DmC: Devil May Cry drops Dante out of his familiar world and hands him a new city, a new rival, and a new reason to fight. The game trades the series’ older, heavier style for something faster and looser, and it mostly earns that trade.
Trailer, via VG247.com.
Dante’s New City
The setting is a modern metropolis built on top of a ruined, ancient city below. That split between surface and ruin gives the game a distinct look, and the developers use it well. The city feels alive even when it is empty.
Vergil Returns
Vergil returns as the game’s main antagonist, and his presence drives much of the story. The relationship between the two brothers carries real weight, especially in scenes where the game slows down to let that tension breathe.
Devil Arms
Dante’s weapons are new, and the game’s combat system rewards fast play over slow, careful strikes. Players can chain combos together freely, and the game tracks style points for each fight.
Devil Trigger
The Devil Trigger ability lets Dante transform into a demon form, and it changes how he handles enemies. It is a bold addition that fits the game’s larger shift in tone.
Style Variants
DmC: Devil May Cry offers several ways to approach combat, each tied to a different fighting style:
- Sword-based attacks
- Gun-based attacks
- Demon form transformations
- Mixed styles that combine both
Each style changes how a fight plays out, giving players room to find their own pace.
A Change Worth Making
Some longtime fans were wary of the change, but the game holds up as a tight action experience. The story leans on the brothers’ history, and the fights back that up with constant variety.
Technical Performance
On PS3, PC and X360, the game runs at a smooth frame rate and handles input well. The city’s layered design is a technical feat, and the game rarely stumbles during the chaos of its fights.
Final Word
DmC: Devil May Cry is a confident reinvention of a familiar series. It risks losing longtime fans by changing the formula, but it gains a fresh identity that works on its own terms.
| Element | Old Series | DmC: Devil May Cry |
|---|---|---|
| Setting | Medieval fantasy | Modern city |
| Combat focus | Heavy, deliberate | Fast, loose |
| Story focus | World-building | Brothers’ rivalry |
| Core appeal | Exploration | Action |
The game is not perfect. Some side content feels thin, and the new setting takes some getting used to for longtime fans. But the core fights remain sharp and satisfying.
DmC: Devil May Cry earns its place as a strong entry in the series. It scores 9 of 10.
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