The remake ofResident Evil 4represents a turning point for Capcom. Having now remade what is often considered the best game in theResident Evilfranchise, eyes are on Capcom to see which title they might re-imagine next. With the pool ofResident Eviltitles to remake quickly running dry, it’s time for Capcom to set their sights on remaking another classic franchise -Devil May Cry. Not only does the series have a historic connection to theResident Evilfranchise, but the most recent entry proved that there’s still plenty of gas in the tank. With 4 years having passed since theDevil May Cry 5’s release, Capcom has a perfect excuse and opportunity to update and modernize the originalDevil May Crytrilogy.
After originally beginning life as the first version ofResident Evil 4before Shinji Mikami took over directorial duties,Devil May Crywent on to become another successful franchise for Capcom and is credited with the creation of the “character action” genre.Devil May Cryis one of the most influential examplesof sixth generation game design alongsideResident Evil 4and spawned several sequels and a number of imitators (as well a spiritual successor inBayonetta). With a landmark original game, a misstep of a sequel, and a phenomenal third act, theDevil May Crytrilogy makes a strong case for a series of fully modernized remakes.
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The Original Devil May Cry is Starting to Show its Age Despite Having Strong Gameplay
There’s an argument to be made that not every game needs a remake. Sometimes the original design of a game is so strong that to update and add modern polish to it would be nigh blasphemy. In the case ofDevil May Cry, the gameplay holds up extremely well while the PS2-era graphics are beginning to show their age. Fans have already received aremaster in theDevil May Cry: HD Collection, but the first three games in theDMCfranchise are due for a complete graphical overhaul on today’s hardware while keeping the core gameplay largely intact.
The release ofDevil May Cry 5in 2019 showed how greatDMClooks and runs on modern hardware, and the PS5, Series X, and PC ports that released later only serve to furtherestablishDevil May Cryas a leaderin both gameplay and presentation among other modern character action games. If Capcom were to take the originalDevil May Cryand keep the mechanics of the game identical to the original while giving it a modern facelift, there would be plenty of incentive for fans to hop on board. While one of the greatest challenges in remaking a game is updating gameplay for modern audiences, few (if any) changes would be needed forDevil May Cry.
Devil May Cry 2 Was a Misstep for the Series That Deserves a Second Chance
Both the originalDevil May CryandDevil May Cry 3are viewed as some of the best third-person action titles of all time. The same cannot be said aboutDevil May Cry 2. Themissteps ofDevil May Cry 2are well-documentedand the game is essentially the one sore spot in the series' history, making it the perfect fodder for a complete remake. Many of the lessons learned from the flaws ofDevil May Cry 2went on to informDevil May Cry 3’s development and return to form, but a remake ofDevil May Cry 2could give the title a second lease on life.
Capcom stands as one of the most legendary studios and publishers in gaming history, with an incredible stable of long-running and iconic franchises. The company’s remakes of much-lovedResident Evilgames proved that much of what made those games great in the past still works in a modern context. Now thattheResident Evilremake series has caught upto the seventh generation,Devil May Cryis the perfect candidate for a batch of remakes that re-imagines the stellar entries and breathes new life into a much-maligned sequel.
Devil May Cry 5is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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