Devil May Cry Story: Up To DMC 5 (A Complete Recap)
Hey guys! Ready for a wild ride through the insane world of Devil May Cry? This series is famous for its over-the-top action, unforgettable characters, and a story that's surprisingly deep once you get past all the stylish demon slaying. So, let's dive into the Devil May Cry storyline, covering everything up to Devil May Cry 5. Buckle up; it's gonna be one hell of a ride!
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening – The Beginning of a Legend
Our journey starts with Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening. This prequel throws us back to when Dante was just a cocky, young demon hunter, running a struggling business and generally being a pain in the neck. But this is where it all begins – the foundation of his legend. The game introduces us to Vergil, Dante's twin brother, who is obsessed with power and unlocking their father Sparda's full potential. Vergil, unlike Dante, embraces his demonic heritage fully. Their contrasting ideologies set the stage for their epic rivalry.
The story kicks off when a massive tower, the Temen-ni-gru, erupts from the ground. This tower is Vergil's doing; he aims to use it to open a gate to the demon world and claim Sparda's power for himself. Dante, never one to back down from a fight (especially when demons are involved), decides to climb the tower and stop his brother. Along the way, he encounters Lady, a human who's hunting demons to avenge her mother's death, who was killed when she was turned into a demon by her father, Arkham. Arkham is the main antagonist of the game, manipulating both Dante and Vergil for his own gain. He seeks to obtain Sparda's sword and use its power to become a god. The battles in Devil May Cry 3 are legendary, from the Cerberus fight early on to the Agni & Rudra duel, each encounter tests Dante's skills and pushes him closer to his destiny. Dante obtains his iconic Rebellion sword in the game. The sword helps him unlock his true potential. The clash between Dante and Vergil is not just a physical battle but a clash of ideologies. Dante wants to protect humanity, while Vergil seeks power at any cost. In the end, Dante defeats Vergil, but Vergil chooses to fall into the demon world rather than accept Dante's help. This moment is crucial because it sets the tone for their relationship throughout the series. Devil May Cry 3 ends with Dante fully embracing his role as a demon hunter, solidifying his purpose and setting the stage for the rest of the series. He renames his shop “Devil May Cry,” a testament to his journey and the pain he has endured. This game shows us the origin of Dante's trademark style and attitude, making it a perfect starting point for understanding the Devil May Cry saga.
Devil May Cry 1: The Original Demon Slaying
Next up, we have the game that started it all: Devil May Cry. While it's the first game released, chronologically, it follows Devil May Cry 3. Dante is now a seasoned demon hunter, running his shop and taking on any demonic threat that comes his way. The story begins when Trish, a mysterious woman who bears a striking resemblance to Dante's mother, Eva, appears and hires him to stop Mundus, the Prince of Darkness. Mundus, as you might recall, is the demon who murdered Dante's mother and corrupted his brother, Vergil (who is now Nelo Angelo). Dante accepts the mission, driven by a desire for revenge and a need to protect humanity.
Dante travels to Mallet Island, where he confronts various demons and uncovers Mundus's plan to conquer the human world. Along the way, he encounters Nelo Angelo, a powerful demon warrior who is eventually revealed to be Vergil, brainwashed and enslaved by Mundus. The battles with Nelo Angelo are emotionally charged, as Dante struggles to come to terms with the fact that his brother is now his enemy. Trish serves as both an ally and a source of conflict for Dante. Her resemblance to Eva constantly reminds him of his past trauma, but she also proves to be a valuable asset in his fight against Mundus. Over the course of the game, Dante develops a bond with Trish, eventually seeing her as more than just a reminder of his mother. He starts to care for her. The final battle with Mundus is an epic showdown that tests Dante's strength and resolve. Dante manages to defeat Mundus, but not without Trish sacrificing herself to save him. This act of selflessness solidifies Dante's commitment to protecting humanity. However, Trish is later revived by Dante's power, symbolizing his ability to overcome tragedy and find hope in the face of despair. Devil May Cry establishes many of the series' core elements, including Dante's signature moves, the focus on stylish combat, and the recurring theme of family and revenge. It also sets the stage for future installments, hinting at the ongoing struggle between the human and demon worlds. The game's success paved the way for the Devil May Cry franchise, solidifying Dante as one of the most iconic characters in video game history. The gothic atmosphere and challenging gameplay made it an instant classic, and its influence can still be seen in modern action games.
Devil May Cry 4: A New Protagonist and Familiar Faces
Devil May Cry 4 shakes things up by introducing a new protagonist: Nero. Nero is a young Holy Knight in the Order of the Sword, a religious group that worships Sparda, believing him to be a savior. Nero possesses a demonic arm, the Devil Bringer, which grants him incredible power. The story begins with Dante assassinating the head of the Order, sparking a conflict between him and Nero. Nero, initially believing Dante to be a villain, sets out to avenge the fallen leader. However, as Nero investigates the Order, he uncovers dark secrets and realizes that they are not as righteous as they appear. He discovers that the Order is experimenting with demonic power to create weapons and enhance their own abilities. This leads him to question everything he thought he knew about the Order and their mission.
