Discover the Ultimate Ranking of Devil May Cry Games You Can’t Miss!

by

Summary

  • Devil May Cry is a highly revered action saga that offers players a timeless power fantasy, with its trenchcoat-wearing superbeings taking down demonic forces.
  • Devil May Cry 2 is regarded as the worst game in the series due to its brooding protagonist and slower combat system, although it still has some redeeming qualities.
  • Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is the best way to experience the game, offering improved gameplay and new features like the Legendary Dark Knight difficulty and playable characters.

The “Devil May Cry” series was originally envisioned as a more action-focused spinoff of “Resident Evil 4,” but it eventually became clear that the game’s themes deviated too much from the horror foundation of a “Resident Evil” title. Consequently, the developers completely overhauled the game, drawing inspiration from Dante Alighieri’s Italian poem, “Divine Comedy,” and the Japanese manga series, “Cobra.” This transformation resulted in the creation of “Devil May Cry,” which subsequently pioneered its own hack-and-slash action sub-genre.

Devil May Cry evoked the spirit of late 90s and early 2000s action movies such as Blade and The Matrix, providing players with a feeling of empowerment similar to those on-screen characters. Consequently, it’s no wonder that this groundbreaking series continues to set the bar for its genre; let us now discuss and rank the top games in the series.

10. Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat

Excellent Combat Hindered By Expensive Microtransactions

  • Released: 2024
  • Platform: Android and iOS.
  • Developer: NebulaJoy

The game titled “Devil May Cry: Ultimate Battlefield” is exclusively available for mobile devices and offers players a chance to control characters like Dante, Virgil, Nero, and Lady. Despite being developed by another studio, this mobile version manages to convey the beloved spirit and core elements that fans adore from the “Devil May Cry” franchise.

In the vein of many mobile games, Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat integrates numerous microtransactions allowing players to buy Devil Gems for stronger summons, enhancements, and superior weapons. However, unlike other Devil May Cry games, skills are not available for purchase; instead, they must be mastered through practice in order to earn an S-Rank with impressive combos.

9. Devil May Cry 2

Solid Combat But A Step Backwards

In the gaming world, it’s widely agreed that “Devil May Cry 2” falls short compared to other games in the series, with both fans and critics expressing their disapproval. Despite being the second installment, it actually precedes the events of “Devil May Cry 4” within the series timeline. The main character in this game is a more subdued Dante, replacing the cocky persona we saw in the first game. The overall humor also took a hit. Unlike its predecessor, the game offers a more open environment to explore, but at the cost of softer textures and somewhat blurry backdrops.

Beyond this, the battle system in the game seemed refined but was noticeably slower compared to the original, and Dante’s movements appeared mechanized. Consequently, it received the lowest rating among all games in the series. Despite its flaws, Devil May Cry 2 remains a strong action-adventure title, boasting some mechanical enhancements.

8. DMC: Devil May Cry

A Controversial Entry With Brilliant Combat

DmC: Devil May Cry was created by the skillful team behind Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Ninja Theory. Capcom collaborated with Western developers to conceptualize a possible reboot for the action-adventure series, giving Dante a fresh new image that would resonate with contemporary viewers.

fundamentally, DmC: Devil May Cry is a robust action-adventure game that delivers smooth battle mechanics and a captivating plotline. Yet, it’s marred by excessive platforming segments that slow down the tempo. The new portrayal of Dante strays from his charming rogue image and veers towards a bothersome teenage cliché trying to emulate a rockstar persona. Despite not meeting fan expectations, Ninja Theory’s endeavor at a Devil May Cry remake remains an entertaining action game with stunning visual spectacles.

7. Devil May Cry 4

The Introduction Of Nero And A Great Action Title

In the series for the first time, Devil May Cry 4 transitioned into the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 era. This installment allows players to manage both Dante and Nero, a new main character who possesses demonic abilities akin to Dante’s but with a unique personality and persona that sets him apart.

As a gamer diving into the world of Devil May Cry, I noticed that although Nero and Dante share similar appearances and abilities, controlling Nero felt distinctly different. This shift brought an exhilarating new dynamic to the gameplay. However, as I progressed through the stages, I found myself revisiting Nero’s previously trodden paths alongside Dante, which required some repetition.

Despite this minor setback, the action and overall gameplay felt reminiscent of Devil May Cry 3. This is a positive step for the series, as it harks back to its roots, even if there were a few missteps along the way.

6. Devil May Cry HD Collection

An Excellent Collection Of Action Games

The Devil May Cry HD Collection comprises the initial three games as a set, known as a trilogy. These games were initially released on PS3 and Xbox 360 in the year 2012, and subsequently ported to PS4 and Xbox One. Long-time enthusiasts of the series had hoped that a compilation of all three games would have received more favorable reviews from critics.

