PGC NEWS

The Devil May Cry series, developed by Capcom, is widely considered one of the best action hack-and-slash franchises. However, DmC: Devil May Cry, developed by Ninja Theory, received a mixed reception from fans upon its initial release. This wasn’t just due to the redesigned character aesthetics but also significant gameplay changes. Despite this, the game successfully continued the series’ tradition of fast-paced, stylish action. Two years later, DmC: Devil May Cry – Definitive Edition arrived on PS4 and Xbox One, boasting graphical improvements and new game modes. Does this definitive edition finally deliver the demonic experience fans craved?

Enhanced Visuals and Performance

A hallmark of the Devil May Cry series has been its commitment to a smooth 60 frames per second (fps) experience. The original DmC release on consoles disappointed many by running at only 30 fps, especially considering previous entries achieved 60 fps alongside higher resolutions and detailed visuals. Ninja Theory addressed this in the Definitive Edition by enhancing the graphics with advanced lighting and shadow effects while maintaining a solid 60 fps. This boost in frame rate not only makes the action more visually appealing but also impacts gameplay.

Enhanced Visuals

Facing hordes of enemies, a stable frame rate allows for precise dodging and combo execution, eliminating frame rate-related mishaps. The improved visuals and performance make combat more fluid and responsive, significantly enhancing the overall experience.

Fluid Combat

Demonic Difficulty

DmC: Devil May Cry is known for its fluid weapon switching and varied difficulty levels. If the original difficulty settings weren’t challenging enough, the Definitive Edition introduces “Gods Must Die” difficulty and three new gameplay modes to test even the most hardcore players.

“Hardcore Mode” increases enemy damage output while reducing the duration of Devil Trigger and Style meter gains. “Turbo Mode” cranks the game speed up by 20%, demanding quick reflexes and mastery of Dante’s moveset.

Turbo Mode

Finally, “Must Style Mode” requires players to achieve an S rank combo or higher to damage enemies. These modes can be combined for the ultimate Devil May Cry challenge, pushing players to their limits.

Must Style Mode

New Features and Content

Unlike some developers, Ninja Theory hasn’t abandoned DmC. The Definitive Edition includes highly requested features alongside the upgrades. A significant addition is Vergil’s Bloody Palace, offering 60 levels to showcase his unique combat style.

Vergil's Bloody Palace

The original DmC omitted the series’ traditional lock-on targeting system, leading to camera frustrations for veterans. The Definitive Edition reintroduces this feature, providing more control during combat, especially against bosses. All original DLC is included, along with new costumes, bug fixes, and gameplay tweaks.

Replay Value?

Unfortunately, the Definitive Edition lacks save data transfer from older consoles. This forces players to replay the game to experience the hardest difficulty. While the graphics and gameplay are enhanced, the core content remains the same, including the criticized voice acting and the “Vergil’s Downfall” DLC. Compared to Devil May Cry 4 Special Edition, the additions might not be enough to entice players who completed the original, especially PC owners.

Replay Value

Conclusion

DmC: Devil May Cry – Definitive Edition delivers a significantly improved experience over the original console release. The enhanced visuals, performance, and added gameplay modes provide a more refined and challenging experience. However, the lack of save transfer and minimal story additions might not justify a repurchase for everyone, especially those who enjoyed the PC version. Ultimately, the Definitive Edition is a worthwhile upgrade for console players seeking a smoother, more complete DmC experience.