The recent Nintendo Direct presentation featured a prominent showcase of Devil May Cry 5 for the Switch 2, sparking curiosity among many, including our editorial team. This port holds significant potential to captivate a new audience, provided it’s executed well.
To understand the context, you can refer to our original review of Devil May Cry 5 (2019, PS4) or the Devil May Cry 5: Special Edition (2020, PS5) review, as Capcom has previously enhanced and updated the game for the current generation, offering a deeper dive into the core experience.
Fast forward six to seven years, and one of the premier hack-and-slash titles is making its way to Nintendo’s hybrid console. The significance of this release extends beyond its immediate appeal. While players may have enjoyed Hideki Kamiya’s stylish combat in titles like Viewtiful Joe, a history of strained third-party publisher relationships and less powerful hardware kept Capcom’s subsequent action games absent from Nintendo consoles for generations.
However, Nintendo’s involvement with Bayonetta, Kamiya’s own creation, led to exclusive sequels and a third installment, solidifying its place among top-tier Japanese hack-and-slash games and fostering enduring interest among its users. Concurrently, a more collaborative Capcom brought DmC 1-3 to the original Switch, with Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition being particularly cherished by fans for its enticing bonus content. Curiously, the fourth installment remains notably absent from the eShop.
Since the Switch 2’s launch, Capcom has been a major, if not the leading, supporter of the console. The RE Engine has been well-adapted, and for the first time in two decades, their new releases are launching on the console day one. This includes titles like Resident Evil Requiem, Pragmata, and Onimusha.
In essence, there has consistently been a strong demand, and to a degree, a distinct culture, for hack-and-slash games among Nintendo fans. The enhanced power of the Switch 2 enables Capcom to nearly complete the series’ library, allowing those who were merely curious to now experience a modern classic either on their TV or in portable mode. While not a groundbreaking announcement, it represents a significant opportunity for many and a clear signal from Capcom that they are laying the groundwork for the inevitable Devil May Cry 6 on a broader user base.
So, how is it? It looks and plays very well. It runs at 60 fps, with visuals remaining quite sharp even in handheld mode. The controls are exceptionally responsive, retaining the distinctive quirky movements for dodges and platforming reminiscent of the originals. It also includes almost all DLC, costumes, and additional content released to date. And, unlike some of Nintendo’s releases, it features a launch promotion that temporarily drops the price to €30. It’s a perfectly respectable re-release for a new platform.
Wait, you said “almost”? Yes, the Switch 2 version omits the ‘Legendary Dark Knight’ mode. This mode, along with the ability to play as Vergil alongside the default trio of demon hunters (Nero/Dante/V) and enhanced graphics, made it feel like a true next-gen experience on the PS5 for us. The “horde” mode, akin to a Musou game, was a welcome addition, and perhaps too demanding for the Switch 2. However, what it does handle, it handles more than capably, and the game still impresses at times when played on the go, despite its age. I also wish the menus and some slightly dated messages had been revisited, but this is a minor detail that serves as a reminder of the game’s seven-year lifespan, as everything within the gameplay itself remains clear and entirely playable.
In terms of gameplay, while I personally lean towards Bayonetta 2, DmC 5 stands out as one of the genre’s best. Nero’s Devil Breaker arms add a brilliant element to the mechanics (who doesn’t love the Mega Buster, even if it looks a bit goofy?), and the three or four characters allow for seamless transitions between combat styles. Add to that the ‘Smokin’ Sexy Style’ combos, achievements, and the more spectacular and effective approaches reserved for those who delve into subtle nuances like jump cancels and more complex, yet rewarding, possibilities.
In conclusion, it’s a great opportunity for those who missed it or for anyone looking to enjoy a ridiculously over-the-top, super hack-and-slash game during their commute or while relaxing in a hammock this summer. On the TV, it closely resembles what you remember from the PS4. Only one bonus feature is missing compared to the PS5 version, but the game runs exceptionally well on Nintendo’s hybrid console and is launching with a very attractive offer.