Is Devil May Cry Dmc Really That Bad Compared To Devil May Cry 5

When Ninja Theory took the reins of the *Devil May Cry* franchise in 2013 with a reboot titled simply *DmC: Devil May Cry*, the reaction was immediate—and polarized. Longtime fans of the series were divided over Dante’s redesigned look, the new combat mechanics, and the reimagined lore. Fast forward to 2019, and *Devil May Cry 5* returned to form with a vengeance, praised for its tight gameplay, emotional depth, and respect for the series’ roots. But is *DmC* truly as bad as its reputation suggests when held up against *DMC5*? Or has it been unfairly maligned?

The truth lies somewhere in between. While *Devil May Cry 5* is widely regarded as one of the best entries in the franchise, dismissing *DmC* entirely overlooks some of its genuine innovations and strengths. This article compares both games across key dimensions—gameplay, narrative, design, and legacy—to offer a balanced perspective on whether *DmC* deserves its infamy.

Gameplay Mechanics: Style vs. Substance

At the core of any *Devil May Cry* game is its combat system—fluid, fast, and built around stylish combos. *DmC* introduced a streamlined but deeply layered combat model that emphasized aerial combat and weapon switching. The grappling hook mechanic, tied to Dante’s demonic ally, allowed players to yank enemies closer or launch themselves into the air for extended combos. This added verticality changed how players approached encounters, encouraging creativity in crowd control.

In contrast, *Devil May Cry 5* refined the classic formula with precision. Each playable character—Nero, Dante, and V—offers a distinct playstyle. Nero’s Devil Breakers provide modular customization, while Dante’s full arsenal returns with all the flair fans expect. The game rewards mastery with high-rank grading, making every fight feel like a performance.

Tip: In both games, mastering mid-air combat and rapid weapon switching is key to achieving S-ranks.

While *DmC* simplified some mechanics (e.g., removing manual style switching), it still offered depth through its combo potential and enemy variety. However, *DMC5* strikes a better balance between accessibility and complexity, offering more satisfying long-term progression.

Narrative and Tone: Reboot vs. Continuity

*DmC* attempted to reimagine the *Devil May Cry* universe from the ground up. Set in a dystopian Limbo City ruled by demons disguised as corporate elites, the story follows a younger, angrier Dante who discovers his heritage and purpose. The tone is darker, more satirical, poking at consumerism and media manipulation. While ambitious, the narrative often felt disjointed, relying heavily on cutscenes and voice-over narration that interrupted gameplay flow.

On the other hand, *Devil May Cry 5* delivers emotional weight through character development. The return of Vergil, the evolution of Nero’s powers, and Dante’s quiet heroism create a narrative arc that resonates even without excessive exposition. The story respects canon while pushing characters forward, blending action with moments of introspection.

“Reboots can succeed when they honor the spirit of the original, not just the surface traits.” — Jason Lee, Game Narrative Designer

*DmC*’s story wasn’t poorly written—it had thematic ambition—but it lacked the mythic resonance that defines the mainline entries. It felt more like a standalone action title than a true *Devil May Cry* experience.

Visual Design and Art Direction

One area where *DmC* clearly excelled was visual design. Ninja Theory brought a bold, stylized aesthetic to Limbo—a surreal, shifting cityscape that reacted dynamically to demonic influence. The environments pulsed with neon and decay, creating a unique atmosphere rarely seen in mainstream action games. Character designs, while controversial (especially Dante’s mullet and leather jacket), were consistent with the game’s modern, edgy tone.

*Devil May Cry 5*, powered by Capcom’s proprietary RE Engine, achieves photorealistic visuals without sacrificing style. The game blends grounded human settings with fantastical demon realms seamlessly. Lighting, textures, and facial animations are top-tier, especially during cinematic sequences. Yet, despite its technical superiority, *DMC5* sometimes feels more restrained artistically compared to *DmC*’s unapologetic flamboyance.

