
The concept of redemption is inherently compelling. By allowing players to actively participate in Dante’s purification, the game would have created a powerful sense of agency and personal investment. Overcoming the Seven Deadly Sins would not have been a passive experience; it would have required conscious effort, self-reflection, and a willingness to change.
Choice and Consequence: Shaping Dante’s Destiny
The moral choices presented throughout the game would have had a direct impact on Dante’s abilities, relationships, and ultimately, his destiny. Choosing to embrace virtue over sin would have unlocked new powers and strengthened his bond with Beatrice, while succumbing to temptation would have weakened him and led him down a darker path.
The Ambiguity of Good and Evil: Challenging Perceptions
By portraying archangels as antagonists and exploring the motivations behind Hell’s invasion of Purgatory, the game would have challenged players to question their preconceived notions of good and evil. Were the archangels truly acting in the best interests of Heaven, or were they driven by fear and a desire to maintain control? Was Lucifer simply a force of chaos, or did he have a legitimate grievance against the established order? These questions would have added a layer of intellectual depth to the game’s narrative.
Why Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio Was Canceled: A Missed Opportunity
The cancellation of Dante’s Inferno 2: Purgatorio remains a source of disappointment for fans of the original game and those intrigued by its premise. While the exact reasons for the cancellation are complex and likely involve a combination of factors, it is clear that the game had the potential to be something truly special. The innovative gameplay mechanics, compelling narrative, and exploration of profound themes could have elevated it beyond a simple action-adventure title, establishing it as a landmark achievement in video game storytelling. The gaming world was ultimately deprived of what could have been a truly unforgettable journey through Purgatory, a war between heaven and hell, and the ultimate redemption of a flawed hero.