Retrospective: Devil May Cry 5 Is The Best Game of the Series, Not 3

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Having recently indulged in Netflix’s Devil May Cry series (a real treat!), I decided to re-install Devil May Cry 5 to test how well my muscle memory and abilities had maintained, given that I haven’t played the game since its initial release.

I plunged directly into the Bloody Palace for a self-test – let me tell you, it was tough! I’d nearly forgotten Dante’s move sequence, Nero’s rev timings, and even V’s summoning techniques. As for Vergil, I hadn’t delved much into him before, leaving me at a disadvantage against him. It was then that it dawned on me: Wow, this game truly stands out as the best in the series, doesn’t it?

“Devil May Cry is back!”

Without a doubt, it’s just my viewpoint, but Devil May Cry 5 offered something truly captivating. After almost a decade of speculation, when the series appeared to be on the brink of extinction, this game emerged. The DmC reboot didn’t resonate as expected with fans and ended up dividing the community due to its unique design decisions.

We didn’t realize the genuine return of DMC until the remarkable E3 2018 unveiling, and it was truly confirmed when Hideaki Itsuno took charge again. The sight of Nero igniting the Red Queen engine left fans ecstatic, echoing enthusiastically, “‘DMC has returned at last!’

Peak of Combat

In Devil May Cry 5, it’s the combat that truly outshines other aspects. This is something the series has always been recognized for, and in this installment, it’s taken to its maximum potential. The game offers a high skill limit, rapid action sequences, and a rich depth of gameplay. Regardless of whether you choose Dante, Nero, V, or Vergil, each character brings a unique playstyle that will challenge your dexterity.

I’ve had a long-standing affinity for Dante, having mastered his fighting style in Devil May Cry 3. However, the unique, interactive combat style of V caught my attention in this installment. It’s unusual, innovative, and enjoyable.

Devil in the Details

In DMC5, each animation, taunt, and movement exudes character, earning its attention. Nero embodies youthful exuberance while Vergil is focused on efficiency and discipline – brooding as ever. But V, the unpredictable one, offers a refreshing change of pace and is always enjoyable to play.

Despite the simple narrative structure, it’s enjoyable to delve into the intricate lore, particularly as the ongoing feud between Vergil and Dante unfolds once more. If you’re an avid follower of the series, you might guess where the story is going—but even so, the adventure remains thrilling, filled with nods to fans and familiar characters.

Reflecting on it now, Devil May Cry 5 truly deserved a perfect score of 10/10. It undeniably rose to the top as the finest in the series. The earlier games, including the first two, did have their share of flaws. DMC3 excelled in storytelling, but its combat couldn’t compare to the thrilling battles in game 5. DMC4 almost matched it, but its brilliance was marred by its peculiar pacing and unconventional mission structure in the latter half.

Moving forward, it’s anyone’s guess where the Devil May Cry series will head, given that Hideaki Itsuno has moved on from Capcom. To be honest, I’m content with Devil May Cry 5 serving as a concluding chapter. It truly refined the series’ distinctive style. If another reboot is in store, at least we’ve had this final, polished adventure.

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2025-04-21 15:13