A playable demo for Devil May Cry 4 has been spotted at various retailers across the world many a time now and it was just a matter of time before Capcom would step forward announcing said demo for the Xbox Live Marketplace. To the rabid fanbase’s great pleasure, the company has today set a timeframe for the demo’s release, along with letting loose a bucketful of new screenshots.

Set for release on the Marketplace and PSN in early 2008 (given Japanese release date is January 31, January is a safe bet), the free playable demo will take gamers to the city of Fortuna and its surroundings, as well as the snow-capped mountain ranges that we’ve been seeing so much of in the past trailers. As the icing on the cake, players will also get the chance to face off against the mighty Berial, one of many boss battles in the game. On the gameplay side of things, players will be able to try out Nero’s unique abilities, such as the Devil Bringer arm and the Exceed system. Sadly, Dante won’t be playable in the sampler.

Moving on, the six new screenshots have been released for a purpose, and that is to introduce Dante’s new Lucifer weapon and a new boss battle for Nero’s portion of the single-player campaign.

Fans of the third iteration in the series will no doubt recall the bizarre guitar-like weapon Dante acquires midway through the game when first setting their eyes on the Lucifer weapon, as it’s even more, uh, unique (for lack of a better word). Also, note the rose Dante’s holding in his mouth. As for the new boss battle, it appears the clash between Nero and the One Winged Dark Knight will follow the kidnapping of Kyrie witnessed in the latest trailer.

Devil May Cry 4 is scheduled for release in Japan on January 31st, and the US on February 5th. No word on a release date for Europe.