Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

"DMC3 is the best action game EVER!!!"

Background: Devil May Cry is a game that changed what we know as 3D action. It was originally a Resident Evil 4 idea that flopped. However, some people saw faith in the idea, even if it was for a different game. When Devil May Cry first came out, the gaming public was stunned. Never before has a game been so stylish, so fast, or so unique. Since then, games have constantly been compared to it in terms of gameplay and style. Action games such as Ninja Gaiden, Castlevania: Lament of Innocence and God of War have all taken a few aspects of Devil May Cry to use for their own.

Introduction: It is now years later, and once again the Devil May Cry series has taken over as the best action game of all time; not because of personal opinions, but because of facts. Devil May Cry 3 has improved greatly on everything to the point where there is no questioning its awesomeness.

Gameplay (10): This is the most important aspect of any game, and DMC3 excels at it. Gameplay is faster than ever, along with a few delightful puzzles to mix things up. There is also on-the-fly weapon switching where you can choose two devil arms and two guns to bring with you to a mission. The greatest improvement is the new “Style” system that is being used. Players can choose from 4 different styles (plus, a few unlockable ones) that allow them to do completely different moves. Each style can aid in different aspects: Swordmaster is for offense, close hand fighting; Gunslinger is for ranged attacks; Trickster is evasive maneuvering; and Royal Guard is defensive. Players also have universal moves that can be bought and used anytime. These styles can be changed at the beginning to a mission or at a statue.

Executing moves is where the fun comes in. Combos have never been done more smoothly than in this game. A number of combos can be produced in any order. Likewise, they can be cancelled a number of ways if you want to dodge an attack or start a new combo. Depending on your style and the situation, a player will have to stay on their feet and be extremely cautious. The new style ranking is implemented well, too. As various combos are performed, the style ranking will increase. Repeating moves in succession will not help at all, which means this game is NOT a button masher. The style rank will be harder to keep up at higher ranks, so players will also have to use strategy to keep it up.

Controls (10): Everything in the control department is perfect. Everything from Stinger to Hightime can be performed how you want it and when you want it. There really isn't anything disorienting about the control scheme in battle. To top it off, just about every button can be reconfigured to your liking, so there is no excuse to say the controls are in any way bad.

Story/Cut-scenes (10): The fact an action game like this even has a story is a plus. The fact it is the BEST action-game story I have ever scene makes it tremendous. Being a prequel, you will watch Dante as he uncovers the truth behind his heritage, all while battling demons and his twin brother, Vergil. Cut-scenes are all over-the-top crazy. Make no mistake; some scenes could compete against scenes from The Matrix, as far as style goes. Each mission will open and end in a cut-scene, which either shows advancement in the story or hardcore action.

Graphics (8): Graphics don't make a game; they help it. With that said, these graphics are amazing. Using a new engine, Capcom has created some of the best graphics displayed for any system, let alone an aging system like the PS2. This can be seen in both movies and gameplay. There are really only some minor details, such as some slight clipping now and then. But, as I said, these aren't bad.

Difficulty (9): After complaints about how easy Devil May Cry was, Capcom decided to increase the difficulty. DMC3's difficulty rivals even the toughest difficulties of Ninja Gaiden, if not surpassing it. Newcomers and veterans alike will find themselves losing again and again on even the first few missions. In fact, it sometimes gets to the point where it isn't quite as fun.

Don't worry, though. The difficulty of this game is not nearly as hard once you get used to the combos and the different attacks. Not only that, but the game allows you to replay missions to obtain red orbs for leveling up are upgrading. There is also an easy mode that is unlocked after a few deaths. Just do not let the hardness get to you and you will be pulling off sweet combos like a pro in no time.

Music (9): Fans of the first two DMC games' music will fall in love with DMC3's soundtrack. It is the perfect blend of hard rock and techno. Many pieces of music are actual songs, with lyrics and everything. There was only one downside to this aspect; repetition. Whether you replay missions or not, the music will occasionally repeat itself more than desired. This isn't too big of an issue, though, as all the music is excellent. The boss music is still different, so there isn't a problem there. This music will not be for everyone's taste, but it is professional and fits well with the atmosphere.

Camera (8): I have yet to see an action game with a PERFECT camera, and I doubt I ever will. Castlevania: LoI is the closest thing I have seen the best camera ever on 3D games. Fortunately, DMC does a good job in this department. The camera usually will do fine in showing Dante and any enemies near him. The only downside is that this isn't always the case. You will run into a few instances where you can't make good judgment of what is going on. This is fixed to some degree as there is no an option to move the camera in some rooms. In general, there isn't much room for blaming the camera on getting hit. It is a giant step forward for the DMC series.

Enemy/AI (10): Again, Capcom has outdone themselves. There are a wide number of enemies that will make appearances as well as about a dozen bosses. There is a diverse amount of demons that all propose a challenge. AI has also been upgraded compared to previous games. Enemies will change their attacks to match what you are doing. There is no “standing in the corner and shoot” or “button mash as much as possible”. Enemies will use strategy to attack Dante, depending on where you are and how you attack. Luckily, there is a subtle warning for each attack and each gives a few countermeasures that can be taken.

Bosses (10): These are truly a category all their own. Each boss has its own epic feeling to it. As explained before, bosses are no pushovers; they have a large amount of attacks and will change how they assault you. You will have to pay attention closely in order to figure out what the best approach is for defeating a boss. Players will be rewarded with a massive amount of red orbs and occasionally a new weapon.

Content/Unlockables (9): There are about a dozen weapons in the game, about a hundred moves, and tons of environments. What more could you ask for? With new melee weapons (some never before seen in an action game) and 6 different styles, there are more ways to go through a level than ever before. There are also movies to how moves work, in case you need them. As for the unlockables, I should not say too much. That would be spoiling it. I will tell you they have more difficulty levels than before and a variety of costumes. There are more unlockables, so look forward to beating the game. You will also see some easter eggs in the game, but only veterans to the first few games will notice them.

Conclusion (10): I almost never give out 10s in reviews. That is like saying a game is absolutely perfect. Well, DMC3 is as perfect as you can get. It displays perfect action, perfect atmosphere, perfect enemies, and perfect movies. As far as I'm concerned, that is all a game needs, but DMC3 goes beyond that. Even those that may have been turned off from other action titles will find enjoyment in this installment. I can honestly say that I not play another game as much as this for a long time. Devil May Cry 3 blows away the competition to take its natural place as the best action game. I congratulate you, Capcom, for reviving the series. We all will be looking forward to DMC4.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 03/10/05