Devil May Cry 3 thread

**Jason Cage** · 05-13-2004, 05:19 PM

May 12, 2004 - Despite the fact that PSM officially unveiled Devil May Cry 3 to the world last week with its E3 issue, Capcom had not yet officially announced the brand new title until today. The moment the clock struck 10am, however, press releases went out across the wire and just like that, the third installment of Capcom's half-demon chronicle could finally be talked about. Veiled in a shroud of secrecy up to that point, the game was a taboo subject for the gaming press who had already seen it but was barred from speaking about it until the proclamation was made.

"Devil May Cry 3 packs non-stop thrills and a captivating story line into one technologically advanced package," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom USA. "Action game fans are in for one hell of an experience."

That statement isn't just PR hyperbole either, as we had the opportunity to play Devil May Cry 3 for ourselves just a few days ago at Capcom's Pre-E3 Producer's Day event here in Los Angeles. Shown first in the form of a kick-ass trailer during a formal presentation and later unveiled on a single PS2 unit for everyone to experience, the brand new game elicited incredibly long lines -- with waits that took as long as an hour before journalists had their opportunity to play. To say that DMC3 was creating some immense buzz would be an exercise in stating the obvious.

To set up our awaited hands-on time with the game, Capcom revealed a smidgeon of the back story to better flesh out how this new game ties into the Devil May Cry Mythos. Surprisingly, DMC3 is actually a prequel to the original title and is essentially the story of two brothers. As it turns out, Dante wasn't the only son of the legendary demon warrior Sparda and he shares his destiny with another powerful enigma -- his twin brother, Virgil. Unfortunately, Virgil has been consumed by his power as a half demon badass, and materializes one evening in front of Dante's detective agency to confront his better sibling. Eventually the two collide in battle, and events unfold from there.

A big part of Devil May Cry's purpose is explaining how Dante became the person he is in the original game; and in doing so, begins without Dante even knowing that he wields his demon abilities. Sure he's always known that he's different from everyone else and is the possessor of incredible strength, but he isn't quite sure why; But by the end of Devil May Cry 3, all should become clear. Along the way, Dante will meet an abundance of brand new characters (like the mysterious dark man known as Arkham and a female hunter called Lady whose mission is to eliminate all demons -- Dante included.

Because Devil May Cry 3 takes place in a time period that sees Dante unaware of what he truly is, the gameplay actually reflects his unshaped warrior self. Using a system known as "My Dante", the game will allow players to customize their character in any manner of ways by upgrading their abilities in different disciplines. The first and most recognizable discipline is likely the Gunslinger, which is a helpful long-range class that allows Dante to master a variety of different techniques from far away. The sword master class, however, is all about close-range destruction and places a greater emphasis on strength and brutal near-sighted fighting. Trickster, is the most spectacular of the bunch and empowers Dante with the ability to do wall jumps, complicated surface runs, and all manner of wild speed-based attacks. While the final class, the Royal Guard, is all about defense and counter attacks.

In our time with the game, we had the opportunity to play with the sword master class and it gave us an immediate feeling of nostalgia. Extremely similar to the original Devil May Cry only much quicker, DMC3 was pretty intense with plenty of onscreen enemies and a more enclosed level design. This decision to move back to a more tightly structured area was an intentional one too; as Capcom was perfectly aware its that fans were not pleased with the abundance of off-screen cheap hits and hard-to-see enemies from the second offering. This return to the older style not only gave us a more immediate sense of danger and urgency, it also made it a lot easier to pull off some of the more spectacular combo moves too; as we could actually see what was attacking us.

Speaking of combo moves, the "stylish" combo system from the previous games has been revamped a bit so that a solid performance yields better and more beneficial rewards unique to each job class. Interestingly enough, Capcom has also hinted at the possibility of adding even more classes other than the initial four if time allows -- but a definite decision in this regard is still up in the air.

But even if additional classes aren't added by the time the game comes out, there are still plenty of new features to toy around with. The ability to fly, use tricked out guitars as a weapon, and enjoy more interactive backgrounds are all part of the fold; as is the ability to equip four different kinds of weapons at one time that can further be switched between on the fly for some interesting combo variations.

Another new addition to the series is the all-new visual look. Though it does share several stylistic similarities to the previous two titles in many ways (i.e., and amalgamation of goth and metal), the graphics engine is a completely fresh one; with absolutely every aspect of the game rebuilt from the ground up. The results of this upgrade can be seen immediately too; with a larger number of enemies, more detailed character models, and plenty of lighting effects joining together to form one beautiful looking game. Amazingly, the soundtrack is just as powerful, and based on the three different songs we've heard so far, has already made its bid as one of the best examples of PlayStation 2 audio this year.

