Devil May Cry
In short: Devil May Cry is an action game released in 2001 by Capcom, available on PlayStation, PC, Xbox and Nintendo. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).
The original stylish action game that started a legendary series. Play as Dante, a demon hunter, as he battles demonic forces with an array of weapons and acrobatic combat moves.
Devil May Cry, released in 2001, is a groundbreaking action-adventure game developed and published by Capcom. It marked the debut of Dante, a half-demon, half-human demon hunter, who quickly became an iconic figure in the gaming world. The game is celebrated for its "stylish action" combat system, which encourages players to string together elaborate combos using a variety of weapons, including Dante's signature sword Rebellion and dual pistols Ebony & Ivory. Set in a gothic, demon-infested castle known as Mallet Island, the narrative follows Dante as he is hired by the mysterious Trish to defeat Mundus, the Demon Emperor who murdered Dante's mother and corrupted his brother Vergil. The story masterfully blends elements of horror, action, and a touch of dark humor, creating a compelling experience as Dante uncovers the truth behind the demonic invasion and his own lineage. The game's atmosphere is rich and immersive, drawing players into its dark fantasy world with intricate level design and memorable boss battles. Devil May Cry was initially conceived as a new installment in the Resident Evil series but evolved into its own distinct franchise due to its departure from survival horror elements towards a more action-focused gameplay style. This shift proved to be a critical success, establishing a new genre standard for character-action games. Its influence can be seen in numerous titles that followed, solidifying its place as a pivotal game in video game history, remembered…
Game details
- Developer: Capcom
- Publisher: Capcom
- Release year: 2001
- Platforms: PlayStation, PC, Xbox, Nintendo
- Category: action
Our review
Devil May Cry burst onto the scene in 2001, revolutionizing the action genre with its emphasis on stylish combat and gothic flair. Playing as Dante, the half-demon demon hunter, is an exhilarating experience, thanks to a deep combat system that rewards creativity and skill. The blend of swordplay and gunplay, coupled with acrobatic maneuvers, allows for incredibly satisfying and visually impressive combos. While the graphics show their age, the art direction remains strong, creating a moody and engaging atmosphere. The story, a tale of revenge and demonic power, is compelling, though sometimes takes a backseat to the relentless action. With excellent replayability and a strong foundation for future installments, Devil May Cry is a classic that continues to hold up.
Pros
- Innovative and stylish combat system
- Iconic protagonist Dante
- Gothic atmosphere and art direction
- High replay value
- Memorable boss battles
Cons
- Graphics are dated by modern standards
- Fixed camera angles can be frustrating
- Some platforming sections can be clunky
FAQ
- Is Devil May Cry a difficult game?
- Yes, Devil May Cry is known for its challenging combat and boss fights, especially for newcomers to the genre. However, with practice, players can master its mechanics.
- Do I need to play other games in the series to understand the story?
- No, the original Devil May Cry is the first in the timeline and can be enjoyed as a standalone story. Subsequent games expand on the lore.
- What platforms is Devil May Cry available on?
- Originally released on PlayStation 2, Devil May Cry has since been re-released on PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch as part of the HD Collection.
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Last updated: 01/04/2026