Devil May Cry 5
Devil May Cry 5
Publisher: Capcom
Developer: Capcom
Genre:
PEGI:
Comments:
One of the most successful Japanese hack-and-slash franchises in history, Devil May Cry is back with its latest installment, Devil May Cry 5. Known for its style-focused combat and cutting edge graphics, the DMC series has long been a staple of console gaming. Can its most recent title find success in a gaming market that has largely moved away from the genre? Let’s take a closer look!
I have very fond memories of hack and slash games that date all the way back to my childhood. The mindless entertainment of button-mashing your way to victory while finding hidden treasures in obvious corners as you progress in an otherwise-linear fashion was enough stimulation back then.
To be honest, I have not seen or played a true hack and slash adventure since God of War, and when I started playing Devil May Cry 5, I remembered why.
In 2019, with the huge selection of games at our disposal and with the depth each of these games aims to provide, it seems almost anti-climactic to sit down and play a game that is so linear and offers very little depth.
The only criticism, then, that can be placed squarely on the shoulders of Devil May Cry 5 and its developers, is the failure to recognize and adapt to this market shift away from the hack and
Regardless, I believe it was a serious gamble to bring forward such a one-dimensional game in 2019, and I am not sure that it will pay off.
It is important to note that while the genre may not be at its forefront, Devil May Cry 5 does have a few shining moments and updated mechanics that are likely to proper it to success.
One of such updates is the addition of the ‘Devil Breakers’, the replaceable mechanical arms that Nero dons with the help of Nico. These arms all have unique abilities, and must be equipped in sequential order.
This offers a refreshing element of strategy to the game, whereby players must prepare a range of these arms ahead of a mission in the exact order they intend to use them, or risk not having their desired ability read when they want it.
All things considered, after easing into the game and re-acquainting myself with the hack and slash style, I quickly got into the rhythm of Devil May Cry 5 and began racking up my Stylish Points combos, and having a blast while doing it.
For anyone unfamiliar with the genre, ‘Stylish Points’ are awarded in DMC games when you chain together a series of moves or combos that dispatch of your enemies in the coolest ways possible.
With the addition of the Devil Breakers, this now includes hooking enemies, propelling them into you, launching both of you into the air, getting a few sword slashes in, slamming them back onto the ground and then firing a barrage of bullets at them as they land. And that’s just to start.
Overall, Devil May Cry 5 offers a familiar hack and slash experience with stunning visuals, a great storyline and a couple of twists and breathe just enough life into the genre to keep it alive for a little longer. Certainly a title to consider buying if you are or ever have been a fan of hack-and-slash.