'Devil May Cry 5': The Tale of the Sons of Sparda Series Draws to a Dramatic Close

Originally set to be another Resident Evil game in the early 2000s, Devil May Cry has since become one of Capcom's most beloved, stylish, and sleek action-adventure titles to ever grace our screens. Although gone are the days of the "Dante" being the sole red-clad devil hunter to take on the relentless demonic hordes; that would provide endless entertainment for my fellow gamers out there. At the Legendary Devil Hunter's side are "Nero," which makes his long-awaited return, alongside mysterious new-comer "V;" to take on the fight for "Red Grave City" against the Nefarious Usurper "Urizen." This demon, who's responsible for the most recent demonic invasion at the heart of the city, sits atop a throne, awaiting all heroes to make their final stand against him. Normally, a fight of these epic proportions would take place at the ending of our story, but we're introduced to Urizen's awe-inspiring power at the beginning in a fight we are encouraged to lose. It sets the the stage well for an all-or-nothing battle against the plant-like Demi-God later on.

As you cut, hack, 'n' slash through the hellish and warped city landscape as the three heroes, you are surrounded by fallen members of the public to the overgrown "Qliphoth." This malevolent plant, which has erupted through the ground from the Underworld itself only to spread its deeply embedded roots throughout, uses human blood to sustain itself. As the first few missions pass, you are tasked with destroying the said roots that have sprung up at various entry points across the city, all with the goal of lessening its power and thus Urizen's control as the evil seed within. As you do this, you'll enter into high-velocity battles with both hordes of underlings and single high-risk encounters with bosses that will require a little more than mere brute strength to deal judgement on. Combat juggling and awesome upgrades abound, you are encouraged to enhance all three heroes on their perilous journey across the war-torn, demon-infested areas; all with the purpose of defeating the self-proclaimed demon king.

You'll have to master technique upon technique, and as you meet with lower-level demons by the bulk, these encounters will allow you to save up enough red orbs (the game's in-built currency) to really refine your attacks against your enemy. There's always the option to exchange real-life money for the said orbs, but there's no real reason to as the game gives you ample opportunity to face off against opponents to enhance each character as you progress. The cinematic buildup to the epic boss battles provide real challenge as you face off against ferocious beasts, and high-octane encounters against recently recruited demons to Urizen's ranks. Precision, efficiency, and a combination of power-charged attacks from core weaponry, while the enemy reveals their weak points, are key to achieving the all-coveted S rank.

With three separate characters to choose from, the combat never loses its edge with expert camera direction, groundbreaking graphics through Capcom's own RE engine, and a chain of destructive combos on-screen, to name but a few. Devil May Cry delivers on mind-blowing action and a riveting story that will suitably satisfy your bloodlust and need for fast-paced action. Freelance Devil Hunter "Nero" returns with the revved up "Red Queen," double-barrelled "Blue Rose," and newly installed "Devil Breaker" to propel Devil Hunting to next generation levels. With eight separate "Devil Breaker" to choose from, and your inventory of them ever expanding, you'll have endless combinations of deadly mechanics to deal death against Urizen's unholy army. You are teamed with the nerdy mechanic "Nico," the "Artisan of Arms." Coming from a long line of legendary gunsmiths, she has true talent when crafting your most deadly artillery to use against the threat of the hordes. Personally, I love the "Punch Line breaker," as it allows you to fly around on top of it to deliver a jet-propelled rocket right bang in the middle of a host of demons. So satisfying for a more explosive touch.

Dante makes his triumphant return as the sassy and sexy devil hunter with an arsenal to boot; some of old like the good ol' faithful "Rebellion," "Cerberus" with an upgrade, "The Devil Sword Sparda," and my favourite guns of the series, the infamous "Ebony and Ivory," a powered-up all-purpose rocket launcher "Kalina-Ann," alongside the reliable sawed-off shotgun "Coyote-A." However, he adds to his arsenal with the kick-ass gauntlets "Balrog" to deliver combos that will punch your enemies into fine pulp. Alongside this is the less than impressive "Dr. Faust," a customised cowboy hat which weaponises red orbs that you've culminated against the oncoming hordes. However, my personal favourite is the "Cavaliere." It's a multi-faceted motorcycle; that splits into two separate saws to deal extra damage with slow and deliberate movement against those heavy brutes. Of course, he has a Devil Sword of his very own, which you attain later on in the story, but I'll not ruin it for you; let's just say it's worth it! Alongside Dante's amazing array of weaponry is a return of four styles of speciality, which you can use interchangeably to adapt to each successive encounter: Trickster, Swordmaster, Gunslinger, and Royal Guard.

Finally, the mysterious "V" provides an interesting alternative to the all-out aggressive approach of both "Nero" and "Dante," as you don't have full control over the demons you call to your aid at first. He acts as a summoner who manipulates his familiars to do his bidding and fight on his behalf. Those familiars are callbacks to the first Devil May Cry, with "Shadow" taking the form of a black panther that shape shifts its entire body into melee weapons, such as blades, and performs a range of gouging attacks when called to your side. "Griffon" or "Little Chickee" is a bird of prey that performs a range of electrical attacks to hit long-distance targets who dare approach you. Last but not least is "Nightmare" a terrifyingly huge, almost formless beast that delivers a meteor strike when summoned, only to emerge and wreak havoc with heavy blows from its rock solid fists and deadly-aimed lasers. As you grow in your powers as the occult observer, you'll become ever more in control of your personal army, to deal increasing damage with each and every blow. V's finishing move sends them straight back to hell by means of a summoner's cane jabbed right into their core. When not evading an enemy's attack by means of transportation, "V" begins to read from his inscribed book of personal poetry, consisting mostly of William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience, which will allow you to rebuild your devil trigger gauge and summon "Nightmare." On the whole, his fighting style is fresh and different, but used sparingly enough so that it presents an interesting, quiet alternative to the all-out insane anarchy of other character's battlefields.

With "V" as our dark guide, we are able to navigate not only the war-torn wastelands of the city, but also the damaged psyche of Devil May Cry 5's true threat. We discover, through "V," themes of a tortured soul seeking redemption for the wrongs he's committed in his past, which contrast well with the demon Urizen's complete disregard for human life and lust for power at any cost. What I've always loved about Devil May Cry was the core of the story revolving around Dante's family; and his loyalty to them, causing him to drive back the oncoming demonic threat in whatever shape it took. However, this time around, Nero's role is more pivotal as the young Devil Hunter, coming to realise what's truly important to him in his long-standing fight against evil, which becomes one of the most legendary and touching moments of the series. It was an epic journey, though despite its hardships, it consolidated Sparda's legacy as those who rise above despite all odds and especially for those that they love.