The landscape of action gaming shifted decisively in 2007 with the release of Devil May Cry, a meticulously remastered version of the franchise's chaotic origin. This title serves as the definitive starting point for understanding the series' signature blend of over-the-top combat and gothic horror, offering a raw experience that contrasts sharply with its more refined sequels. For both veterans revisiting the source and newcomers discovering the franchise, this entry provides a fascinating look at the genre's evolution.
Revisiting the Original Sin
Devil May Cry 2007 is technically a port of the original PlayStation 2 game, but it is so much more than a simple archival release. Developed by Capcom, this version includes the previously separate Devil May Cry 2 disc, creating a unified package that rectifies the pacing issues and design missteps of its predecessor. The result is a game that feels complete, allowing players to experience the intended narrative journey from the chaotic streets of Vie de Marli to the corporate towers of Temen-ni-gru without interruption.
The Core of the Franchise
At its heart, this 2007 iteration is the purest distillation of the Devil May Cry philosophy. Players control Dante, a demon hunter with a sarcastic wit and an arsenal of stylish firearms and melee weapons. The gameplay loop is simple yet intoxicating: chain together complex combos to fill a "Stylish" gauge, triggering slow-motion "Bullet Time" to execute even more devastating attacks. This system, born in 2001, remains the series' defining feature, and experiencing it in its foundational form highlights the mechanical genius that would define the action genre for years.
Character Design and Narrative Depth
While the gameplay is the star, the 2007 release also shines a light on the characters that populate the Devil May Cry universe. Dante is the iconic protagonist, but the supporting cast, including the enigmatic Lady and the tragic Trish, add significant weight to the story. The narrative, while straightforward in its battle between demon and human, is delivered with a level of campy gravitas that the series is known for, making the melodrama feel oddly compelling rather than cheesy. Dante's evolution from a cocky mercenary to a determined savior. The introduction of iconic weapons like Ebony & Ivory and the Force Edge. The atmospheric soundtrack that blends heavy metal with orchestral dread. The grotesque and memorable demon designs that challenge the player. Technical Enhancements and Lasting Legacy The remaster brought the game into the modern era with high-definition textures, smoother frame rates, and support for widescreen displays. These updates were crucial in making the frantic action more readable and visually appealing to a new generation. The inclusion of Devil May Cry 2, which was often criticized for its difficulty spikes and repetitive level design, provided necessary context and allowed the developers to fix many of its original flaws, ensuring the package is the definitive way to experience this era of the franchise.
Dante's evolution from a cocky mercenary to a determined savior.
The introduction of iconic weapons like Ebony & Ivory and the Force Edge.
The atmospheric soundtrack that blends heavy metal with orchestral dread.
The grotesque and memorable demon designs that challenge the player.
Technical Enhancements and Lasting Legacy
Why This Release Still Matters
In an industry obsessed with constant innovation, Devil May Cry 2007 stands as a monument to a specific moment in gaming history. It captures the spirit of the early 2000s—when developers embraced difficulty as a feature and style was just as important as substance. Playing this remaster is not just about completing a quest; it's about understanding the DNA of countless hack-and-slash games that followed. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of its core fantasy: becoming a graceful warrior of chaos.