Throughout the game, Nero crosses paths with Dante multiple times, leading to intense battles and uneasy alliances. Dante tests Nero, pushing him to unlock his full potential and eventually recognizes him as a worthy ally. It is revealed that Nero is actually a descendant of Vergil, making him related to Dante. This revelation adds another layer to their relationship and explains Nero's possession of the Devil Bringer. The main antagonist of Devil May Cry 4 is Agnus, a scientist within the Order who is responsible for the demonic experiments. Agnus seeks to open a gate to the demon world and unleash chaos upon the human world. Nero confronts Agnus and ultimately defeats him, preventing his plans from coming to fruition. The game explores themes of faith, betrayal, and the corrupting influence of power. Nero's journey is one of self-discovery, as he comes to terms with his demonic heritage and finds his own path. Devil May Cry 4 also expands on the series' lore, providing more insight into the Order of the Sword and their connection to Sparda. The game's stunning visuals and dynamic combat system make it a standout entry in the series. While Nero takes center stage, Dante remains a significant presence, offering guidance and support to the new protagonist. The ending of Devil May Cry 4 leaves the door open for future installments, hinting at the ongoing struggle between the human and demon worlds and the continued evolution of the Devil May Cry saga. Fans appreciated the addition of Nero and the fresh perspective he brought to the series, while also enjoying the return of Dante in a supporting role.
Devil May Cry 2: The Black Sheep (We Don't Talk About Bruno... I Mean, DMC2)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. Devil May Cry 2 is often considered the weakest entry in the series. Many fans prefer to pretend it doesn't exist, and for good reason. The story is convoluted, Dante's personality is drastically different (he's strangely stoic and subdued), and the gameplay is simplified. Devil May Cry 2 sees Dante teaming up with Lucia, a warrior from Dumary Island, to stop Arius, a businessman who seeks to obtain a powerful artifact to summon a demon god named Argosax. The plot is thin, the characters are underdeveloped, and the overall experience lacks the charm and excitement of other Devil May Cry games.
Dante's portrayal in Devil May Cry 2 is a major departure from his usual self. He lacks his trademark wit and sarcasm, making him feel like a completely different character. The combat system is also simplified, with less emphasis on stylish combos and more focus on basic attacks. Despite its flaws, Devil May Cry 2 does introduce some interesting concepts, such as the ability to transform into different Devil Trigger forms. However, these additions are not enough to redeem the game's shortcomings. The level design is bland, the enemy AI is weak, and the boss battles are uninspired. Devil May Cry 2 is often seen as a missed opportunity, a game that failed to capture the essence of what makes Devil May Cry so special. While it is technically part of the series' canon, many fans choose to ignore it and focus on the other, more enjoyable installments. The game's negative reception led Capcom to re-evaluate the direction of the series, resulting in the development of Devil May Cry 3, which is widely regarded as a return to form. In short, Devil May Cry 2 is a game that is best left forgotten. Its flaws are too numerous to overlook, and its contributions to the series are minimal. If you're new to Devil May Cry, it's recommended to skip this one and jump straight to Devil May Cry 3.
Devil May Cry 5: The Grand Finale (For Now)
Finally, we arrive at Devil May Cry 5, the latest installment and a triumphant return to form for the series. Set several years after Devil May Cry 4, the story revolves around a new demonic invasion led by Urizen, an incredibly powerful demon who plants a massive, blood-draining tree called the Qliphoth in Red Grave City. This game is a direct sequel to Devil May Cry 4. The game features three playable characters: Dante, Nero, and V, a mysterious newcomer with the ability to control demons. Each character has their own unique playstyle and perspective on the events unfolding. Nero, now running his own mobile Devil May Cry branch, is determined to stop Urizen and protect those he cares about. However, he is haunted by the loss of his Devil Bringer arm, which was stolen by a mysterious figure. Dante, ever the stylish demon hunter, arrives in Red Grave City to confront Urizen and uncover his true motives. He brings his signature weapons and skills to the fight, providing a sense of familiarity and nostalgia for long-time fans. V, the enigmatic newcomer, is a frail and mysterious figure who relies on his demon familiars to fight. His unique playstyle adds a new layer of strategy to the game, as players must carefully manage his familiars to succeed in combat.
As the story progresses, it is revealed that Urizen is actually Vergil, who has separated his human and demon halves in an attempt to gain more power. The human half becomes V, while the demon half becomes Urizen. This revelation adds a tragic dimension to the conflict, as Dante and Nero must confront their own family history in order to save the world. The battles in Devil May Cry 5 are some of the most intense and visually stunning in the series. Each character has their own set of unique abilities and weapons, allowing for a wide range of playstyles. The game also introduces new mechanics, such as the Devil Breaker system for Nero, which allows him to equip and use a variety of prosthetic arms with different abilities. The climax of Devil May Cry 5 sees Dante and Nero teaming up to defeat Urizen and reunite Vergil. However, Vergil, still obsessed with power, challenges Dante to a final battle. The two brothers clash in an epic showdown, while Nero struggles to come to terms with his heritage and his role in the conflict. In the end, Nero awakens his own Devil Trigger and surpasses both Dante and Vergil in power. He stops their fight and convinces them to work together to seal the Qliphoth and prevent further demonic invasions. Devil May Cry 5 ends on a hopeful note, with Dante and Vergil venturing into the demon world to find a way to permanently close the gate. Nero remains in the human world, ready to protect it from any future threats. The game's success has revitalized the Devil May Cry franchise, and fans are eagerly awaiting news of a potential sequel.
So there you have it, a recap of the Devil May Cry storyline up to Devil May Cry 5! From Dante's awakening to Nero's rise, it's a saga filled with demons, devils, and a whole lot of style. Now go forth and slay some demons! You are now ready to fully immerse yourself in the world of stylish action and demon slaying.