The Next Devil May Cry had better rock, baby!

Those of you who get my amazing pun above are no doubt familiar with the Devil May Cry series in one way or another. The reason I’m writing this article is to share my thoughts on the upcoming entry in the series and the legacy the previous games have left behind. Devil May Cry, like most Capcom series, has its ups and downs, but for the first time ever, I am dreading the release of the upcoming entry in the series. From what that reveal trailer showed, as well the developer’s attitude combined with some questionable actions by Capcom, the fate of DMC is not looking good at all.

Right, first thing I want to talk about is the history of DMC. As far I’m concerned, the original DMC was the game that gave birth to modern 3D action gaming. There was simply nothing like it when it launched way back in 2001 and it’s amazing that the game began as the next Resident Evil. The original Devil May Cry is one of the few games that literally changed the medium. Onimusha dipped its foot in the water, but it was the original DMC that took it to the next level. The game was very well received and the expectations for the sequel were immensely high. Now, DMC2 was in every way possible, a legitimate disappointment as a sequel to the original. Everything about it was a step backwards from the original and when a new idea reared its head, it was over shadowed by the mistakes that had been made. Some of the core ideas made their way into DMC3, but they were completely re-visualised and taken to a different level.

DMC3 would be subject to expectations too, but information as to the core mechanics of the game was not plentiful up until its release. It was clear that the dual character approach had been done away with, the level design looked way more in touch with that of the original and the combat seemed to be a similar case. DMC3 was both completely different and exactly the same to the original. The quality of the level design, enemies, weapons and the way all of it fit together was a huge improvement over DMC2. However, this game was widely scrutinised for its ruthless level of difficulty and made it so it couldn’t be enjoyed by everyone. Which is a shame as DMC3 brought the franchise back to where it should be. So once again, attention shifted to the next DMC game, could it retain everything that made DMC3 great and not be excruciatingly difficult. Short answer would be no, the inclusion of a new protagonist and further change of the gameplay mechanics caused a divide among fans. Rightfully so in a lot of ways, mastering DMC3 was an immense challenge, and those that did had a right to feel betrayed by the decisions made in DMC4.

DMC4 simply made the most money out of any DMC game before it, but again, wasn’t considered to be a completely successful sequel by fans, due largely in part to the inclusion of a new main character and Dante not being the focus. Which once again, brought about the anticipation for the next DMC game, could Capcom manage to successfully combine all that is write with DMC1, 2 and 4 and create the perfect DMC game? Or as I would put it, the sequel that the original so rightfully deserves.

So let’s look at what we know about the upcoming DMC title. It’s being developed by Ninja Theory, will most likely run on the Unreal Engine and is another prequel. On paper, that doesn’t sound good, throw in the fact that Capcom (from what I know) are not doing as well as they should be, they intend to market this game to a new audience and are aiming for double the sales of DMC4. Then there was that trailer... I’m not going to get started on that but I’ll just say it has me worried. The DMC fan base has stuck with the series throughout its missteps and it seems very cold for Capcom to chose this new direction and seemingly abandon them. Especially when you consider that all the ingredients for the perfect DMC game already exist in the games they’ve already made, they just need to combine them correctly.

For the record I will say that I think this new DMC game will be a disappointment to the fans. It might make money, get rave reviews and all that jazz. But DMC fans will be let down by it, how can they not be. All information thus far leads to the conclusion that they have no intention of preserving the core aspect of the DMC games, its gameplay. That is what has kept me playing DMC for the past ten years. I do believe Capcom are making a mistake with this game, they are taking drastic action when they really don’t need to. DMC is not a franchise that needs rebooting, it simply needs revising. A move like this really suggests desperation on Capcom’s part and if they aren’t careful, they could very well end up killing one of the greatest game franchises to come along in the past decade.

To get technical for a second, the Unreal Engine is simply not a good choice for an action game. Now before all of you put on your Arkham Asylum hats and yell at me, hear me out. DMC is known for its over the top and insane combo gameplay. It has a level of depth few action games have, a level that doesn’t present itself right away, it has to be discovered. Those that do discover it and learn it reap the rewards. Also, the Unreal Engine is not known for its reliability, something that is absolutely essential in an action game, especially DMC. And lastly, I am not ragging on Ninja Theory at all here, but their track record for action games is not great when considering the action they are handling here. The action is the only thing keeping DMC alive at this point, and if that goes, there will simply be nothing left to salvage.

As always is the case with DMC series, the next game will carry a lot of expectations. However, there are so many unnecessary uncertainties when looking at this game. They are swapping developers, and the one they have chosen is not the best to replicate the DMC formula, they are swapping engines, when they already have a polished and better engine to use and more importantly they are changing something that nobody asked to be changed, the gameplay. I can only hope that this game is the biggest surprise in gaming history, otherwise I cannot see the DMC name recovering again.

