Late last year, Capcom announced that DMC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition is in development for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The port is being developed by Ninja Theory, the same studio that created the controversial original version. So is the remastered game worth purchasing on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One? Let’s examine several factors that may sway you in one way and another.
Original Release
DMC Devil May Cry was first released on the 15th of January in 2012 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 before being ported to the PC a little around a year later. The reboot caused a lot of controversy before release as fans did not like the fact that Capcom did not internally developed the game like the previous installments. Instead, the above-mentioned Ninja Theory ended up being the main development studio.
Another criticism is the design of Dante. Instead of the iconic look and personality from the previous games, Capcom decided to completely change his character. As a result, there was a huge backlash before and after the release of DMC.
The original version did not sell as well as Capcom planned, which was unfortunate as the game itself ended up being great. In addition to the trademarked combo-focused action gameplay, DMC also introduce the Angle and Devil modes. Both of these styles, which can be switched on the fly, have their own unique attacks and maneuvers. The level design also got expanded as there are more complex stages compared to the previous games where you just went from one enclosed fights to another.
While hardcore fans of the series may not like some of the changes, DMC Devil May Cry ended up being one of the best character action games released last-generation. Hopefully with the port to current-gen consoles, the underrated and overlooked title may be able to the recognition it originally deserves.
Included DLC Packs
Furthermore, you will be getting more than just the main game with the Definitive Edition as it will also include all of the post-launch DLC packs that were previously released. The remastered version will be getting the Costume Pack, Bloody Palace, Weapons Bundle in addition to Vergil’s Downfall campaign (where you get to play as Vergil in the story mode) at no additional costs.
Exclusive Features
DMC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition will also include some exclusive features not found in the original release. The first is Vergil’s Bloody Palace Mode where you get to play as Dante’s twin brother taking on waves upon waves of enemies. It will also add a new Gods Must Die difficulty in addition to a Must Style Mode, Hardcore Mode and Turbo Mode (which allows you to increase the speed of gameplay). The hardcore mode is especially interesting as it changes DMC to play more like the classic Devil May Cry games.
Ninja Theory will also be implementing some balancing changes and improvements based on fan feedback from the original release. Finally, new leader boards, trophies and achievements are included with the Definitive Edition.
Enhanced Graphics
Being on the PS4 and Xbox One also means that the game will also be getting enhanced graphics. The development team bumped up the resolution to 1080p, making the already great-looking visuals even better.
More importantly, the frame rate is going to be increased to 60 per second. Character action games such as DMC rely on split-second button inputs and decisions. Having 60 frames per second instead of 30 should dramatically improve the gameplay.
Final Verdict
Even without the additional content and improvements from the Definitive Edition, DMC is still considered one of the best character action games released over the past several years. If you haven’t played it already, the PS4 and Xbox One versions are a must play. For those you already played through the original to death, you may want to wait for a price drop unless you think the new content and improvement are worth buying at MSRP (although the game is already launching at a budgeted price when compared to most new releases).
DMC Devil May Cry: Definitive Edition is being released on the 10th of March. You can preorder the videogame with this link on Amazon.