E3: Devil May Cry 5: The Review, Release Date, Gameplay, And What To Know

After a long time away, Capcom is bringing the cult favorite Devil May Cry series back to its classic roots. Set to release on March 8, 2019 for PC, PS4, and Xbox One, Devil May Cry 5 is the next major entry in the series, evolving the over-the-top action and style that popularized the series since its debut in 2001. With new weapons systems, multiple playable characters, and an abundance of callbacks to previous games, DMC5 looks to be the game that longtime fans have been waiting for. In our full review, we detailed why the new game in the series is everything long-time fans have been waiting for.

There's a lot to take in with DMC5, including its enhanced combat mechanics, and the new co-op mode that was revealed during the trailer at The Game Awards. Ever since its debut at E3 2018, we've got plenty to say about the action game, so we've broken things down to a few key points of interest. Here's everything we know about Capcom's upcoming return to stylish-action with Devil May Cry 5.

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What Is Devil May Cry 5?

Devil May Cry 5 is an upcoming action-adventure game. Developed by Capcom, the long-running DMC series has always been about fast, stylish action while using a variety of unique weapons. Over the last 16 years, the series has gone on to inspire a particular brand of action gameplay, where fast-paced action and challenging battles go hand-in-hand. With every game, the stakes and scope of the series has grown, and DMC5 looks to be the most detailed and elaborate entry yet.

DMC5 seeks to continue that tradition of stylish action by telling the next major story in the series. With three playable characters--Dante, Nero, and the newcomer V--you'll go through several missions slashing and shooting demons and other monsters. Running on the RE Engine, the same framework powering Resident Evil 7 and the Resident Evil 2 remake, the game will feature the most detailed and richly realized visuals the series has seen yet. According to the developers, DMC5 will be the biggest game in the franchise has seen yet, incorporating a number of new features and innovations into the core gameplay.

The Full Review

In our full review of Devil May Cry 5, editor Matt Espineli gave it a 9/10, and stated that the series' classic sense of action and thrills are back in full force. Though he gave some criticisms for the game's fan-servicey moments and the unremarkable Cameo System, he praised the game's steadfast focus on offering in-depth and fun gameplay with its trio of playable characters.

"DMC5 thrives on the stylistic and mechanical prowess of its predecessors. It sticks to tradition above all else, pursuing a few ambitious new ideas along the way, but mostly maintaining the series’ focus on intricate fighting systems and campy bravado. Rarely does the game stumble, consistently leveraging its spectacle and mechanical depth to push aside any small frustrations. All the while, the story exudes a charismatic charm that keeps you constantly intrigued as you’re refining your skills. DMC5 proves the series can still be brilliant and imaginative without compromising its longest-held traditions."

When Does It Release And How Can I Catch Up?

DMC5's release date on PC, PS4, and Xbox One is set for March 8, 2019. If you want to catch up and play the previous games, you can check out the DMC HD Collection compiling the first three games on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Also, DMC4 Special Edition is available on the same platforms and offers a updated take on original the game, while also adding in three additional characters to play as. DmC: Definitive Edition, an update of Ninja Theory's reboot, is also an excellent entry in the series. If you're interested in checking that out, the Definitive Edition is available on PS4 and Xbox One (no PC release, unfortunately).

Pre-Release Build Impressions

"After spending a few hours playing Devil May Cry V, the joints in my fingers were aching and my wrist was cramped. These pains should be familiar to Devil May Cry fans; the series always required a high level of dexterity. But in this sorry state, a simple joy washed over me: 'I'm actually playing a new Devil May Cry game, and that's awesome.' But at the same time, another thought prodded my mind: 'Will everyone else want this?'" Read the full preview.

Can I Start With This Game?

Though this game references storylines and characters from across the 16 year history, it's totally possible to jump straight into DMC5. Just like with previous games, there will be digest material to help you get up to speed. But more importantly, the game will work as a standalone title, and won't require you to know every single character and their relationships. With that said, the game's plot will make more of an impact if you're familiar with the series.

The Reveal Trailer

After years of rumors and speculation, Devil May Cry 5 made its debut during Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference. The trailer began with an enigmatic voice-over talking over widespread carnage and bloodshed, with characters explaining that another demonic invasion has reached Earth. Afterward, we finally saw the return of Nero, riding around in his mobile headquarters with a neon blue Devil May Cry logo on the side. The trailer ended with a tease of Dante riding along on an strange, demonic motorcycle--giving a familiar smirk to the viewer.

