When Capcom announced that Ninja Theory would be handling a reboot of Devil May Cry, our hearts skipped a beat. One of the most beloved franchises in gaming was getting a new look, and people were really upset that Dante got a new hair color. The truth was that the series was on its way out the door, and Capcom had no idea what to do with it. The original is a classic, the sequel was awful, DMC3 had an absurd difficulty and DMC4 was forgettable. The series needed new blood with fresh ideas, and Ninja Theory delivered.
Devil May Cry is known for its fast paced gameplay and benefits from never taking itself seriously. DmC: Devil May Cry is really something special. It takes from its roots and delivers one of the best action experiences of this generation. You can combo to your heart’s content, using the D-Pad to switch between your weapons to create a whirlwind of never ending hack n'slash. The visuals are really something to be experience. The level design is superb and never stops impressing you. Platforming your way through Limbo is as satisfying as pulling off a sadistic combo.
The soundtrack in DmC: Devil May Cry is a real treat and really puts you in the experience. Using a mix of original electronic, dubstep and ambient music; alongside another soundtrack from the band Combichrist that uses heavy metal and screaming. Usually, heavy metal can be a turnoff for me, but it really gets the adrenaline pumping. Its nothing I’d listen to on its own, but in the context of the game it was perfect.
Your first playthrough will clock in at about 8 hours, but this is definitely a game that never stops being awesome, so except to do another playthrough on a higher difficulty. There are multiple higher difficulties ranging from the hard to the downright impossible, so feel free to see how far the sadistic side of you can go. There are leaderboards for everything and improving your score alongside the combo system and mission completion rating can add some replay value. Since release the game has gotten the Bloody Palace that puts you in an arena against waves of enemies.
DmC: Devil May Cry is just what the series needed. The gameplay is high octane, the sound design pulls you in, and never has a video game script used vulgarity in a way that never pulled me out of the game. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, and couldn’t wait to do another playthrough.
