History VideoGame / DMCDevilMayCry

* LaterInstallmentWeirdness: ''[=DMC4=]'' and this game were the only games in the series that did not use Red Orbs as currency for move upgrades (''4'' used a separate currency called "Proud Souls" while this game used a stat point system). ''5'' goes back on this design decision and resumes using Red Orbs as the only type of currency needed to buy both items and move upgrades.

Gameplay combines multiple elements from previous entries, with further emphasis on platforming and aerial combos: the StanceSystem, for instance, now involves Dante switching between [[YinYangBomb demonic and angelic powers]] on the fly in both combat and exploration segments. However, a large arsenal of weapons is still available, including the [[CoolSword classic longsword]], a [[AnAxeToGrind demonic axe]], an [[SinisterScythe angelic scythe]], and [[PowerFist flaming gauntlets]]. Dante's signature [[LimitBreak Devil Trigger]] also returns, now allowing you to temporarily [[TimeStandsStill freeze time]] and kick even more ass. Exploration and platforming makes use of the Malice, where Dante alternates between the [[RealIsBrown gloomy-looking real world]] and a [[DarkWorld demonic parallel world]] with [[EldritchLocation distorted architecture]] and [[BrightIsNotGood vivid colors]] where [[EverythingTryingToKillYou even the city itself is trying to kill you]].

* MundaneMadeAwesome: In the opening, Dante gets dressed in epic fashion while under attack by a 15-foot tall demon, using a series of acrobatics in the process.

* MalevolentArchitecture: The DarkWorld of Limbo, which at times will actively try to block your path or kill you by changing the terrain around you, verbally threaten you, occasionally exclaim "NO" if you make unexpected amounts of progress, and outright ''taunt and insult'' you: "FUCK YOU DANTE".

* GiantMook: Elite Stygians and Bathos are effectively just stronger versions of the Lesser Stygian and Pathos, respectively. Both have stronger attacks than their basic counterparts, and the Bathos usually has a shield, but the same tactics apply.

* EyeScream: In the level "Under watch", you have to destroy living cameras made out of giant demonic eyes.

* ConservationOfNinjutsu: If there are a bunch of enemies of the same type, they're going to be weak. If there's only one or two, it will be tough as nails. The Stygians versus the Dreamrunners, for instance.

''[=DmC=]'' was released in North America and Europe on January 15, 2013 for the UsefulNotes/{{Xbox 360}} and UsefulNotes/PlayStation3, and on January 25 for [[UsefulNotes/MicrosoftWindows Windows]]. The game was remastered with a Definitive Edition featuring all DLC included for UsefulNotes/PlayStation4 and UsefulNotes/XboxOne as well as the graphical capabilities of the original PC version. New features include hard-locking on enemies, a higher difficulty level beyond Dante Must Die called "Gods Must Die", new game modifiers Turbo (speeds things up), "Must Style" (enemies won't take damage until the style meter is S or higher), and "Hardcore" modes (gameplay changes that make the game a little closer to the old ''Devil May Cry'' titles), and a Bloody Palace mode for Vergil. There is also new costumes (such as a ''Devil May Cry 1''-style Dante outfit). Certain gameplay nuances were also tweaked (such as being able to damage enemies with anything that previously required a specific weapon alignment to damage).

Has a prequel graphic novel of its own known as ''[=DmC=]: Devil May Cry - The Chronicles of Vergil'', which depicts Vergil's first meeting with and recruitment of Kat as well as his subsequent efforts to find the missing Dante. Its canonicity is debatable. There is also a DownloadableContent episode, released after launch, called "''Vergil's Downfall''" that focuses on the namesake character.

In this alternate continuity, demons secretly run the world, controlling everything from [[PropagandaMachine the media]] to [[MorallyBankruptBanker the financial sector]] to [[IAteWhat food production]], and [[SinisterSurveillance keeping a close eye on all]]. Living on the fringes of the [[MassHypnosis brainwashed society]] is Dante, the [[ConvenientlyAnOrphan orphaned son]] of [[BornOfHeavenAndHell an angel and a demon]] at odds with the demons who have made his life hell for as long as he can remember. Over the course of his battles through the [[MalevolentArchitecture twisted streets]] of Limbo, Dante is contacted by a [[MysteriousWaif mysterious psychic]] named Kat on behalf of [[LaResistance The Order]], a rogue group led by Dante's [[LongLostRelative long lost brother]] Vergil. Vergil, [[SelfMadeMan a millionaire computer genius]], is hell-bent on exposing the demons to the world and freeing Limbo City from their clutches.

In this alternate continuity, demons secretly run the world, controlling everything from [[PropagandaMachine the media]] to [[MorallyBankruptBanker the financial sector]] to [[IAteWhat food production]], and [[SinisterSurveillance keeping a close eye on all]]. Living on the fringes of the [[MassHypnosis brainwashed society]] is Dante, the [[ConvenientlyAnOrphan orphaned son]] of [[NonHumanHumanoidHybrid an angel and a demon]] at odds with the demons who have made his life hell for as long as he can remember. Over the course of his battles through the [[MalevolentArchitecture twisted streets]] of Limbo, Dante is contacted by a [[MysteriousWaif mysterious psychic]] named Kat on behalf of [[LaResistance The Order]], a rogue group led by Dante's [[LongLostRelative long lost brother]] Vergil. Vergil, [[SelfMadeMan a millionaire computer genius]], is hell-bent on exposing the demons to the world and freeing Limbo City from their clutches.

