The first installment of Devil May Cry was released back in 2001 on the PlayStation 2. Initially, the game was made from a canned Resident Evil 4 concept. At that time, no one would believe that Devil May Cry could become the standard for a new sub-genre of hack-and-slash action-adventure games.
It did not take long for other game developers to imitate this structure and create their own power action hero concept. In this article, we would list out some of the most similar games to the DMC series.
10 – Conan
Conan was published in 2007 by THQ, on the PS 3 and Xbox 360. This title was often overlooked because it is very similar to the God of War series. While it might be correct to call this game a GoW clone, however, the various gameplay mechanics such as the equipment system, counter-attack system, and weapon amount were way better than that of Kratos in God of War 2 and 3. The settings were not as epic, however.
Conan the Barbarian was amongst the original power fantasy action hero, long before Devil May Cry and God of War. It also featured artworks inspired by Frank Frazetta, the original creator of Conan the Barbarian in 1966, along with an awarded soundtrack. And finally, the voice works from Pearlman to top it off.
9 – Transformers: Devastation
Developed and published by Platinum Games, Transformers: Devastation was quite successful. The gameplay is a combination of hack and slash plus shooting mechanics, which is really similar to that of other Platinum titles and Devil May Cry. In this game, players take on the roles of Autobot heroes Optimus Prime, Grimlock, Bumblebee, Sideswipe, and Wheeljack to fight against the force of the Decepticons.
Similar to what happened in the DMC series, Transformers: Devastation includes gameplay variety, timing, fast action and of course, memorable boss battles. The RPG system is also very developed, as the players can upgrade their robots’ appearance and moves as the game progresses.
8 – Dante’s Inferno
During Devil May Cry’s early development, Capcom has openly stated that the series was made with inspirations from Dante Alighieri’s Divine Comedy. In 2010, EA released a hack and slash action game with the same name, Dante’s Inferno – with players descend into hell for an adventure.
The game’s story is based on the first part of the epic poem Inferno. The combat isn’t as fast or complex as what you can get in the usual Devil May Cry, however, the gore and level designs were top notch. You can call this game a combination of the best aspects from God of War and Devil May Cry.
7 – God Hand
God Hand is a cult classic PS2 action title, made by Clover Studio, the developer of Okami. The previously mentioned Platinum Games was made by many members of that Clover Studio. Additionally, the game was directed by the brain behind the success of Resident Evil 4, Shinji Mikami.
The biggest source of inspiration for the game is the two manga series, Fist of the North Star and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure. The best feature that God Hand has over its competitors is the ability to custom your moves and create your own warrior. That, combined with the solid presentation of comedy, makes God Hand one of the best brawlers ever in the PS2 era.
6 – Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance
Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance was another product created by Platinum Games. Furthermore, the developers' studio contains a lot of the same people that also worked on the DMC series.
Featuring Metal Gear Solid 2’s Raiden as its protagonist, Metal Gear Rising’s “free slicing” mechanic is probably amongst the most innovative features in the action genre. In the six hours campaign, you will cross the globe, fight against mechs the size of skyscrapers with a sword, tame an A.I. dog, explore a facility controlling a robot, chopping up bullets, missiles and the helicopter which fires them…
5 – Ninja Gaiden Sigma
Released on the PS3 in 2006, Ninja Gaiden was made by Team Ninja, the creator of Dead or Alive and Nioh. The series is famous for its lightning-quick gameplay, punishing difficulty, and visual prowess.
Sigma was essentially a remix of the original game and its sequel, Ninja Gaiden Black, combined the best features from both games into one. The graphics were enhanced, with new gameplay mechanics and weapons added. Fans of Devil May Cry would definitely appreciate the breakneck speed of the combat and the intense strategies that are needed to defeat the bosses.
4 – Castlevania: Lords of Shadow
Castlevania: Lords of Shadow was released in 2010 on the PS3 and Xbox 360. The game was a cooperative effort between Mercury Steam and the infamous Kojima Productions. It was a far cry from the original side-scrolling gameplay, however, there are still elements of puzzles and platforming so that fans of the original game would enjoy.
The core aspect of Lords of Shadow’s combat system is its forty unlockable combos. The game is all about action and combat, as it is constantly pushing you towards your next encounter with a horde of monsters. Furthermore, Lords of Shadow’s level designs are absolutely beautiful, with dazzling vistas and gothic designs, similar in theme with the earlier Devil May Cry games.
3 – Astral Chain
Released exclusively for the Switch in 2019, Astral Chain was another title made by Platinum Games. Released in the same year as Devil May Cry V, the two games are pretty close in the race to be the best action-adventure hack and slash title of 2019.
Astral Chain was a combined project of the lead gameplay designer for Nier: Automata and Devil May Cry director. Astral Chain’s great combat system is combined with interesting platforming, calm investigative activities, and clever puzzles. The pace of the game is not as fast as Devil May Cry V, however, due to all the exploration and RPG elements.
2 – God of War 3
God of War 3 is a fitting end to Kratos’ Olympus trilogy. It is not a perfect game overall, with some uneven storytelling here and there, however, the whole thing is still a fantastic package. The combat is stellar and bloodier than ever, along with some of the best-looking graphics on that the PS3 could muster.
The combo system is very good, with amazing combos that you will always feel completely in control of. With the ability to cancel out almost everything to go into a dodge or roll, the evade action is a huge part of the gameplay. With frantic combats against multiple enemies, epic boss fights and enhanced difficulty, God of War 3 is truly a great title that fans of Devil May Cry might enjoy.
The combat is just as responsive as ever with big, massive combos that you'll always feel completely in control of. You can cancel out of almost anything and go into a block or roll, making defensive maneuvers a strong (and very necessary) part of your arsenal.
1 – Bayonetta
The Bayonetta series was created by Platinum Games and is currently available on the Switch and Wii. Also directed by Devil May Cry’s director, Hideki Kamiya, the game is pretty much a revival of the Devil May Cry formula.
The combat system of Bayonetta is based on combos, which further separates into variations based on the weapon currently equipped. It is even smoother than Devil May Cry’s, as you can resume your combo out of a dodge. Combined that with the Wicked Weave finisher system, you would get a flawless series of dance-like attacks that ebb and flow like music. It is clear that Platinum Games has succeeded in creating an immersive combat system that’s more than the sum of its individual parts.
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