The Next Devil May Cry had better rock, baby!

Those of you who get my amazing pun above are no doubt familiar with the Devil May Cry series in one way or another. The reason I’m writing this article is to share my thoughts on the upcoming entry in the series and the legacy the previous games have left behind. Devil May Cry, like most Capcom series, has its ups and downs, but for the first time ever, I am dreading the release of the upcoming entry in the series. From what that reveal trailer showed, as well the developer’s attitude combined with some questionable actions by Capcom, the fate of DMC is not looking good at all.

Right, first thing I want to talk about is the history of DMC. As far I’m concerned, the original DMC was the game that gave birth to modern 3D action gaming. There was simply nothing like it when it launched way back in 2001 and it’s amazing that the game began as the next Resident Evil. The original Devil May Cry is one of the few games that literally changed the medium. Onimusha dipped its foot in the water, but it was the original DMC that took it to the next level. The game was very well received and the expectations for the sequel were immensely high. Now, DMC2 was in every way possible, a legitimate disappointment as a sequel to the original. Everything about it was a step backwards from the original and when a new idea reared its head, it was over shadowed by the mistakes that had been made. Some of the core ideas made their way into DMC3, but they were completely re-visualised and taken to a different level.

DMC3 would be subject to expectations too, but information as to the core mechanics of the game was not plentiful up until its release. It was clear that the dual character approach had been done away with, the level design looked way more in touch with that of the original and the combat seemed to be a similar case. DMC3 was both completely different and exactly the same to the original. The quality of the level design, enemies, weapons and the way all of it fit together was a huge improvement over DMC2. However, this game was widely scrutinised for its ruthless level of difficulty and made it so it couldn’t be enjoyed by everyone. Which is a shame as DMC3 brought the franchise back to where it should be. So once again, attention shifted to the next DMC game, could it retain everything that made DMC3 great and not be excruciatingly difficult. Short answer would be no, the inclusion of a new protagonist and further change of the gameplay mechanics caused a divide among fans. Rightfully so in a lot of ways, mastering DMC3 was an immense challenge, and those that did had a right to feel betrayed by the decisions made in DMC4.

DMC4 simply made the most money out of any DMC game before it, but again, wasn’t considered to be a completely successful sequel by fans, due largely in part to the inclusion of a new main character and Dante not being the focus. Which once again, brought about the anticipation for the next DMC game, could Capcom manage to successfully combine all that is write with DMC1, 2 and 4 and create the perfect DMC game? Or as I would put it, the sequel that the original so rightfully deserves.

So let’s look at what we know about the upcoming DMC title. It’s being developed by Ninja Theory, will most likely run on the Unreal Engine and is another prequel. On paper, that doesn’t sound good, throw in the fact that Capcom (from what I know) are not doing as well as they should be, they intend to market this game to a new audience and are aiming for double the sales of DMC4. Then there was that trailer... I’m not going to get started on that but I’ll just say it has me worried. The DMC fan base has stuck with the series throughout its missteps and it seems very cold for Capcom to chose this new direction and seemingly abandon them. Especially when you consider that all the ingredients for the perfect DMC game already exist in the games they’ve already made, they just need to combine them correctly.

For the record I will say that I think this new DMC game will be a disappointment to the fans. It might make money, get rave reviews and all that jazz. But DMC fans will be let down by it, how can they not be. All information thus far leads to the conclusion that they have no intention of preserving the core aspect of the DMC games, its gameplay. That is what has kept me playing DMC for the past ten years. I do believe Capcom are making a mistake with this game, they are taking drastic action when they really don’t need to. DMC is not a franchise that needs rebooting, it simply needs revising. A move like this really suggests desperation on Capcom’s part and if they aren’t careful, they could very well end up killing one of the greatest game franchises to come along in the past decade.

To get technical for a second, the Unreal Engine is simply not a good choice for an action game. Now before all of you put on your Arkham Asylum hats and yell at me, hear me out. DMC is known for its over the top and insane combo gameplay. It has a level of depth few action games have, a level that doesn’t present itself right away, it has to be discovered. Those that do discover it and learn it reap the rewards. Also, the Unreal Engine is not known for its reliability, something that is absolutely essential in an action game, especially DMC. And lastly, I am not ragging on Ninja Theory at all here, but their track record for action games is not great when considering the action they are handling here. The action is the only thing keeping DMC alive at this point, and if that goes, there will simply be nothing left to salvage.

As always is the case with DMC series, the next game will carry a lot of expectations. However, there are so many unnecessary uncertainties when looking at this game. They are swapping developers, and the one they have chosen is not the best to replicate the DMC formula, they are swapping engines, when they already have a polished and better engine to use and more importantly they are changing something that nobody asked to be changed, the gameplay. I can only hope that this game is the biggest surprise in gaming history, otherwise I cannot see the DMC name recovering again.