* AdaptationSpeciesChange: Dante and Vergil's mother, Eva, was a human in the original series. In this depiction, she was an angel. As a result, this also means the same treatment applies to Dante and Vergil; being changed from HalfHumanHybrids to half-angel/half-demon nephilim.

* NonhumanHumanoidHybrid: Dante and Vergil have been re-imagined as half-demon and half-angel Nephilim.

Gameplay combines multiple elements from previous entries, with further emphasis on platforming and aerial combos: the StanceSystem, for instance, now involves Dante switching between [[YinYangBomb demonic and angelic powers]] on the fly in both combat and exploration segments. However, a large arsenal of weapons is still available, including the [[CoolSword classic longsword]], a [[AnAxeToGrind demonic axe]], an [[SinisterScythe angelic scythe]], and [[PowerFist flaming gauntlets]]. Dante's signature [[LimitBreak Devil Trigger]] also returns, now allowing you to temporarily [[TimeStandsStill freeze time]] and kick even more ass. Exploration and platforming makes use of the Malice, where Dante alternates between the [[RealIsBrown gloomy-looking real world]] and a [[DarkWorld demonic parallel world]] with [[ChaosArchitecture distorted architecture]] and [[BrightIsNotGood vivid colors]] where [[EverythingTryingToKillYou even the city itself is trying to kill you]].

* StanceSystem: Aside from the standard attacks and combos, the combat revolves around switching between "Angel Mode" and "Demon Mode" by holding their respective keys or triggers. Each mode has its own associated moves and weapons, but Angel mode focuses on fast crowd-hitting attacks, while Demon Mode focuses on slow heavy-damage attacks. The stance system also affects how the player handles the platforming segments by [[GrapplingHookPistol grappling on specific environmental objects]]. This is more straightforward with Vergil during his DLC campaign because even though he only has the Yamato, Sword Illusions, and the Doppelganger [[SuperMode Devil Trigger]] in his arsenal, their properties vary depending on the active stance.

* StanceSystem: The combat revolves around switching between "Angel mode" and "Devil mode" by holding the triggers. Each mode has its own moves and weapons associated.

* MirrorWorld: Most areas you move through in the "normal" Limbo City will transform into warped areas of the same environments in the "demonic" Limbo. At least once, the environment itself will be flipped 180 degrees, memorably in the approach to Bob Barbas; the symbolism used for the transition depicts Dante moving to the other world through the mirror image reflected by the huge body of water.

* MirrorWorld: Most areas you move through in the "normal" Limbo City will transform into warped areas of the same environments in the "demonic" Limbo. At least once, the environment itself will be flipped 180 degrees - memorably in the approach to Bob Barbas.

* ColourCodedForYourConvenience: Usually, blue enemies or obstacles can only be attacked by angel weapons, red/orange ones can only be taken down by demon weapons.

* NoticeThis: Aside from the recurring series-wide examples such as collectibles glowing and the camera focusing on the next destination, this game also features several visual cues that help you in combat and exploration. Generally, entering Angel or Demon mode makes conspicuous objects glow [[ColorCodedForYourConvenience with their respective color]] if they can be interacted with using the appropriate weapons. Some enemies will also have glowing body parts to indicate that they've been staggered, if their weaknesses have been exposed, or if they are vulnerable and can be pulled over.

* BrickJoke: In the first mission, a white wig lands on Dante's head and he shrugs it off in annoyance. It made Dante look almost identical to the original incarnation of the character, ''but'' it turns out that Dante's hair temporarily becomes white when he unlocks his Devil Trigger - it's an indication of overwhelming power. [[spoiler:By the end of the game, not only has Dante developed into a more heroic character, his control over his supernatural abilities has turned his hair completely and permanently white. The original Dante's iconic look is, in effect, a badge of honour that this Dante had to earn, and that he was originally not mature enough to appreciate.]]

* JustFrameBonus: The most common example in the franchise has the player delay one attack somewhere in the basic combo, which completely changes the rest of the combo. ''[=DmC=]'' helps players time the delay by having Dante's sword shine at the point when the next attack should be executed.

* ImpaledWithExtremePrejudice: The FinalBoss is on the receiving end. [[spoiler:Dante pretty decisively wins the fight by running Vergil through and pinning him to the ground. Vergil is resilient enough to survive, but only just, by Dante's mercy.]]

* HybridPower: This version of Dante (and also Vergil) is half-demon and half-angel, and thus wields "the power of both worlds".

* ColourCodedTimestop: Everything pulses into grayscale whenever Dante slows time using his Devil Trigger, but returns to its psychedelic Limbo colours after that. Usually.

* BlockingStopsAllDamage: Several enemies can put up a defensive stance with their shields (Dreamrunners and Drekavacs use their blades instead), negating any upcoming attacks. However, they can be easily broken down using Dante's demonic weapons.