Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition

"This game is so good, even the Devil May Cry!"

This game was my first DMC game to own, not to play. I had played both DMC and DMC2 before buying this game. After beating this game, I went out and bought the original DMC. Since I do not own the original DMC3, I will discuss everything, not just new features.

Graphics--8/10
The graphics for this game are superb, which is expected as the PS2 years come to a close. The people and monsters especially look great, and most of the cutscenes use the same graphics as the in-game stuff. My only complaint about the graphics is the environment. First, you will be running through the same areas over and over again, which wouldn't be a bad thing if the environments looked better. The walls, floors, statues, pictures, all that, looks very bland, with very little detail. You won't really notice though because you will be fighting at super break-neck speeds the whole time.

Sound--10/10
I have absolutely no complaints here. While I am a major fan of rap music, the hard and punk rock of this game had me moving all around has I played. The voices are good, and fit the people. Dante's voice is much younger in this game then it is in DMC1. But it fit's his mood and style, which his much more relaxed and up-beat in this game. Sound effects also sound good too.

Story--7/10
This game you must remember, is a prequel to DMC and DMC2. The story is really quite simple. Basically, this demon named Sparda, trapped the Demon King and all his little minions in the demon world 2000 years ago. We get to present time, and we find our hero, Dante. The demons are being unleashed again, and Dante must stop them. There is much more to the story, but I didn't want to really give away anything. It keeps the game moving, and helps you understand events in DMC1 and 2. My only complaint is that when you play as Vergil, the new bonus character, you must play through Dante's same story.

Gameplay--10/10
WOW WOW WOW! This game rules beyond all standards. Imagine your favorite action game. I could bet that you would like this game twice as much. Or at least I do. As said before, this game takes place at break-neck speeds. Basically you run around a level, shooting and cutting apart any demon in your way, and in many cases, a boss. There are five melee devil arms, and five guns for Dante, and Vergil has three devil arms and his own shooting sword things called summoned swords. You start the game with only Dante's sword, Rebellion, and his handmade guns, Ebony and Ivory. As you play through the game, you will pick up many more guns, and defeated bosses give you weapons. Even the first level will leave you speechless as you battle nearly fifty enemies is Dante's shop. The fighting for this game is very innovative. Basically, you have one button for attack, and one button to shoot. Shooting is easy, but swordplay can be complicated. Pushing the attack button will unleash basic combos, but moving the left analog stick with it will unleash many different moves, and timing plays a big part in different attacks. So this game is NOT for button mashing. You will buy many abilities through out the game that let you jump hire, slice through multiple enemies, and even shoot waves of fire. A big part of combat involves dodging enemy attacks, as there is no blocking really, and then countering. Another great addition is the style system. Through this, you can change the whole way you play. You start with four basic styles, and will eventually gain two more. These styles allow you do dodge enemies with ease, cut them to pieces, shoot with style, or counter your opponent with unbelievable power. Each style can be leveled up, granting you new powers. There is still the famous shop statues where you buy new abilities, items, and upgrades. The puzzles for this game are fun with some challenge. A nice level select mode allows you to play your favorite levels, change costumes, and watch movies. All of your difficulties can be found on one file, so now you only need around two files. This game is truely amazing.

New Features--10/10
I figured I would give you guys some information on the new features. The biggest feature is the ability to play as Vergil, the big bad guy from the game. He has his own weapons, and his own style. He just doesn't have his own levels. Oh well. The difficulties have also been updated to make the game easier in lower levels, but still very challenging in higher levels. The Bloody Palace has been added, which takes you up a tower with 9999 floors in it. Each floor makes you fight multiple enemies, and sometimes bosses. New costumes have been added. A Demo Digest mode has been added that allows you to watch all the cutscenes you have seen so far. A new continue system has also been added, which makes it so you don't have to waste orbs on yellow orbs, and have to restart the whole level. You now may continue for free, and gold orbs revive you right where you died. Of course you can always play the old way. These new features add a great deal of fun and replayability, and I have found no problems with any of them so far.

Replayability--8/10
With six difficulties, multiple costumes, level select, and the bloody palace, you will be playing this game for a long time. There is always more to do, or you can just have tons of fun.

Buy or Rent?--BUY!
You must buy this game. This is a great DMC game to start with if you have never played or owned one before. If you have the original DMC3, there are many new features of this game that will keep you playing for a while.

Overall--9/10
Just a truely amazing game. Beautiful graphics, great sound, nice story, perfect gameplay, and many new feature, this is one of the best games ever.

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 03/06/06