Nelo Angelo is one of Devil May Cry’s more formidable (and frequent) bosses. His appearances shape future iterations.An unfortunate side-effect of the original Xbox’s growing pains is that many of the previous generations’ top franchises stayed Sony-exclusive. The advent of HD Collections has been a godsend, but the Metal Gear Solid and Resident Evil updates couldn’t be thorough enough to present an entire saga. Thankfully, fans drawn in by Dante’s Xbox 360 debut in 2008’s Devil May Cry 4 and eagerly anticipating his reboot in this year’s DmC can take in his entire backstory thanks to the Devil May Cry HD Collection. While it’s mostly cause for celebration, it does sandwich one of the worst sequels ever between two classics.
Devil May Cry kick-started the stylish-action genre over a decade ago, and the core gameplay is still fresh. The combo-focused action requires quick reflexes and unrelenting aggression — even the lowliest of enemies can be a challenge for the unprepared. The game drags a bit during platforming and swimming sections, and some of the sprite-based special effects look gaudy in HD, but those minor issues are nothing to cry about.
Devil May Cry 2 wasn’t good, but it did add sweet multi-targeting to Dante’s offensive options.Devil May Cry 2, however, is worthy of a temper tantrum, as it manages to get wrong everything its predecessor did right. The combat feels floaty and lacks impact, vague objectives often cause mindless wandering, and the game is far too easy. There’s a silver lining in the fact that even though it offers two campaigns, you’ll probably be finished with both Dante and newcomer Lucia’s storylines in less time than it takes to complete either of the other two games.
Dante has the most moves and weapons in Devil May Cry 3’s prequel story. He must not age well.The compilation ends on a high note with the redemptive Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening. The series’ combat is at its most versatile thanks to a truly diverse weapon set and the ability to choose different “styles” that allow you to play to your personal strengths, whether you prefer to evade, shoot, or slice enemies. The sometimes-customizable camera mostly fixes the static angles that plagued the first two games, making this trilogy-closer feel the least antiquated.
Though Devil May Cry 2’s faults required more than just an HD makeover, we won’t let one bad apple spoil the bunch. For $40, we’re finally getting two of the most extensive and excellent action games of all time, with a decent HD makeover. And that’s a deal worth smiling about.
All Devil May Crys use the “bring mystical item to a place to obtain a new one” formula, but we don’t mind.PUBLISHER: Capcom • DEVELOPER: Capcom • ESRB: Mature • MULTIPLAYER: None • ACHIEVEMENTS: Scant • COST: $40
+ The original is still one of the best “stylish action games,” while Devil May Cry 3 adds much-needed versatility.
+ HD makeovers put all three games at near-360-quality visuals; $40 is the perfect price; bonus art gallery includes fan-made concept art alongside Capcom's own work.
– Devil May Cry 2 is even worse with age; platforming and water stages aren’t fun.
? Three full-length games = 1,000G total? Achievement fiends may cry.