What's New In DMC5?

Though many details about DMC5 are still under wraps, the game focuses on offering the same thrilling moments of action--with some added twists. In addition to new weapons and tweaks to existing characters, and even an online co-op mode, DMC5 will also feature a new training level called the Void mode. In this practice area, which can be pulled up in between missions, you'll be sucked into a space that allows you to experiment with the different moves and weapons you have available for the three playable characters. Pulling from Capcom's wealth of experience from fighting games, you can apply a whole set of options to your sparring partner--adjusting AI, attack damage, and other options--allowing you to get a feel for what your character can do.

How Does Nero Play?

Returning from DMC4, Nero is one of the main leads in DMC5. However, some things have changed since his first appearance that was quickly apparent from watching the debut trailer. For starters, his primary moveset is largely the same, using his Blue Rose revolver and Red Queen sword in tandem, which can charged up for extra damage. However, the Devil Bringer from the previous game--allowing him to yank and grapple enemies from afar--is gone, and he'll now have to rely on the new Devil Breaker system.

Crafted by series newcomer Nico, who works as a shopkeeper in their mobile headquarters, you'll be able to purchase upgrades and new items from her--including new Devil Breakers. Essentially, Devil Breakers are disposable arms that offer Nero different skills and modifiers to his moveset. For instance, the Gerbera arm will allow Nero to fire off projectile lasers, the Tomboy will amplify Nero's sword and gun strength (at the cost of disabling lock-on), and the Buster Arm will function similarly to his original Devil Bringer. However, there is a tradeoff to having these weapons. The prosthetic arms are extremely fragile and will break once you've taken enough damage from enemies or if you want to switch over to another weapon--destroying the equipped arm. However, there are plenty of arms scattered around the levels, allowing to find a new one fairly easily.

Where Does DMC5 Fit In The Series Timeline?

Devil May Cry 5 is a direct sequel to the events of DMC4, which saw Nero and Dante face off against Sanctus and the Order of Sparda. While the previous games only seldom referenced past events, opting to keep things more in the moment, DMC5 will have some direct callbacks to the other games--even explaining who crafted Dante's iconic weapons. Interestingly enough, Devil May Cry 2 will also play into the canon despite having been largely dismissed by fans and the developers in past years. Here's the current chronological order for the series.

Is This Related to DmC: Devil May Cry?

DMC5 is a continuation of the story prior to Ninja Theory's reboot. Though DmC: Devil May Cry ended at a point that hinted at a another game, the upcoming DMC title is a direct sequel to 2008's Devil May Cry 4. There are no plans to continue on with Ninja Theory's reboot.

The Gamescom 2018 Trailer

In this new trailer, we got to see more of Nero in action--including his time-stopping devil breaker Ragtime--while also getting a peak at Dante's new weapons and moveset. During the debut trailer, we saw Dante riding a motorcycle, which is a constant throughout the series, but this trailer revealed that it also serves a new weapon for him, called the Cavaliere-B. The weaponized motorcycle turns into two large chainsaws, allowing him to combo back and forth into the vehicle and melee forms.

Is There A Demo?

Yes, the demo for DMC5 is out now on PS4 and Xbox One. This demo is a short mission with Nero fighting his way through the streets, culminating in a boss fight against Goliath. You have access to a few Devil Breakers, so be sure to jump in and give the game a shot!

How Does Co-Op Play Work?

Revealed during The Game Awards 2018, DMC5 features a new mechanic called the Cameo System, allowing players to team up online. Interestingly enough, this is the second time that co-op has appeared in the series--the first appearance being in Devil May Cry 3 during a particular boss battle. Throughout the campaign, certain stages will allow for players to choose from multiple character to play as. If you're online, then you'll load into the same stage with another player who's picked a different character, allowing you to complete the level together. After the level's completion, you can even rate the style of their performance. If you're offline, then the game's AI will control the other characters instead.

How Does Dante Play?

The original devil hunter makes a comeback, and he's exactly how you remember him from previous games. With the largest arsenal of weapons, Dante will be able to swap between a variety of swords, gauntlets, and other firearms on the fly--all while taking advantage of different combat styles and his signature devil trigger, which greatly amplifies his core damage and restores any lost health. After defeating major bosses throughout the game, Dante will acquire a new weapon for him to take advantage of, adding another deadly tool to his set.

