After the letdown of DmC, many fans wondered if the Devil May Cry franchise could regain it’s mojo. Capcom decided to take back the reigns of the game and continue the story of Dante and Nero. From the trailer released at last year’s E3, Devil May Cry 5 looked to be the game fan’s had been hoping for. The actual release has shown that the hype was definitely real.
Five years have passed in game and Nero has started his own demon hunting agency. Things are not going well, as his Devil Bringer arm has been ripped off by a demon. Sporting a new bionic arm made by Nico, granddaughter of the woman who made Dante his guns, Nero crosses paths with Dante and company in Red Grave City. A demon has planted a tree that is killing people. Dante goes up against him and loses. Nero will have to find a way to destroy this tree. Aided by the mysterious V, a man who holds secrets regarding Nero and Dante, Nero will discover why he was targeted and who is actually pulling the strings.
Nero is not universally accepted by the fan base, but this game allows him to come into his own. He is older, still a smart ass, but we see him more as a person. When the game starts, he is at his lowest point. Nero may never have sought out the mantle of being a demon slayer, but it is now part of his identity. If he is not this, what is he? Dante has become less of a mentor and more of friend. V is the biggest question mark. You might think you know who he is, but the answer is a lot more complicated.
The game play is fast and stylish, the biggest hallmark of the Devil May Cry series. Combos and fighting style are ranked, which is morte then just a letter on the screen. Things change as you fight, the music shifting to new tracks as your rank goes higher and higher. With the adrenaline track “Pull My Devil Trigger” becoming the one of the best songs from a video game, you will have to work hard to see what other tracks have been created.
The fighting styles of Nero, Dante and V are different. Nero and Dante seem to have the same style, but the new robotic arm opens up new types of attacks. The weapons are different as well, from Nero’s Red Queen sword to the new Devil Triggers Dante now wields. V uses demons to attack, very familiar demons if you pay attention. These three different styles make getting that perfect rank even more fun.
Devil May Cry 5 is not a comeback because the series just took a small detour with the last game. The characters are great, the fighting feels and looks awesome and the story has twists and turns. By adding new features and remembering what made the series so fun, Capcom has a definite winner in their hands. Moving forward does not always mean changing, but embracing the past and giving gamers what they want.
9/10
Available on Xbox, PS4 and PC