We only wish that we had more time to experience Devil May Cry 3 than what we were given. With the asylum like atmosphere of the press event growing more crowded and anxious the longer it went on, it became increasingly difficult to stay on the controls without interruption before being slowly pushed off; no matter how many free sandwiches and cookie plates were available at the catering table.

Luckily, there's still plenty of time left before Devil May Cry 3 comes to store shelves this Winter; which should provide us with more than enough opportunity to give the controls a more thorough playthrough. While we wait, however, we have an abundance of brand new hi-res screenshots to choose from on the page below in addition to a two-page layout taken from PSM article from our good friends at Future Networks. Watch this space for more, soon!
-- Jeremy Dunham

**Jason Cage** · 05-13-2004, 05:20 PM

this looks extremely sick.

**Kane Knight** · 05-13-2004, 05:22 PM

Hopefully gameplay like DMC1 means it won't be as pathetically easy as DMC 2.

**Nowhere Man** · 05-13-2004, 05:24 PM

Yeah, DMC 2 was a pretty big let-down. Still, there's always hope for improvement, right?

**Kane Knight** · 05-13-2004, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nowhere Man

Yeah, DMC 2 was a pretty big let-down. Still, there's always hope for improvement, right?

That's what I'm hoiping for. One bad game doesn't kill a series.

**Y2Ant** · 05-13-2004, 05:48 PM

**Sephiroth** · 05-14-2004, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kane Knight

Hopefully gameplay like DMC1 means it won't be as pathetically easy as DMC 2.

DMC 2 was way to overhyped IMO, i thought it would rock but it sucked big time when i got it

**LoDownM** · 05-13-2004, 05:33 PM

DMC 3 you say. Sweet

**Disturbed316** · 05-14-2004, 11:04 AM

niiiiiiiiiice

All I wish is that it is longer and harder than DMC2

**Disturbed316** · 05-14-2004, 11:40 AM

Oh man, I just watched the trailer....it's beautiful

**Kane Knight** · 05-14-2004, 04:56 PM

Well, DMC1 was a smash hit. DMC2 was a natural choice for major hype. However, it was too easy. The first one, it at least took me a few tries to beat the game. The second one, I wasn't even familliar with the controls by like the 5th boss...It was too easy to really merit learning the control scheme.

Plus, Dante lacked most of the "Cool" from the first game. he was cheesey, a little pulpy, but he was an over-the-top badass with a shitload of style. DMC2 failed to follow through.

