The wacky and wild history of the Devil May Cry Franchise:

By Aaron James Stead

The wacky and wild history of the Devil May Cry franchise is a rollercoaster ride through two decades of stylish action, gothic aesthetics, and demon-slaying swagger. Since its debut in 2001, Capcom’s iconic series has carved out a cult following with its over-the-top combat, cryptic storytelling, and unforgettable protagonist, Dante. But behind the flashy combos and smirking one-liners lies a turbulent development history marked by creative risks, dramatic reboots, and passionate fan reactions. As we dive into the legacy of Devil May Cry, we’ll explore how this chaotic yet beloved franchise evolved—and why it still swings a giant sword with so much style.

The origins of Devil May Cry trace back to an unexpected place—Resident Evil 4. Initially conceived as a new installment in the survival horror series, the project took a drastic turn when director Hideki Kamiya leaned heavily into high-octane action and exaggerated character design. Capcom decided the gameplay deviated too far from the horror roots of Resident Evil, so the project was reworked into an entirely new IP. Thus, Devil May Cry was born. Released in 2001 for the PlayStation 2, the first game introduced players to Dante, a half-demon, half-human demon hunter with a mysterious past and a cocky attitude. Armed with dual pistols, a massive sword, and an arsenal of flashy moves, Dante battled his way through a gothic castle teeming with demonic creatures in a quest to stop the resurrection of the demon emperor Mundus. The game’s fluid combat, combo system, and over-the-top style laid the foundation for what would become a genre-defining action franchise.

Following the success of the first game, Devil May Cry 2 launched in 2003—but it was far from the triumphant sequel fans expected. With a different development team at the helm and little input from series creator Hideki Kamiya, the sequel was criticized for its bland level design, overly simplified combat, and a noticeably subdued Dante. Despite introducing a second playable character, Lucia, and expanding the game’s scope with more open environments, DMC2 is widely regarded as the weakest entry in the franchise and remains a cautionary tale of rushed development and inconsistent creative vision.

Capcom course-corrected in 2005 with Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening, a prequel that revitalized the franchise and reestablished its identity. The game explored Dante’s early days and his rivalry with his twin brother, Vergil. Not only did DMC3 bring a younger, cockier, and more relatable Dante back into the spotlight, but it also introduced the innovative “Style” system, allowing players to switch between combat techniques like Swordmaster and Gunslinger. With its challenging difficulty, tight gameplay, and rich character development, Devil May Cry 3 is now considered one of the high points of the series.

In 2008, Devil May Cry 4 marked the franchise’s debut on next-gen consoles and introduced a new protagonist: Nero. With a mysterious demonic arm known as the Devil Bringer and a rebellious attitude, Nero brought a fresh dynamic to the series. The game alternated between Nero’s story and Dante’s, showcasing both characters in stylish, high-speed combat across sprawling, intricately designed levels. Although the game was praised for its visuals and mechanics, it drew some criticism for recycling content in its second half. Still, DMC4 successfully expanded the lore and introduced a fan-favorite character who would return in future entries.

Then, in 2019, Capcom returned to form with Devil May Cry 5, a full-fledged sequel that brought back the original timeline and reunited Dante and Nero—along with a mysterious new character named V. The game masterfully blended all the best elements of previous entries: deep combat systems, dazzling visuals, and a story that wrapped up decades-long arcs with style and emotion. Nero’s new Devil Breaker arms added even more variety to gameplay, while Dante remained as wild and inventive as ever. With universal acclaim and strong sales, DMC5 not only redeemed the franchise’s legacy but also cemented its place as one of the finest action games of its generation.

In terms of the games that had the worst impact on the fanbase was Devil May Cry 2 and the attempted reboot that was DMC: Devil May Cry as those games left a sour taste in the community’s mouth.

Here is a short infographic based on two of the major recurring characters of the Devil May Cry franchise

this video is a short summary of the DMC games that can be found in Devil May Cry 5