In essence, the Devil May Cry HD Collection comprises three timeless games that offer great value individually. However, this HD collection does not provide many user-friendly enhancements for newcomers, which makes the age of these games more noticeable when placed alongside Devil May 5. On the other hand, longtime players might find fewer reasons to replay the titles as the main appeal is primarily enhanced graphics instead of fresh content or significant upgrades. Nevertheless, this collection is more accessible than the PS2 originals and remains highly regarded within the hack-and-slash genre.

5. Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition

The Definitive Version Of The Fourth Entry

The enhanced version of Devil May Cry 4, titled Special Edition, has been released on both PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, offering the optimal way to delve into the fourth installment of this legendary series. Not only does it boast a visual upgrade compared to its PS3/Xbox 360 predecessor, but it also introduces three new playable characters to the mix.

New characters joining the mix are Virgil, Trish, and Lady, each bringing a unique gameplay dynamic to the table. Notably, the collector’s edition boasts Japanese voiceovers, fresh cutscenes, and an alternate ending. What sets this version apart is the superior frame rate compared to the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, ensuring smoother and more reactive combat sequences.

4. Devil May Cry

The Classic Is Stylish Combat Holds Up

The original “Devil May Cry” has been enhanced and upgraded in its subsequent sequels with superior graphics and production quality, yet it continues to be one of the most impactful games ever published due to its classic difficulty that rewards skill, patience, and determination. This game offers an old-school challenge, embodying the adventure, hack-and-slash, and beat-em-up genres seamlessly in a power fantasy that remains among the finest.

The game titled Devil May Cry delves into a haunting universe, boasting finely designed pre-rendered settings reminiscent of Resident Evil. It showcases remarkable characters and a narrative that becomes increasingly captivating with every installment. Not only did it give birth to games similar to God of War and Bayonetta, but it continues to serve as the benchmark for all future action-adventure hack-and-slash titles. Even after many years, Devil May Cry remains as complex, demanding, and engaging as its subsequent versions.

3. Devil May Cry 5

A Stunning Return To Form

As a gamer, I can tell you that, following the underwhelming sales of the reboot in DmC: Devil May Cry, Capcom chose to retrace their steps back to the series’ origins. Fast forward to 2019, and we have Devil May Cry 5, which carries on the original narrative thread post-Devil May Cry 4 events. This game is a visual masterpiece and one of the most cinematic action games in its genre, offering an unparalleled gaming experience.

As a dedicated fan, I can’t help but express my excitement about how DMC 5 has truly rekindled the spirit of the original series while also introducing fresh elements. The return of Dante, as we know him from the start, was certainly a welcome sight. But what really got me hooked was the introduction of the enigmatic V, a magic-wielding character who adds an extra layer of excitement to the gameplay. What sets this game apart is the ability to control three distinct characters in battle, each offering unique experiences. Beyond being a fantastic addition to the series, DMC 5 showcases some of the quickest and most intricate combat found in the genre, making it an absolute thrill to play.

2. Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

An Incredible Prequel With Outstanding Combat

Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, initially launched on PlayStation 2 in 2005, is often hailed by enthusiasts as the crowning jewel of the series and one of the finest hack-and-slash action-adventure games ever produced. The fighting sequences in this game are notably smoother, while the third installment also brings back the younger Dante with his humorous devil-hunting persona that fans adored from the original game, following a more somber tone set by its predecessor.

In the world of gaming, diving back into Devil May Cry 3’s narrative takes me to a time before the first game, setting the stage for the appearance of Vergil, my twin brother in this action-packed series. It was a delightful surprise to see the old Dante, with his confident swagger from the original games, back in action. The creators have done an outstanding job of enhancing and polishing aspects that made the first game so legendary.

1. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition

The Definitive Version Of Devil May Cry 5

Similar to Devil May Cry 4, Devil May Cry 5 is also a special re-release designed for advanced hardware. Leveraging the capabilities of contemporary gaming systems, DMC 5 runs faster, smoother, and with enhanced accessibility. It serves as another impressive demonstration of Capcom’s remarkable RE engine. The special edition of DmC 5 offers the Legendary Dark Knight difficulty, a Turbo mode, ray tracing support, and significantly reduced load times.

In addition, this special edition allows players to control Dante’s twin brother Virgil from the start, using his exclusive combat style throughout the game. Mastering Virgil’s fighting technique is more difficult compared to both Dante’s and Nero’s, but it’s worth the effort as it truly embodies his character. Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition offers an exceptional experience for those who appreciate stylish and engaging hack-and-slash gameplay.

Read More

2025-02-10 13:55