Devil May Cry 5 is widely regarded as the second-best entry in the series, just behind the genre-defining Devil May Cry 3. It stands out now as an incredible action game that every fan of the hack-and-slash genre should partake. Building on the franchise’s legacy, it offers an engaging story, jaw-dropping visuals, and some of the most refined gameplay mechanics the series has ever seen. The plot ties together loose threads from past games, delivering an epic conclusion to long-standing character arcs while keeping the tone stylish and self-aware. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran, the narrative strikes the right balance of accessibility and fan service. I played them all in order of release including the DMC spinoff game which I enjoyed as well.
The gameplay is where DMC5 truly shines, offering a satisfying mix of depth and fluidity. Players alternate between three distinct characters—Nero, V, and Dante—each with their own unique combat styles and abilities. Nero’s Devil Breaker arms introduce strategic options, V’s summon-based combat adds variety, and Dante’s extensive arsenal ensures endless creativity. I understand the game’s are deliberately edgy-cool and the whole point is to be stylish but the new character V I found to be stomach-ulcer inducingly cringe. The game deserves many awards, but this tacky poser who randomly spews poetry and looks like a manager at Hot-Topic deserves one for edgiest try-hard. The story is just as over-the-top and batshit as fans should expect and Capcom doesn’t hold back on the cheese whatsoever. The combat system rewards skill and experimentation, encouraging players to string together stylish combos while aiming for that coveted SSS rank (Which I never got) Every slash, dodge, and aerial combo feels responsive and smooth, making the action addictive from start to finish.
Adding to the experience is the game’s phenomenal soundtrack, which perfectly complements the stylish combat. Tracks like “Devil Trigger” and “Bury the Light” are absolute bangers, pumping players full of adrenaline as they fight through hordes of demons. I love the addition of creating your own playlist while you play too, including tracks from previous games. The dynamic music system amplifies the intensity, with the soundtrack evolving based on how well you’re performing in battle. Combined with the game’s incredible visual style and insane boss fights, Devil May Cry 5 is a must-play for fans of action games, proving that the series remains at the top of its game even after two decades.
https://opencritic.com/game/6629/devil-may-cry-5
Salute,
Mikhail