I personally think 3 is peak, and I’m probably not alone in that.

It seems like it aligns the most with what the ‘core’ idea of Devil May Cry should be. There aren’t really gimmicks. There isn’t bad design. It’s simple, but done well.

The rest of the games in the series? They all leave a lot to be desired.

I’d say the first one comes the closest to reaching DMC3’s heights.

Devil May Cry 2 is well, you know.

4 starts off phenomenally, but then it turns out to only be half a game. I will never forgive them for that backtracking bullshit. It should always be a stain on everyone’s criticism of the game.

I’ve only played a little bit of 5, but I wasn’t too impressed. It’s certainly not bad, but I don’t think it comes close to reaching the level of DMC3. Switching characters honestly isn’t that great, because odds are I will prefer to play as a certain character which makes playing as others a chore.

So… what’s left? Looking at it in retrospect under a critical lens makes me think that most games in the series just aren’t that great. They’re certainly not bad, but not something I can replay expecting something consistent with the best in the series.

Compared to something like God of War, where some may argue all of the games are spectacular, Devil May Cry falls woefully short.