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Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

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Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening box cover
Developer(s)Capcom Production Studio 1
Publisher(s)Capcom, Ubisoft
Platform(s)PlayStation 2, PC Windows
ReleaseDante's Awakening
JPN February 17, 2005
NA March 1, 2005
EUR March 24, 2005
Special Edition (PS2)
NA January 24, 2006
JPN February 23 2006
EUR September 29, 2006
Special Edition (PC)
EUR June 28, 2006
JPN June 30, 2006
NA October 16, 2006
Genre(s)Action
Mode(s)Single player, Multiplayer

Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (frequently abbreviated to DMC3) is an action game developed by Capcom Production Studio 1 originally published by Capcom in 2005 for the PlayStation 2. The game serves as a prequel to Devil May Cry and is currently the first game to take place chronologically in the Devil May Cry series. Upon release, it was widely criticized for its high level of difficulty,[1][2] but was praised for its return to the engaging gameplay of Devil May Cry and various improvements.

Set in modern times in an enchanted tower named Temen-ni-gru,[3] the story centers around the conflict and dysfunctional relationship between Dante and his brother Vergil.[4] The events of the game take place just before the establishment of the Devil May Cry agency[5] and before Dante's demonic heritage has reached its full potential.[6] The story is told primarily through a mixture of cutscenes using the game's engine with several pre-rendered full motion videos.

There is a manga based on the game featuring the same characters,[7] first published in Japan in 2005, which serves as a prequel to the game.

Gameplay

Overview

Devil May Cry 3 features a gameplay consisting of levels called "missions", in which players must fight numerous demons, perform platforming tasks, and occasionally solve puzzles to progress through the story. The player's performance in each mission is graded from D (poor) to SS (excellent). Grades are based on the time taken to complete the mission, the amount of "red orbs" gathered (the in-game currency obtained from defeated enemies), how "stylish" their combat was, item usage, and damage taken.

File:Dante Devil May Cry 3.jpg
Dante attacks a foe with the Beowulf gauntlet

"Stylish" combat is defined as performing an unbroken series of varied attacks while avoiding damage, which is tracked by an on-screen style gauge. The longer the player attacks without repeating techniques, and evades damage, the higher the gauge rises. The gauge starts at "Dope" and peaks at "Stylish"; if the character receives damage the style rating falls back to "Dope". The game's battle system allows the player to chain attacks together, with each weapon having a number of unique attacks. Although the game mainly focuses on an aggressive approach to battle, the player must employ some strategy as the enemies have a wide variety of Artificial Intelligence tactics, and will respond to a number of events.

The Devil Trigger ability enables the player's character to change into a demonic form. This alters their appearance, increases their strength and defense, slowly restores health, and enables them to use special attacks. The Devil Trigger state lasts as long as there is energy in the Devil Trigger Gauge, which increases by attacking or taunting enemies in the normal state and decreases by attacking in the Devil Trigger state or using Devil Trigger-only attacks. Devil Trigger mode is not available to Dante until a third of the way through the game, unlike Vergil who has the ability at the outset.

The vocal songs from Devil May Cry 3 were written and the rough vocals performed by Shawn "Shootie HG" McPherson of heavy metal band Hostile Groove, with David Baker performing the more melodic vocals.[8]

Styles

The major difference from previous games in the series is the new combat system, which allows Dante to choose one of six different styles of combat in each mission, which enables him to use special techniques related to the style's focus. The styles are:

File:DMC3SSStyles.png
The styles available for Dante and Vergil

Trickster: Focuses on dodging and agility. In the special edition of the game, Vergil's "Dark Slayer" style uses similar moves.

Swordmaster: Focuses on techniques for the Devil Arms.

Gunslinger: Focuses on techniques for firearms.

Royal Guard: Focuses on absorbing enemy strikes and projecting the energy back.

Quicksilver: Allows Dante to slow down time while attacking at normal speed.