Enslaved was pretty great, so I have confidence in DMC

" Enslaved was pretty great, so I have confidence in DMC "

From what I have heard, the gameplay is not what is praised in Enslaved though, I wasn't impressed with what I played.
 
It's just my opinion (obviously) but I really don't think DMC will retain the gameplay of its predecessors.

" @kingzetta said:

" Enslaved was pretty great, so I have confidence in DMC "

^^This, I'm really enjoying Enslaved right now so I'm interested in DMC for the first time ever "

" From what I have heard, the gameplay is not what is praised in Enslaved though, I wasn't impressed with what I played.
 
It's just my opinion (obviously) but I really don't think DMC will retain the gameplay of its predecessors. "

I am interested in what a new developer can do with the series. I really liked 1, and skipped 2 and 3. Bought 4 but lost interest after gettin to the Dante sections. Hope this game has a better story, and isn't crazy hard and punishing.

Well I hope the developers can make this into an aswome DMC game 

The developers have had some experience and I hope that they'll get even better with this one. I thought Heavenly Sword was so short and the combat was just shitty, but I haven't played Enslaved yet though I heard good things. I really like how this game is looking too.

No matter how the game turns out, it'll at least always have its fantastic debut trailer to fall back on ;P.  
 
  

I dont know, the chances of this game being a failure outway the possibility of it being successful in the fans eyes, ninja theory should not have been given this franchise, if anyone I would have loved to see team ninja make a devil may cry title.   

Plus the main character looks like a hipster.

Ninja Theory have a lot to prove.
Both Heavenly Sword and Enslaved got no deep combat system, which i believe is what every DMC fans want. 
 
If they made the new DMC akin to their previous games (simplified combat and platforming), expect shit storms to be shat.

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

I'm glad this got some more input :) Thanks everyone.
 
I think the highest priority for the fans is the gameplay, as with any sequel to a well established franchise. 
 
That is biggest worry here, I haven't played the full game of Enslaved yet, but what I hear is very worrying when you consider the combat Ninja Theory is going to have to re-create. Dante's character is also something that ties into the gameplay in a certain way, his cocky attitude and self assurance (desptie him being kinda lame) are quite entertaining. 
 
I seriously doubt hardcore fans of DMC will even be considered with this next installment.

Yeah, my hopes are pretty low for the next DMC game. I haven't played Enslaved, but I really hate the direction they're taking Dante in. I can't say adequately how much they have put me off this game because of that.  
 
But to be honest, I don't really like where his character has been taken since the first game, or the overall style of the series. They made him a young punk in DMC, and the first one is the only game where I enjoyed the music. It was just straight up guitar-shredding, whereas the other ones have lyrics and crap in the combat music, and it's not very good.  
 
Also, I think the point should be made that in the special edition of DMC 3 (which is the one I have), they rebalanced the difficulty quite a bit, meaning that it's not infuriatingly difficult on the normal setting (but still fairly challenging).  
 
But back to the point, I'm not going to be buying the new DMC. I hate the direction they're going in, and I don't think that quality combat is enough to convince me to buy the new one (especially since I bought all of the DMC games I have for cheap a good amount of time after they came out). 

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

ninja theory should not have been given this franchise

" @Catolf said:

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

The ninja theory DMC game is a total reboot not a prequel. "

" @kingzetta said:

" @Catolf said:

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

The ninja theory DMC game is a total reboot not a prequel. "

And above everything else, this is the point that seems most unnecessary.  Developers need to stop with this idiotic reboot trend. "

" @kingzetta said:

" @Catolf said:

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

The ninja theory DMC game is a total reboot not a prequel. "

And above everything else, this is the point that seems most unnecessary.  Developers need to stop with this idiotic reboot trend. "

Developers need to stop with this idiotic reboot trend. "

" @Hailinel said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Catolf said:

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

The ninja theory DMC game is a total reboot not a prequel. "

And above everything else, this is the point that seems most unnecessary.  Developers need to stop with this idiotic reboot trend. "

This is true. DMC really didn't need rebooting either.  I think this is another prequel though, it's set before DMC3. Apparently if you've read the anime and other stuff for DMC it can be explained... no idea whether that's true though. "

" @Catolf said:

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

The ninja theory DMC game is a total reboot not a prequel. "

" @kingzetta said:

" @Catolf said:

" @MooseyMcMan:  How do you hate the direction? Because it's a prequel? It's not even out yet to be judged that harshly. "

The ninja theory DMC game is a total reboot not a prequel. "

