Eight years after Capcom released Devil May Cry 4, fans of the series rejoiced in seeing a direct sequel announced after all this time, although the well-received 2013 franchise reboot DMC: Devil May Cry did tide them over for a bit. Releasing March 8, the newest entry of the famous hack-and-slash action series is back, and is shaping up to continue Capcom’s renaissance as one of the most successful publishers in recent memory.
Boasting a 94% “Critics Recommended” score and 88 in “Top Critic Average” on OpenCritic, Devil May Cry 5 is a full return to form for the series, with a deeply satisfying combat system these games are known for and an insane, stylish aesthetic from which the franchise derives its fame. According to many critics, the welcomed sequel doesn’t reinvent the genre, but offers a sound and well-executed take on the Devil May Cry system fans have always loved, and for the fifth sequential game in a renowned series, it’s hard to ask for more.
With titles like Bayonetta, Nier: Automata, and the upcoming Astral Chains setting the bar high for action hack-and-slash games, Capcom has managed to match the lofty competition and delivered to gamers a polished DMC experience they deserve, setting itself up as the company to beat. In 2018, the Japanese company was named publisher of the year by Metacritic’s annual rankings; it’s not hard to see why given its recent track record.
It’s brought back the Resident Evil franchise to its former glory with Resident Evil 7 and the recent Resident Evil 2 Remake, and put out one of 2018’s best games in Monster Hunter: World. At the same time, the company clearly understands the value of nostalgia and the need to set up its IPs for success across platforms, evident in the Mega Man Collection and the praise-worthy new entry Mega Man 11. Not one to remain complacent in changing times, Capcom also recognized the scope and popularity of the Nintendo Switch, opting to roll out ports of their best hits on the hybrid console from Ace Attorney and Okami to Street Fighter.
Three months into 2019 and Capcom remains the reigning winner of the publisher race, especially with languishing titles from Ubisoft and EA alike. However, Nintendo and Sony’s annual first-party extravaganza will begin soon, and the ensuing battle of the titans should prove incredibly rewarding for gamers.