Among the most notable games developed by the iconic Shinji Mikami, Devil May Cry has always seemed to me his most seminal work.
Dante’s adventures have helped build the hack-and-slash genre since 2001, gifting us memorable video games that excel at everything that characterizes the genre.
From spectacular and satisfying combat to unforgettable soundtracks, what Devil May Cry represents is unique and historic, even despite its sporadic peaks and valleys.
Therefore, as we collectively wait for the much-needed announcement of a sixth installment, I manifest my passion for the franchise with this ranked list of every Devil May Cry game.
6 Devil May Cry 2
We Don’t Talk About This One
For many years, I thought people were exaggerating when they talked about Devil May Cry 2, but it only took me the first half hour of playing to discover all the criticism had been soft.
In my 20 years of gaming, I’ve rarely seen a product so lacking in every way. Aside from Dante’s animations and the final boss, there is nothing that saves this game.
The fights are bland, the enemies are repetitive, the puzzles are dull, and the story and characters are terrible. It’s honestly surprising the series continued after this, let alone that it became Capcom’s best IP.
I tried my best not to fall into the same narrative as the vast majority of Devil May Cry fans, but it was impossible. This sequel must never be mentioned.
5 Devil May Cry 4
A Tale of Backtracking
Fortunately, Devil May Cry 2 is the only title in the entire series that is bad. From then on, the franchise’s average is notable, especially considering Devil May Cry 4 is the least remarkable.
Even so, Nero’s game is a great hack-and-slash, which helped to refresh the storyline while continuing to present the wonderful gameplay that sets the series apart.
However, the title has an insufferable amount of backtracking, which artificially lengthens not only the story but also the gameplay itself, since it becomes monotonous to see the same levels repeatedly.
If you add the questionable representation of Trish and Lady, you get that the sensations Devil May Cry 4 manifests are not the best, although it’s still very enjoyable.
4 DmC: Devil May Cry
The Most Underrated Reboot
In my lists, I like to put special emphasis on titles I consider underrated, such as DmC: Devil May Cry.
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Aside from the unfairly criticized Dante redesign and its insubstantial story, there are few convincing arguments to contradict all the good things about this reboot.
It has the best level design in the series, one of the best soundtracks, exceptional combat, and a new approach to Dante’s character development.
With amazing platforming sections and magnificent concepts for the bosses, DmC: Devil May Cry is a tremendous hack-and-slash and the most underrated of the franchise by far.
3 Devil May Cry
A Classic Way Ahead of Its Time
I played the first Devil May Cry over 20 years after its initial release, but that didn’t stop me from being completely blown away by how advanced it was for its time.
Even today, the game feels superb. From the conscious use of camera shots to the depth of gameplay and levels, it feels like a bold product that was truly a turning point for the genre.
It has its share of typical shortcomings for the time, such as the repetition of bosses and the infamous water levels, but they are minor details in the grand scheme of things.
Thus, Devil May Cry is a timeless experience, and I’m glad to have had the chance to enjoy such a classic in its purest and rawest form.
2 Devil May Cry 5
The Ultimate Hack-and-Slash
As far as hack-and-slash purity goes, I’d say it’s virtually impossible to find a title at the level of Devil May Cry 5.
The latest installment in the series is in a league of its own when it comes to possibilities, visuals, adrenaline, and satisfaction, making you feel things no other game in the genre makes you feel.
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I’m certainly not a fan of either its mission design or its setting, but the gameplay is the franchise’s pinnacle, as are the graphics, cinematics, and, dare I say, the story and its conclusion.
The ease with which the game puts you into a flow state through its fights and music is worth studying. Whether it’s with Nero, Dante, Vergil, or even V, the sensations are out of this world.
So, I think Devil May Cry 5 is the most refined, and the one I like to go back to the most when I want to replay the series, thanks to its perfected mechanics.
1 Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening
Timeless Masterpiece
After the surprise of the first entry and the disappointment of the second, believe me when I say nothing could have prepared me for what Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening brought me.
The leap forward this installment represents is unprecedented even today. I have never been so engrossed in the glory of a flawless title that makes me happy just thinking about it.
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While Devil May Cry 5 is the perfection of what was seen in Devil May Cry 3, the latter is the one that genuinely revolutionized everything. It exudes such a level of style and personality from the first moment to the last that I find it difficult to believe it’s from 2005.
It’s a video game that is aware of its excellence, constantly rejoicing in the spectacular nature of its bosses, its levels, its combos, and its cutscenes.
Devil May Cry 3 is legendary in every sense of the word, a cultural milestone that flies the flag of video games as high as possible, and the best Devil May Cry in all history.
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