One of the newer innovations for Dante is the option to customize specific loadouts for his melee and firearms. In the pre-mission menu, you can choose which weapons you want to bring with you in mission. If you want to come in fully armed--with up to four melee and firearms each--then you can do so. But if you're feeling more traditional and want to stick with one melee and firearm, you can do that too. Dante will also be able to use his different combat styles--Swordmaster, Gunslinger, Trickster, and Royal Guard--which can open up new moves to use for his weapons.

Are There Microtransactions?

During TGS 2018, we learned from our demo that DMC5 will feature a form of microtransactions for players to take advantage of. Using a similar method from Devil May Cry 4: Special Edition, these purchases will only allow you access to Red Orbs--DMC's currency--and they won't throw the game's balance out of whack, according to Capcom. Many of the major abilities and upgrades you can find are tied to the story, thus requiring you to earn access to them.

Will There Be Post-Launch Updates?

During the recent news drop during The Game Awards 2018, Capcom revealed plans to release the game's survival mode Bloody Palace the month after launch. Since DMC2, Bloody Palace has been one of the game's toughest challenges, pushing players to fight through 100 floors of enemies. During certain milestones after completing 10 or so floors, you'll face off against a returning boss from the campaign. At launch, the Bloody Palace won't be available, arriving as a free update in April 2019.

The TGS 2018 Trailer

At TGS 2018, Capcom released a new trailer revealing more of Dante and Nero's respective movesets and weapons. The original devil hunter also shows off a brand-new weapon known as the Balrog. This close-range, brawler-focused weapon features two distinct fighting modes channeling punches and kicks. At the end of the trailer, we also got another tease of the elusive third playable character referred to as V.

How Does V Play?

During the reveal of the new trailer at The Game Awards 2018, we finally saw gameplay of DMC5's new playable character V in action. In a stark contrast from Dante and Nero, V's combat skills focus primarily on his demonic familiars--returning DMC1 monsters Shadow, Griffon, and Nightmare. In the gameplay footage, we saw the character summon demons to fight against, with him staying at a distance as the beasts conjure up spikes, strike at close-range, and fire large energy beams against the enemies.

However when it comes down to it, V is still capable of fighting at close-range. With his cane, he can finish off weakened demons and mount some of the larger beasts as well. Also, V is capable of using several fake out teleport attacks to lure enemies in to strike them from behind. This character is certainly a big change from the others, and it'll be interesting to see just how different his moveset becomes when he gains additional moves and abilities.

The Game Awards 2018 Trailer

During The Game Awards, we saw a brand new trailer revealing more of DMC5's plot and trio of characters. Facing off against the big bad--a powerful demon named Urizen--Dante, Nero, Lady, and Trish seemed to have met their match. Dante himself even has his trusty sword, the Rebellion, shattered in the conflict. Throughout the trailer, we got to see plenty of action between the different playable characters--including V, who made his gameplay debut. Throughout the footage, we got to see V's particular combat style in action, focusing more on ranged combat and having his demonic familiars do his bidding. We also saw new footage of Dante's new firearm known as the Faust. Not letting up on the style, this weapon is demonic cowboy hat that uses red orbs as ammo--allowing you to cash in to summon meteors and other dangerous projectiles.

Is There A Special Edition?

Capcom plans to offer deluxe editions of Devil May Cry 5 on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The Digital Deluxe Edition (priced at $70) comes with the full game, four unique Devil Breakers for Nero--including Mega Man's mega-buster--DLC song packs, and alternate color-schemes for characters and weapons. The US will also get a special Collector's Edition ($150) that comes with the Deluxe version, an artbook, enamel pins, a bumper sticker, and special model of the Nico's motorhome. You can read more about these in our DMC5 pre-order guide.

However, if you're looking for the ultimate way to experience Devil May Cry 5, then you may to check out the Japan-only Limited Edition. Cost upwards of $8600, this edition comes with the deluxe edition and a replica leather jacket modeled after Dante's threads in-game. If you're a die-hard fan that won't miss spending several thousand dollars for video-game memorabilia, then you want to invest in this edition of the game.

For more on Devil May Cry 5, including guides on how to find all the secret missions and some sweet SSS action gameplay, be sure to check back with us at GameSpot.

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