Doppelgänger: Allows Dante to create a shadow double that fights alongside Dante. A second player can also control the shadow double, by pressing "Start" on a second controller. A two-player mode, similar to Doppelgänger style, is accessible while fighting against Arkham.[9]

Plot

See also: Characters in Devil May Cry
File:Temen-ni-gru.jpg
Panoramic view of the Temen-ni-gru tower

Devil May Cry 3 opens in Dante's as-yet unnamed shop as a mysterious man called Arkham appears to offer an invitation from Dante's brother Vergil, in the form of a brutal demon attack.[10] After Dante defeats the monsters inside and outside his shop, an immense tower erupts from the ground a short distance away. Sensing Vergil atop the structure, Dante takes the situation as a challenge. [11]

At the tower's entrance Dante encounters Cerberus, defeats him and claims the monster's soul, which transforms into a new weapon.[12] In what becomes a recurring game mechanic, the souls of defeated boss monsters are transformed into new weapons for Dante's arsenal. Dante is then attacked by a woman on a motorcycle, who's name later becomes Lady. It is revealed in subsequent cutscenes that Arkham is working for Vergil and they plan to take Dante's half of the keepsake amulet their mother gave them, and use its power to reactivate the tower's ability to connect the human and demon worlds. It is also revealed that Arkham is Lady's father, that he murdered her mother, and that she is pursuing him to seek revenge.[13][14]

File:DanteDMC3DT.png
Dante uses his Devil Trigger for the first time

After numerous battles, an encounter with a being calling itself Jester, [15] and another run-in with Lady, Dante attains the tower's summit and battles Vergil. Vergil soundly defeats Dante, steals Dante's amulet, and departs. As a result of his defeat, Dante's dormant devil powers emerge, and he sets off in pursuit. He eventually catches up in the control room located in the tower's basement, where Vergil is having no luck reactivating the tower. The brothers battle again and seem evenly matched, until they are interrupted first by Lady and then Jester. Jester then reveals that he is in fact Arkham, and has been manipulating them all to reactivate the tower. Arkham's plan is to cross over to the demon world and steal the Force Edge, the dormant form of Sparda's original sword which contains the bulk of Sparda's old power, and use it to rule over a demon-infested Earth. [16] [17] The tower then transforms as the spell is broken, carrying Arkham upwards to the summit, and Vergil vanishes in the confusion.

Dante battles his way back up the tower, and eventually fights Lady for the right to pursue Arkham. Dante wins, and Lady lends him her most powerful weapon. Reaching the summit once again, Dante crosses over to the demon world and catches up to Arkham, who has assumed Sparda's demonic form. Overwhelmed by the power, Arkham transforms again into a blob-like creature and battles Dante. Halfway through the fight, as Arkham is gloating that Dante has no chance, Vergil reappears and the brothers work together to bring down Arkham. Arkham is thrown out of the demon world in a weakened state and lands atop the tower, where Lady kills him. In the demon world, Dante and Vergil battle over ownership of the Force Edge and the amulet halves. Dante is victorious. As the portal closes, Vergil decides to stay behind and vanishes into the darkness with one half of the amulet.[18]

Returning to the human world, Dante meets Lady outside the tower where she coins the phrase "devil may cry" while trying to comfort Dante over the loss of his brother. They form a friendship and the beginnings of a partnership in demon-slaying, and he names his shop "Devil May Cry" .[19][20] A scene after the credits reveals a weakened yet determined Vergil, still in the demon world, where he charges into battle against his father's old foe, Mundus.[21]

Reception

After its release Devil May Cry 3 scored 84/100 at Metacritic, a site that calculates a game's average score based on multiple reviews,[22] and 84.2% at Game Rankings.[23] It was also included in Game Informer's "Top 50 Games of 2005"[24] list and later received a "Game of the Month" award when the Special Edition was released. The Special Edition release (see following section) was ranked 9th in GameSpy's Game of the Year selection for the PlayStation 2 in 2006.[25] Gamepro declared that "After one shaky sequel, Dante is back in form with an action game that positively exudes coolness" and awarded the game with a 4.5 out of 5 score. [26]

However the difficulty of the game received serious critism even by reviewers that gave the game a high score. In addition to the aforementioned reviews by GameSpy [1] and GameSpot [2], Kristan Reed of Eurogamer declared "Dishonour! How is it that a company as experienced at making games as Capcom can suppose that Western gamers are somehow superhuman enough to enjoy playing an already brutally challenging game on 'hard' mode by default?".[27] Jeremy Dunham of IGN says "Devil May Cry 3 is still going to kick your ass. Of course, that doesn't mean that Dante's Awakening is any more difficult than the games I've mentioned above, but to deny the fact that Capcom's stellar sequel is one of the most challenging titles of the last ten years would either make you a robot with superhuman reflexes, or a videogame prodigy not unlike that silent midget kid from The Wizard." [28]

Connected releases

Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition

At the 2005 Tokyo Game Show, it was confirmed that Capcom would be releasing a Special Edition of Devil May Cry 3. Most notably, players could now choose to play as Dante's twin brother, Vergil. Additionally, there is an added survival mode, the "Bloody Palace", which contains a total of 9999 levels; a new boss fight early in the game, with optional fights later; a "Turbo Mode" for 20 percent faster gameplay; and a new continue system which can revive the player instantly, or allow the player to restart the fight they just lost as many times as they like. The game also has rebalanced difficulty.