Aspect	DmC (2013)	Devil May Cry 5 (2019)
Combat System	Streamlined, aerial-focused, grappling hook mechanic	Deep, customizable, three distinct playstyles
Story Approach	Reboot with satirical themes	Continuation with emotional stakes
Visual Style	Surreal, neon-drenched Limbo	Realistic detail with stylized action
Fan Reception	Polarizing; criticized for Dante’s redesign	Widely acclaimed; praised for authenticity
Longevity & Replay Value	Moderate; fun but limited post-game	High; extensive difficulty modes and unlockables

Legacy and Impact on the Franchise

Despite mixed initial reactions, *DmC* played a crucial role in keeping the franchise alive during a period of uncertainty. After *Devil May Cry 4* underperformed commercially and critically among hardcore fans, Capcom needed a fresh approach. Licensing the IP to Ninja Theory was a risk, but it kept *Devil May Cry* relevant in an era dominated by cover shooters and open-world titles.

Moreover, elements from *DmC* influenced later entries. The focus on fluid traversal, dynamic arenas, and tighter pacing can be seen in *DMC5*. Even Nero’s upgraded abilities echo *DmC*’s emphasis on mobility and environmental interaction. In hindsight, *DmC* served as a creative test bed—one that helped shape the future of the series.

Mini Case Study: The Redemption of Reboots

Consider the case of *Tomb Raider* (2013). Like *DmC*, it faced backlash for reimagining a beloved character—Lara Croft—as younger, less experienced, and more vulnerable. Critics questioned whether the reboot betrayed the spirit of the original. Yet over time, the game gained recognition for revitalizing the franchise, introducing modern gameplay mechanics, and setting up a successful trilogy.

*DmC* could follow a similar path. While it may never replace the original series in fans’ hearts, its contributions deserve acknowledgment. It proved that *Devil May Cry* could evolve without losing its identity—at least in terms of gameplay innovation.

So, Is DmC Really That Bad?

No—not objectively. While *DmC* fails to capture the essence of what longtime fans love about *Devil May Cry*, it’s far from a bad game. Its combat is engaging, its world imaginative, and its production values high. Where it stumbles is in emotional connection and authenticity. Changing Dante’s personality, appearance, and backstory alienated a core audience that saw him as an icon of cool, chaotic heroism.

*Devil May Cry 5*, by returning to the established continuity and refining proven mechanics, delivered exactly what fans wanted: a celebration of the series’ legacy with modern polish. It didn’t need to reinvent the wheel—it just needed to roll forward with confidence.

Tip: If you’re judging *DmC* solely on gameplay, try it blind—without knowing it’s a *Devil May Cry* title. You might appreciate it more as a standalone hack-and-slash experience.

Checklist: How to Fairly Evaluate DmC vs. DMC5

• Play both games with an open mind, avoiding preconceptions
• Focus on combat fluidity, not just visual fidelity
• Assess how each game handles pacing and mission structure
• Consider the emotional payoff of the story arcs
• Reflect on replay value and post-game content

FAQ

Was DmC canon to the main Devil May Cry series?

No, *DmC* exists in a separate universe known as the “DmC reboot” timeline. It does not affect the continuity of the main series, which includes *DMC1* through *DMC5*.

Can I skip DmC and still understand Devil May Cry 5?

Absolutely. *Devil May Cry 5* continues directly from *DMC4* and references events from earlier entries. The reboot has no bearing on the plot.

Why did fans hate Dante’s new look in DmC?

Many fans felt the redesign—particularly the white hair, modern clothing, and brooding attitude—betrayed Dante’s charismatic, irreverent personality. The change symbolized a break from the series’ tone, sparking strong emotional resistance.

Conclusion: Respect the Experiment

*Devil May Cry 5* is undeniably superior in terms of fan service, narrative cohesion, and mechanical depth. It honors the past while pushing the series forward. But dismissing *DmC* as “bad” oversimplifies a nuanced reality. It was a bold experiment—one that challenged conventions and introduced fresh ideas into a stagnating genre.

Rather than viewing *DmC* as a failure, consider it a valuable detour. It reminded developers and fans alike that legacy franchises can take risks—even if they don’t always land. And in doing so, it helped pave the way for *DMC5*’s triumphant return.

🚀 Played both games? Share your thoughts below. Do you think *DmC* deserves a second chance, or is *DMC5* the only true successor?