Uncover the Epic Traditions That Define the Devil May Cry Series!

Summary

Devil May Cry series features a unique ‘Style’ ranking system emphasizing creativity in combat.
The series revolves around demons, both as main enemies and integral to the lore.
Dante’s iconic ‘Stinger’ technique for closing the gap with demons appears in every game.

In just five main games, the Devil May Cry series has firmly established its distinctive style, often hailed as the crown jewel of the hack-and-slash genre. Though each new installment retains its signature fast-paced, heart-thumping gameplay, it also introduces smaller features, systems, and elements that distinguish it from other games in the same category.

Regardless of how advanced the Devil May Cry games grow over time, Capcom understands that a significant number of fans embarking on each new release are veterans who have played earlier versions. To quickly orient these players with the universe and gameplay, reintroducing traditional elements can be beneficial, signaling that this is still the same kick-ass demon-slaying franchise it has always been.

8. Style System

A Unique Mechanic Which Is Much More Stylish Than A Simple Combo Tally

Each game within the Devil May Cry series incorporates a ‘Style’ ranking system that becomes visible whenever players engage in a new combat situation. This system assesses and rewards players based on their performance during battles by assigning a specific letter and description. In the initial installment, the rankings ranged from ‘Dull’, which is the lowest, to ‘Stylish’. To achieve ‘Stylish’, players must land every hit without receiving damage, as this resets the meter.

In Dante’s case, blindly repeating Ebony and Ivory won’t boost his style points; instead, it lowers them due to repetition. The design encourages players to innovate their attack strategies, which might have been challenging in the initial game because of limited weaponry. However, players had a wider range of ‘Style’ options to experiment with in Devil May Cry 3 and subsequent games, thanks to the more sophisticated combat systems introduced in those installments.

7. Demons

The Signature Enemies Of The Series Who Can Appear In All Shapes And Sizes

In every Devil May Cry game, the main adversaries that characters like Dante and Nero face while playing are demons. Originally, these otherworldly beings are mere mindless minions who can be easily defeated with a few swift strikes, but as the games advance, these demons become increasingly dangerous and robust, even capable of wielding weapons themselves.

In this series, demons serve as the primary antagonists. However, it’s important to note that the term ‘demons’ is also crucial in the broader lore, given that Dante and his brother Vergil are half-demon characters themselves. It’s worth mentioning that demons consistently feature in some form or another throughout the series, and their presence significantly contributes to the overarching storyline.

6. Stinger

Dante’s Go-To Technique For Getting Up Close And Personal With Demons Is Available In Every Game

Among Dante’s most notable moves in the series, Stinger stands out as both memorable and highly effective. Unlike other attacks that require Dante to be close to his enemies first, Stinger serves a unique purpose – it functions as a swift lunge, enabling Dante to instantly bridge the gap between him and his demonic adversaries, thus making it possible for him to inflict damage promptly.

Instead of relying on Dante’s Trickster maneuver to swiftly approach demons, Stinger provides a faster and more dependable method, making it an essential component of his combat moveset that appears consistently across all games, offering players the opportunity to master this skill.

5. Devil Trigger

Dante And Vergil’s Ultimate Form Grants Them Tremendous Power

In a fierce fight, Dante or Vergil might choose to activate their ultimate form – Devil Trigger – transforming into a powerful demonic figure. This state enhances their speed and strength significantly. Although the Devil Trigger made an appearance in the first and second games, it was not until Devil May Cry 3 that its design became the one fans commonly recognize today.

In most games, Dante can’t activate Devil Trigger until a specific story point, making it challenging for players not to overwhelm enemies in the early stages. Originally exclusive to Dante and his brother Vergil, Nero gets the opportunity to obtain this unique ability at the end of the fifth game, surprising many fans.

4. Orbs

The Creepy But Useful Collectibles That Help Players Out Along Their Journey

To maintain the eerie and subtly scary atmosphere characteristic of the series, the Devil May Cry games employ orbs as items for replenishing the player’s health, energy, and Devil Trigger meter. These in-game collectibles are unsettling due to their demonic visage design, which can be quite frightening, but players should not let that deter them from gathering as many as they can since they can be incredibly helpful.

In various games, you’ll encounter different kinds of Orbs, including common ones like Green Orbs that replenish health (Vitality), and less common Purple Orbs that substantially extend the Devil Trigger gauge, providing players with extra time to unleash mayhem after transformation.

3. A Focus On Family Ties

At The Heart Of Many Of The Games Is A Story About Familial Bonds

In every Devil May Cry game, the storyline varies significantly, but there’s a recurring theme: an emphasis on familial ties. For instance, in the initial installment, Dante pursues vengeance against Mundus, who appears to have murdered his brother and mother. Additionally, he follows Trish due to her striking resemblance to his mom, Eva. In the third game, the narrative concentrates on the turbulent bond between Dante and Vergil, a relationship that significantly impacts Devil May Cry 5, where Nero steps in to resolve the ongoing sibling conflict once and for all.

Regarding Nero, though he may appear as a fresh character, he shares similar issues with family acceptance, whether it’s Dante, Vergil, his girlfriend Kyrie, or her brother Credo. Additionally, there’s the ongoing family conflict between Lady and her father, Arkham, which emerges in the third game, demonstrating that even supporting characters can get caught up in this series’ longstanding tradition of interpersonal struggles.

2. So Many One Liners

Dante Loves Nothing More Than Belittling His Opponents, Even If They’re Triple His Size

Essentially, you can’t call it a Devil May Cry game if Dante doesn’t toss out some witty comments every now and then. Though he was more reserved in the first installment, Dante managed to inject humor throughout the narrative, often during his encounters with bosses. For instance, when meeting Griffon for the first time, he quips, “Clear off, feathered friend.” This line is one of many memorable instances where Dante shows his humorous side.

Since I started playing, it seems like Capcom always adds some cheesy one-liners for Dante to spit out against his foes in every game. Even in Devil May Cry 5, where Dante is a bit older and supposedly more mature, he doesn’t shy away from throwing a few jabs at the enemies. Surprisingly, even Nero picked up on this trend too!

1. “Jackpot”

Dante’s Iconic Quote Is Referenced In Each And Every Game

For the first time in the series, fans will encounter the memorable phrase “Jackpot” during the opening cutscene, when Trish enters Dante’s shop. Later, during his battle against Mundus at the game’s end, Dante repeats this phrase. Ever since then, he has made a habit of shouting “Jackpot” whenever possible, and players can expect something significant to happen immediately after hearing it, as it often precedes a powerful attack on an enemy.

In Devil May Cry 3, Dante and Vergil share a similar line as they aim their pistols at Arkham, and this phrase is repeated in the post-credits scene of Devil May Cry 5, causing irritation for Vergil, who might have heard it unwillingly since his childhood.

2025-01-27 10:10