Oh me, oh my! It’s “Devil May Cry 5” Video Game Review by Alex Moore

“This game does not promote smoking or the use of cigarettes.” This was a disclaimer that I saw very early on, into the latest in the “Devil May Cry” (DMC) franchise, which is now at a total of five entries. Was it merely a joke, also meant to double as a moral position? Was Capcom actually concerned about the young, underaged gamers who might be viewing or participating in “DMC5?” Or, perhaps, this was just a clever way to break the fourth wall and wink at the players, so to speak, while setting the tone for the rest of the gaming experience to come. Although there may not be anything particularly original about the style and atmosphere of this game, it is important to understand the roots of this game, as well.

The original game, released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2 (PS2), was supposed to be “Resident Evil 4,” but Capcom realized that the concept and story would deviate too much from that franchise, so a completely new game was created. Several of the characters were inspired by a poem, written by Dante Alighieri. If the first name sounds familiar, it should come as no surprise where the name of the lead character and protagonist came from, either. Since the beginning, the “Stylish” combat has been prevalent. Think of it as an old boxing technique, famously taught by Cus D’Amato to Mike Tyson: numbers are called out and each number represents a specific punch. So, over time, several numbers are announced and then you have a combination. In “DMC,” you press specific buttons, repeatedly and in a certain order. As you progress through the game, these combinations grow and become more powerful and exciting. It was a genius gameplay design, reminiscent of the gaming tactics often used in hand-to-hand arcade fighters, at the time, like “Marvel vs. Capcom.” Ah, there is Capcom, again! Could that just be a coincidence? I think not. Where the game shares a similarity with the “Resident Evil” (RE) franchise is in its puzzle element. Note, there were, also, side quests, known as “Secret Missions,” included. This was something unique at the time, as well.

The direct sequel, met with inferior reviews to the original, added the availability of playing as an additional character. The inclusion of “Red Orbs” and a “Devil Trigger” were retained from the original, as well as everything else mentioned earlier. The third installment, also released on the PS2, was received more like the first game and set the story 10 years prior to that entry, making this a prequel to the original game. The weapons used by Dante were enhanced and modified for more complex and engaging use. In “DMC4,” now released on the PS3, we are introduced to the character of Nero, who sits on the opposite side of Dante, but you will have the opportunity to play as both characters. Even though the gameplay is basically the same, the puzzle element is all but gone, in favor of more hack-and-slash melee combat. Nero begins as a someone who works for The Order of the Sword, who worship Sparda and are led by Vicar Sanctus. Basically, the two protagonists are at odds, but eventually meet up in the middle. It is fairly predictable, but an interesting turn in the overall franchise.

Hideaki Itsuno (“Power Stone” and “Dragon’s Dogma”) has never left the director’s chair since he began working in the “DMC” gaming series. This is probably why there has been such little deviation from the core gaming elements and I think we all must be grateful for that. The same can be said for writer, Bingo Moriashi, though he joined the team in “DMC3: Dante’s Awakening.”

As you begin to familiarize yourself with the controls, you will find that things are quite easy to navigate. It has been 11 years since the release of the previous entry, so it goes without saying that many of us are getting reacquainted with the franchise. In a way, it is almost like experiencing things for the first time, not unlike the sensations many of us had when we played the recent remake of “RE2,” though I do not wish to totally conflate the two.

Nero approaching the roots of a tower, housing human blood.

This time, there are three playable characters, but you do not have the luxury of playing as any one character whenever you wish. You are at the mercy of the “Missions” and the story dictates whom you will be controlling. Yes, this is nothing new, but after playing as both Nero and the newest playable character, V, I suddenly found myself wanting to only play as V. Dante enters into the gameplay later on and has seemingly been relegated to secondary status, for lack of a better term.

Nero and his “activating” demonic arm, his distinctive weapon.

Get used to customization of your weapons cause it is vital to the progression of the game. It might seem overwhelming for some, at first, but it really is not. “Stylish” combat is just as great as it has ever been, in my view. However, it feels more repetitive when controlling Nero, compared to V. There is something more dramatic and varied to the fighting tactics of V, in my opinion, and I think that is why I favor him over Nero. He might annoy those who are reminded of the frail and pale “goth” kids of grade school, but despite his apparent apathy and cowardice, at times, he actually has motives and purpose and delivers his lines with an impeccable, dry wit. Nero and his sidekick, Nico, on the other hand, seem to possess all the bad lines in the dialogue department and a pretty bad-sounding Southern accent. However, there is a charming nature to their level of “cheesiness” and it is easy to get used to.

V, smugly grinning as he prepares his cane for attack.

Overall, “Devil May Cry 5” has stunning visuals and great gameplay. It is no secret that many of the technical devices used in “RE7” were being recycled here and they are still very impressive. The bosses (and their respective battles) never get dull and are epically designed. The music is nothing mind-blowing, but it is of high production quality and fits nicely into the atmosphere of the game. Nearly every “Mission” that you complete feels quite rewarding and even though exploration is minimal and the “Secret Missions” are pretty forgettable, “DMC5” is a worthy entry to the franchise and has shown to me, at least, that this series can still thrive in modern gaming. The propositions to go onto the PlayStation Network and utilize online capabilities are mostly lost on old-school gamers like me, but you can turn this feature off and just enjoy the same, basic gameplay for which this franchise is known and I am glad I can still do that today, in 2019. Capcom, you are having quite a year!… so far.