File:Dmc3se.jpg
Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition PAL cover

Vergil has only one style, "Dark Slayer" (similar to Dante's "Trickster" style), which includes evasive maneuvers, and can be leveled up twice, just like Dante's initial four styles. He has three weapons: his Yamato katana, the Beowulf gauntlets and greaves, and the Force Edge broadsword. He has only one ranged attack, "Summoned Swords", which can can be fired while the player performs other attacks, spin around Vergil as a barrier, can be stacked and shot at the enemy quickly, or made to surround an enemy and pierce them.[29]

The new boss is a character from the first version, Jester. In the first edition of DMC3, Jester was a plot-important character who was encountered several times during cutscenes, but never actually fought. In Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition, Jester is a semi-optional boss (insofar as the first fight with him is mandatory but the latter encounters can be skipped) who can be fought three times.

Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition was released on January 24 2006 for US$19.99 as part of the PlayStation 2 Greatest Hits Collection. The United Kingdom division of Official PlayStation Magazine announced that it would not be released in Europe. It was later confirmed that the PlayStation 2 version of the game would be released in Europe.[30]

On February 1, 2006, Ubisoft announced that they would be publishing the game on the PC.[31] The European PC version was the first to come out, even before the Special Edition was released for the PlayStation 2 in that region. At first it was scheduled to be released on June 2 2006, but it was then pushed back and finally released on June 28, 2006. Originally, the American release was scheduled to come out on May 23 2006, but this date was pushed back multiple times, eventually being released on October 16, 2006. The game was published in Japan on June 30, 2006. The Japanese company SourceNext was responsible for porting Devil May Cry 3 to PC platform. SourceNext also ported Onimusha 3 and Resident Evil 4, which were other popular Capcom titles.

In Europe, the PlayStation 2 version came out on September 29 2006 for GB£14.99 and was slightly different from the American version. Vergil and Bloody Palace mode were unlocked from the start, but the Turbo mode was taken out of the game.

Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition was also included in a 5th Anniversary Collection of Devil May Cry games, this package is sold at a price of US$29.99.[32]

Source book

A source book entitled Devil May Cry 3 Material Archive - Note of Naught was released in mid 2006 with detailed information on the game. It included previously unreleased production art and CG art, story boards, and includes a UMD (PSP Video) with some of the games trailers and videos (region 2 only).[33]