And above everything else, this is the point that seems most unnecessary.  Developers need to stop with this idiotic reboot trend. "

" @Hailinel said:

Developers need to stop with this idiotic reboot trend. "

Just curious why? Is there something you see as inherently wrong with the concept of a franchise reboot? "

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

" @kingzetta said:

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

I'm not a huge fan of the series BECAUSE of his stupid white hair. Capcom made a good decision. Actually, now that I think about it, a scrawny crackhead who knows gun kata isn't very compelling either.  At least people who really like bad anime would totally be into old Dante. Either way it's pretty fucking embarassing. "

" @keyhunter said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

I'm not a huge fan of the series BECAUSE of his stupid white hair. Capcom made a good decision. Actually, now that I think about it, a scrawny crackhead who knows gun kata isn't very compelling either.  At least people who really like bad anime would totally be into old Dante. Either way it's pretty fucking embarassing. "

Seriously?  The only thing holding you back was his hair?  The hell, man. "

"all they need to do is add all the good thing and cut the bad."  

" @kingzetta: A reboot doesn't mean it can't take place along the same storyline though, RE4 was a reboot. But it tied directly into RE canon. "

But seriously, it's not about the hair. it's more like his entire look. He looks like he spent waaaaay too much at Hot Topic.  "

I really appreciate you not bitching about the character design, much respect for that. You've made the best argument I've seen, which isn't hard when the rest are complaining about how he looks like the creative director or some shit...
 
I can see what you're saying about it being disappointing for the fans, and your right when you say there is still much room for improvement. So you've shown me why so many people hate this reboot and then fail to articulate why. But still, personally, it's not a big deal to me if they stop making DMC games like 1-4. I think I've had my fill, or at least I feel satiated now that we have Bayonetta. Am I as excited about this game then I would be if they had shown a trailer of a traditional DMC rivaling 3? No. But I'm not disappointed either, this new game looks good but in a very different way.
 
@Hailinel: Fuck man, why? I mean... It's super obvious but still....

" @keyhunter said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

I'm not a huge fan of the series BECAUSE of his stupid white hair. Capcom made a good decision. Actually, now that I think about it, a scrawny crackhead who knows gun kata isn't very compelling either.  At least people who really like bad anime would totally be into old Dante. Either way it's pretty fucking embarassing. "

Seriously?  The only thing holding you back was his hair?  The hell, man. "

" @Hailinel said:

" @keyhunter said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

I'm not a huge fan of the series BECAUSE of his stupid white hair. Capcom made a good decision. Actually, now that I think about it, a scrawny crackhead who knows gun kata isn't very compelling either.  At least people who really like bad anime would totally be into old Dante. Either way it's pretty fucking embarassing. "

Seriously?  The only thing holding you back was his hair?  The hell, man. "

Well to be fair the reason everyone hates the new one is because, he does NOT have white hair. So It's perfectly fair for him to hate it for an equally stupid reason. "

" @kingzetta said:

" @Hailinel said:

" @keyhunter said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

I'm not a huge fan of the series BECAUSE of his stupid white hair. Capcom made a good decision. Actually, now that I think about it, a scrawny crackhead who knows gun kata isn't very compelling either.  At least people who really like bad anime would totally be into old Dante. Either way it's pretty fucking embarassing. "

Seriously?  The only thing holding you back was his hair?  The hell, man. "

Well to be fair the reason everyone hates the new one is because, he does NOT have white hair. So It's perfectly fair for him to hate it for an equally stupid reason. "

Well, there is that, but the one image I've seen of him basically makes him look like a drug addict that just got arrested at a Clash concert.  A very different Dante than the one people have gotten used to. "

" @Hailinel said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Hailinel said:

" @keyhunter said:

" @kingzetta said:

" @Mordukai said:

" @JTB123: Have you seen how Dante looks like now???? Dude, it's going to be embarrassing. However, DMC has a long history of having good odd number games and crappy even numbered games so there's a slim hope.  "

big deal he does not have white hair. I'm a huge fan and I don't care about that "

I'm not a huge fan of the series BECAUSE of his stupid white hair. Capcom made a good decision. Actually, now that I think about it, a scrawny crackhead who knows gun kata isn't very compelling either.  At least people who really like bad anime would totally be into old Dante. Either way it's pretty fucking embarassing. "

Seriously?  The only thing holding you back was his hair?  The hell, man. "

Well to be fair the reason everyone hates the new one is because, he does NOT have white hair. So It's perfectly fair for him to hate it for an equally stupid reason. "

Well, there is that, but the one image I've seen of him basically makes him look like a drug addict that just got arrested at a Clash concert.  A very different Dante than the one people have gotten used to. "

Change is good my friend. If it's anything like enslaved, this game will be probably the best Devil May Cry game. "