05-13-2004, 05:19 PM	#1
Jason Cage shut the FUCK UP, Donnie Posts: 9,040	Devil May Cry 3 thread May 12, 2004 - Despite the fact that PSM officially unveiled Devil May Cry 3 to the world last week with its E3 issue, Capcom had not yet officially announced the brand new title until today. The moment the clock struck 10am, however, press releases went out across the wire and just like that, the third installment of Capcom's half-demon chronicle could finally be talked about. Veiled in a shroud of secrecy up to that point, the game was a taboo subject for the gaming press who had already seen it but was barred from speaking about it until the proclamation was made. "Devil May Cry 3 packs non-stop thrills and a captivating story line into one technologically advanced package," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing, Capcom USA. "Action game fans are in for one hell of an experience." That statement isn't just PR hyperbole either, as we had the opportunity to play Devil May Cry 3 for ourselves just a few days ago at Capcom's Pre-E3 Producer's Day event here in Los Angeles. Shown first in the form of a kick-ass trailer during a formal presentation and later unveiled on a single PS2 unit for everyone to experience, the brand new game elicited incredibly long lines -- with waits that took as long as an hour before journalists had their opportunity to play. To say that DMC3 was creating some immense buzz would be an exercise in stating the obvious. To set up our awaited hands-on time with the game, Capcom revealed a smidgeon of the back story to better flesh out how this new game ties into the Devil May Cry Mythos. Surprisingly, DMC3 is actually a prequel to the original title and is essentially the story of two brothers. As it turns out, Dante wasn't the only son of the legendary demon warrior Sparda and he shares his destiny with another powerful enigma -- his twin brother, Virgil. Unfortunately, Virgil has been consumed by his power as a half demon badass, and materializes one evening in front of Dante's detective agency to confront his better sibling. Eventually the two collide in battle, and events unfold from there. A big part of Devil May Cry's purpose is explaining how Dante became the person he is in the original game; and in doing so, begins without Dante even knowing that he wields his demon abilities. Sure he's always known that he's different from everyone else and is the possessor of incredible strength, but he isn't quite sure why; But by the end of Devil May Cry 3, all should become clear. Along the way, Dante will meet an abundance of brand new characters (like the mysterious dark man known as Arkham and a female hunter called Lady whose mission is to eliminate all demons -- Dante included. Because Devil May Cry 3 takes place in a time period that sees Dante unaware of what he truly is, the gameplay actually reflects his unshaped warrior self. Using a system known as "My Dante", the game will allow players to customize their character in any manner of ways by upgrading their abilities in different disciplines. The first and most recognizable discipline is likely the Gunslinger, which is a helpful long-range class that allows Dante to master a variety of different techniques from far away. The sword master class, however, is all about close-range destruction and places a greater emphasis on strength and brutal near-sighted fighting. Trickster, is the most spectacular of the bunch and empowers Dante with the ability to do wall jumps, complicated surface runs, and all manner of wild speed-based attacks. While the final class, the Royal Guard, is all about defense and counter attacks. In our time with the game, we had the opportunity to play with the sword master class and it gave us an immediate feeling of nostalgia. Extremely similar to the original Devil May Cry only much quicker, DMC3 was pretty intense with plenty of onscreen enemies and a more enclosed level design. This decision to move back to a more tightly structured area was an intentional one too; as Capcom was perfectly aware its that fans were not pleased with the abundance of off-screen cheap hits and hard-to-see enemies from the second offering. This return to the older style not only gave us a more immediate sense of danger and urgency, it also made it a lot easier to pull off some of the more spectacular combo moves too; as we could actually see what was attacking us. Speaking of combo moves, the "stylish" combo system from the previous games has been revamped a bit so that a solid performance yields better and more beneficial rewards unique to each job class. Interestingly enough, Capcom has also hinted at the possibility of adding even more classes other than the initial four if time allows -- but a definite decision in this regard is still up in the air. But even if additional classes aren't added by the time the game comes out, there are still plenty of new features to toy around with. The ability to fly, use tricked out guitars as a weapon, and enjoy more interactive backgrounds are all part of the fold; as is the ability to equip four different kinds of weapons at one time that can further be switched between on the fly for some interesting combo variations. Another new addition to the series is the all-new visual look. Though it does share several stylistic similarities to the previous two titles in many ways (i.e., and amalgamation of goth and metal), the graphics engine is a completely fresh one; with absolutely every aspect of the game rebuilt from the ground up. The results of this upgrade can be seen immediately too; with a larger number of enemies, more detailed character models, and plenty of lighting effects joining together to form one beautiful looking game. Amazingly, the soundtrack is just as powerful, and based on the three different songs we've heard so far, has already made its bid as one of the best examples of PlayStation 2 audio this year. We only wish that we had more time to experience Devil May Cry 3 than what we were given. With the asylum like atmosphere of the press event growing more crowded and anxious the longer it went on, it became increasingly difficult to stay on the controls without interruption before being slowly pushed off; no matter how many free sandwiches and cookie plates were available at the catering table. Luckily, there's still plenty of time left before Devil May Cry 3 comes to store shelves this Winter; which should provide us with more than enough opportunity to give the controls a more thorough playthrough. While we wait, however, we have an abundance of brand new hi-res screenshots to choose from on the page below in addition to a two-page layout taken from PSM article from our good friends at Future Networks. Watch this space for more, soon! -- Jeremy Dunham Have you heard of Vietnam, Larry?

05-13-2004, 05:20 PM	#2
Jason Cage shut the FUCK UP, Donnie Posts: 9,040	this looks extremely sick.

05-13-2004, 05:22 PM	#3
Kane Knight Ron Paul 4 EVA Posts: 152,467	Hopefully gameplay like DMC1 means it won't be as pathetically easy as DMC 2.

05-13-2004, 05:24 PM	#4
Nowhere Man Now. Here. Man. Posts: 8,370	Yeah, DMC 2 was a pretty big let-down. Still, there's always hope for improvement, right?

05-13-2004, 05:48 PM	#6
Y2Ant Crows Before Hoes Posts: 24,501

05-13-2004, 05:33 PM	#8
LoDownM Retired Prolly. Posts: 11,296	DMC 3 you say. Sweet

05-14-2004, 11:04 AM	#9
Disturbed316 Posts: 22,695	niiiiiiiiiice All I wish is that it is longer and harder than DMC2

05-14-2004, 11:40 AM	#10
Disturbed316 Posts: 22,695	Oh man, I just watched the trailer....it's beautiful

05-14-2004, 04:56 PM	#11
Kane Knight Ron Paul 4 EVA Posts: 152,467	Well, DMC1 was a smash hit. DMC2 was a natural choice for major hype. However, it was too easy. The first one, it at least took me a few tries to beat the game. The second one, I wasn't even familliar with the controls by like the 5th boss...It was too easy to really merit learning the control scheme. Plus, Dante lacked most of the "Cool" from the first game. he was cheesey, a little pulpy, but he was an over-the-top badass with a shitload of style. DMC2 failed to follow through.