Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening – Special Edition builds on the breakneck, combo-heavy action of the original by packing in a wealth of new modes and characters that dramatically expand replayability. At its core, the game still delivers the signature Dante arsenal—twin pistols, a massive claymore, and acrobatic juggling maneuvers—while layering on fresh toys such as extra weapons and an additional style that spices up every encounter. The inclusion of Turbo mode, which runs the action at 20% increased speed, offers a thrilling twist for veterans seeking an even more frenetic experience.

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Perhaps the most compelling additions are the new playable characters. Stepping into Vergil’s shoes lets you unleash a completely different play pattern focused on precision strikes and his iconic Yamato katana, while tackling missions as Nelo Angelo presents a heavier, more brutal combat rhythm. These expanded character rosters not only deepen the lore but also give fans a chance to reengage with pivotal moments from fresh perspectives.

For those who love a challenge, the re-release introduces an extra difficulty level and the infamous Bloody Palace mode, now boasting up to 9,999 levels of relentless enemy waves. Co-op support on Switch—for the first time—allows two players to tackle the gauntlet together, turning an already demanding mode into a cooperative frenzy. Throw in a brand-new boss battle late in the campaign, and you’ve got hours of content designed to test even the most seasoned demon slayers.

The Nintendo Switch port enhances the gameplay further with Free Style mode, enabling you to shift Dante’s combat styles on the fly rather than locking into one per mission. This dynamic switching encourages creative combo experimentation and streamlines the flow of battle. Additionally, the ability to carry every weapon simultaneously removes inventory constraints, letting you swap into whatever tool the situation demands without pausing the action.

Graphics

Originally released in the mid-2000s, Devil May Cry 3’s visual identity still stands out thanks to its gothic architecture, striking palette, and flair for dramatic camera angles. The Special Edition refines these assets, running at a higher internal resolution and smoother frame rate on Windows and Switch compared to the Dreamcast and PS2 originals. Character models feel sharper, and the improved texture fidelity helps Dante’s leather coat and spiked hair pop in every cutscene.

Particle effects—such as swirling demon guts, fiery explosions, and shimmering style auras—receive a subtle polish that enhances the spectacle without altering the game’s artistic vision. The Turbo mode’s increased speed doesn’t compromise frame pacing, ensuring that even the most chaotic screen floods remain clear and responsive. Dynamic lighting and shadow work especially well on the Switch OLED model, making dimly lit cathedrals and infernal lairs genuinely atmospheric.

On PC, graphics settings offer additional flexibility for custom resolutions, anti-aliasing levels, and v-sync toggles, giving players the chance to fine-tune performance or visual flair according to their hardware. Meanwhile, the handheld nature of the Switch means you can dive into demon-slaying on the go, with only a minor drop in texture resolution in handheld mode versus docked play. Overall, the visual enhancements strike a solid balance between nostalgia and modern polish.

Story

Set as a prequel to the very first Devil May Cry, Dante’s Awakening chronicles the origins of the legendary demon hunter and his complex relationship with twin brother Vergil. The narrative kicks off with Dante’s rebellious attitude clashing against Vergil’s stoic ambition, weaving a tale of brotherhood, betrayal, and the seductive power of demonic might. The Special Edition’s Demo Digest mode allows players to revisit every cutscene at leisure, ensuring the game’s dramatic twists and emotional beats remain fresh in mind.

While the main plot remains intact, the added perspectives of Vergil and Nelo Angelo flesh out the overarching mythology. Experiencing key battles through Vergil’s eyes deepens the sense of conflict, as his quest for power often contrasts sharply with Dante’s more carefree approach. Playing as Nelo Angelo—Vergil’s corrupted form—adds another narrative layer, letting you understand the tragedy of a once-proud warrior bound by dark forces.

Cutscenes retain their bold anime-inspired direction, complete with stylized camera angles and rapid editing that punctuate the high-octane storytelling. Whether you’re watching Dante roar defiance or witnessing the cataclysmic showdown at Temen-ni-gru, the re-release preserves the original’s cinematic flair. The addition of a new boss mid-campaign also contains its own story beat, offering a surprise cameo that nods to series fans and enriches the lore.

Overall Experience

Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening – Special Edition is a triumphant celebration of one of the franchise’s high points, delivering an abundance of content at a budget price. From the core action to the wealth of new modes—Bloody Palace, Turbo, extra difficulty—and playable characters, there’s enough here to satisfy completionists and newcomers alike. On Switch, the pick-up-and-play portability paired with Free Style mode and co-op demonic gauntlets revitalizes the experience for modern audiences.

The balance between accessibility and challenge is finely tuned, with optional difficulties and streamlined gear management letting players tailor the journey to their preferred skill level. Returning fans will appreciate the nostalgic trip back to Dante’s early days, while new players can jump in with confidence thanks to refined controls and performance upgrades. The Demo Digest feature also makes it easier than ever to catch up on story beats if you need a refresher between chapters.

Whether you’re carving through demon hordes in handheld mode on a commute or staging an all-out combo showcase on your gaming rig, the Special Edition stands as the definitive way to experience Devil May Cry 3. Its combination of classic gameplay, robust extras, and quality-of-life improvements ensures that Dante’s Awakening remains as thrilling today as it was at launch—if not more so.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10