References

  1. ^ a b GameSpy's Miguel Lopez: "Too challenging for its own good." "GameSpy: Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Review". GameSpy. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  2. ^ a b GameSpot's Greg Kasavin: "Unfortunately, it's unbelievably, unreasonably difficult at first. Think of the most punishing game you played in the last several years. Now, imagine the second or third level of this game being even harder than that. Overcoming Devil May Cry 3's near-vertical learning curve could prove extremely frustrating, to the point where some players will justifiably give up after repeatedly failing the first few missions." "Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening for Playstation 2 Review". GameSpot. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  3. ^ Arkham: Well? Doesn't it excite you? The Temen-ni-gru has revived. The Great One who once ruled this earth as the medium between the Human world, and the Demon world. Isn't it a magnificent view? The greatest minds of their time, those who revered Evil, constructed this glorious edifice. Now after two milleniums of confinement it can at last fulfill the purpose for which it was intended - Vergil: That's... none of my concern. Did he have it? (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  4. ^ Lady: I met the sons of Sparda - Both of them. Though the same blood of their father flow through their veins, the two battled each other fiercely like arch enemies. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  5. ^ Dante: Damn it! you guys totally wrecked my shop and I haven't even named it yet! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  6. ^ Vergil: Why do you refuse to gain power? The power of our father Sparda? Dante: Father? I don't have a father. I just don't like you, that's all. Vergil: Foolishness, Dante, foolishness. Might controls everything. And without strength, you can't protect anything. Let alone yourself. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  7. ^ "Devil May Cry 3 Manga". Anime New Network. Retrieved 2007-03-23. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  8. ^ "Shawn McPherson's Web site". Shootie HG. Retrieved 2007-03-20.
  9. ^ "List of styles in Devil May Cry 3". devilmaycry.org. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  10. ^ Arkham: Is your name Dante? Son of Sparda? Dante: Where did you hear that? Arkham: From your brother. He sent this invitation to you. Please accept it. Dante: Invitation huh? (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  11. ^ Dante: It's been nearly a year since we last met. Where does the time go? No doubt you've got some fun planned for me. Right Vergil? (Devil May Cry) Capcom, 2005
  12. ^ Cerberus: You are not a human, are you? Dante: Who knows? I'm not even sure myself. Cerberus: Regardless, you have proved your strength. I acknowledge your ability. Take my soul and go forth. You have my blessing. Dante: Too easy! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  13. ^ Vergil: Why didn't you kill her? Perhaps, because she is your daughter? Did some pesky fatherly love get in your way? Arkham: That is none of your - Vergil: To further your study of the black arts, you sacrificed your loving wife, to become a devil as well. Knowing this I thought you'd be more useful to me, but I was wrong. No wonder your attainment of power is incomplete. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  14. ^ Lady: Shut up! He was obssessed with becoming a devil, so much he killed his own wife. For that he butchered innocent people too. He's the most vile kind of creature. To top it off, that filthy scum... is my father. Dante: Well, we have something in common. I have a dysfunctional family too.Lady: And what would you know about family? You're a demon! This is my father. My family! This was all supposed to end by my hand! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  15. ^ Jester: That could be a problem. Just hear me out. You got nothing to lose, right? My name is Jester, and I know a thing or two about this place. That thing there, is a power generator for this entire sector. In order to open the door, you need to apply a little something to it first. Do you know what that is, kid? Or is that too difficult for you? Ahahahahahaha - (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  16. ^ Jester: It is quite a ride, you know. If any of you had died, my little plan would have gone to waste! So my job is to let you battle each other and weaken you, but at the same time I need to guide you here to make sure you are kepy alive. I've gone so far as dressing like a complete idiot! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  17. ^ Arkham: He plucks the threads that make us dance, finger and toe. We surrender, in joy, to the lowest of the foul and rank. We submerge through darkness, rancid filth, hour by hour we move downward, ever closer to hell. In a slow, steady, gait. Now, let the world resonate. Sloth, Gluttony, Greed, Envy, Lust, Wrath, and Pride. A bell of chaos that tolls human desires. After two thousand long years, the one sealed gate to the demonic world will open. Destruction! Carnage of Despair! Let your instincts drive you. Entrap this world in fear! As its very name Temen-ni-gru strikes terror into the hearts of mankind. And I, will become the order to rule this wasteland, engulf with pandemonium. The demonic power that Sparda once imprisoned... will be mine! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  18. ^ Vergil: No one can have this Dante. It's mine. It belongs to a son of Sparda. Leave me and go, if you don't want to be trapped in the demon world. I'm staying. This place, was our father's home. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  19. ^ Lady: Are you crying? Dante: It's only the rain. Lady: The rain already stopped. Dante: Devils never cry. Lady: I see. Maybe somewhere out there even a devil may cry when he loses a loved one. Don't you think? Dante: Maybe. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  20. ^ Lady: Oh, speaking of a kind devil, he finally decided on a name for his shop. It took him quite a while to pick one. Want to know the name? Devil May Cry. (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  21. ^ Vergil: It would be fun to fight with the Prince of Darkness. If my father did it, I should be able to do it too! (Devil May Cry 3) Capcom, 2005
  22. ^ "Metacritic Devil May Cry 3 Reviews". Metacritic. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  23. ^ "Game Rankings Devil May Cry 3 Reviews". Game Rankings. Retrieved 2007-03-20. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  24. ^ Game Informer (Issue #153) - January. 2006. p. 84.
  25. ^ "GameSpy's Game of the Year 2006". GameSpy Game of the Year 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-21. {{cite web}}: External link in |work= (help)
  26. ^ Clockwork Crow (2005-03-01). "Devil May Cry 3 review". Gamepro. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  27. ^ Reed, Kristan (2005-04-29). "Devil May Cry review". Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  28. ^ Dunham, Jeremy (2005-02-25). "Devil May Cry review". IGN. Retrieved 2007-04-06.
  29. ^ "Review listing Vergil's weapons and styles". Gameslave. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  30. ^ "Release dates and production teams of Devil May Cry 3". IGN. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
  31. ^ "Report informing Capcom's plans to publish games on Personal Computers". Gamasutra. Retrieved 2007-04-04.
  32. ^ "Report listing content and price of Devil May Cry 5th Anniversary Collection". IGN. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
  33. ^ "Devil May Cry Note of Naught". Retrieved 2007-04-03.

See also

Official websites
General resources
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