The Ultimate Collection: 24 Mind-Blowing Games for True Devil May Cry Fans

The inaugural release of Devil May Cry in 2001 marked the beginning of a new era in hack-and-slash action-adventure games. Originally conceived as a concept for Resident Evil 4, it ultimately spawned a sub-genre that revitalized the classic beat-em-up style seen in games like Golden Axe, Double Dragon, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade.

While games in this genre typically offer a single-player experience, immersing players in a heightened sense of empowerment, numerous other studios soon followed suit, creating their own power fantasy action-hero games. As a result, a plethora of modern-day classics emerged, equally acclaimed and highly recommended for fans seeking a similar experience to the Devil May Cry series.

24 Atlas Fallen

: Expanding Your Power Fantasy: More Games like Devil May Cry

Updated on September 14, 2023, by Michael Llewellyn, this article explores the unparalleled thrill of embodying Dante, Vergil, and Nero in the Devil May Cry series. Renowned for their lightning-fast agility, immense strength, and accompanied by an adrenaline-pumping soundtrack, these characters redefine the power fantasy experience. Dante, in particular, has emerged as an iconic super-powered swordsman, solidifying his status as one of Capcom's esteemed mascots, renowned for his unrivaled charisma and flair. However, this list delves deeper into the realm of gaming, presenting a collection of other exceptional titles that offer similar power fantasies and boast captivating gameplay mechanics.

Atlas Fallen stands out as a truly distinct addition to this list, drawing inspiration from both Journey and Devil May Cry. While it incorporates elements from other action games, it successfully carves its own path, presenting a captivating world that will undoubtedly captivate and engage fans of the genre.

23 Final Fantasy 16

A few hiccups may arise, and certain glitches might frustrate certain players, yet the combat in this game pays splendid tribute to the iconic Devil May Cry formula. The traversal through the sandy terrain evokes strong similarities to the beloved game Journey, as players' custom characters gracefully glide across the sand to embark on exciting explorations. Furthermore, the upgrade system in the game surprisingly boasts a remarkable level of depth.

Final Fantasy 16, released in 2023, proved to be a momentous year for RPG enthusiasts. This highly-anticipated installment adhered to the established Final Fantasy formula, offering captivating exploration and grandiose battles. However, what truly set it apart was its combat system, heavily influenced by the exhilarating action of Devil May Cry. Remarkable set pieces seamlessly blended with an engrossing narrative, resulting in an unforgettable gaming experience.

22 Warhammer 40K: Space Marine

The pacing suffers as the world map becomes cluttered with side quests that offer little more than going to a specific place, battling an enemy, and retrieving an item for the quest giver. Nevertheless, this game excels as an action-packed experience, featuring awe-inspiring boss encounters that ingeniously incorporate iconic summons from the Final Fantasy universe into a fresh and innovative gameplay.

Warhammer 40K: Space Marine appears to bear resemblance to Gears of War, but it distinguishes itself with its visceral hand-to-hand combat that will captivate fans of Devil May Cry. The gameplay exudes a heavier and less fluid action, yet the grandeur and brutality reach unparalleled heights.

21 God Of War Greek Mythology Saga

Space Marine, a game originally released for the PS3 and Xbox 360, continues to impress even when compared to contemporary titles. Its cinematic qualities remain just as captivating even today. Fans will be thrilled to know that the highly anticipated sequel, Warhammer 40: Space Marine 2, is on the verge of release for the latest gaming systems.

While the Kratos saga delves into Norse mythology, it is crucial for enthusiasts of the hack-and-slash action genre to explore the original God of War games which are set against the backdrop of Greek mythology. Despite Kratos being portrayed as less sympathetic in these games, the power fantasy they offer is arguably superior to that seen in the more recent installments.

20 Gungrave G.O.R.E.

The battle system in this game brings to mind the classic Devil May Cry titles, while the boss battles are truly on a grand scale. In comparison to the massive Titans, Kratos appears to be no more than a tiny insect. Additionally, he engages in cinematic showdowns with fearsome creatures such as Gorgons, Cyclops, and Minotaurs, annihilating them in epic fashion.

Gungrave, an action game reminiscent of the Devil May Cry franchise, made its debut in late 2022 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Although initially facing criticism for its perceived difficulty spikes, avid followers of Dante's adventures who embraced the challenge of Hell and Hell modes will swiftly adapt.

19 Evil West

Gungrave showcases a stunning display of supernatural combat, where the protagonist effortlessly dispatches his foes with a flair for style. The game is enhanced by a high-octane industrial metal-inspired soundtrack, immersing players in its intense atmosphere. By executing flawless takedowns and employing various skills, players earn Art points, akin to the style points featured in Devil May Cry.

Evil West, an action shooter released in late 2022, takes players on a thrilling journey as a vampire hunter in the Wild West. With its over-the-shoulder camera perspective and fluid animations, it evokes memories of the beloved God of War series. However, the inclusion of supernatural elements and distinct visual style also gives it a DMC-like essence.

18 The Nier Series

The gameplay in Evil West offers a captivating and enjoyable experience, with the added benefit of allowing players to tailor their playstyle through the unlocking of various perks. The combat mechanics are vicious, amplifying the intensity of battles. Furthermore, an immersive online co-op mode enables players to team up and eradicate vampires as a united force.

For gamers seeking immersive narratives and exhilarating action RPG gameplay, the Nier series is a must-try. Nier: Replicant and Nier Automata stand out as exceptionally profound gaming experiences, blending intricate storytelling with engaging mechanics. In terms of combat prowess, Nier: Automata takes the lead, benefiting from the expertise of its developer, PlatinumGames.

17 Scarlet Nexus

Nier: Automata bears stylistic resemblances to their previous games, such as Bayonetta and Astral Chain. Nevertheless, fans of Devil May Cry will undoubtedly appreciate the enhanced gameplay mechanics and swiftness found in Nier Replicant, a remake of the original Nier.

Scarlet Nexus, an anime-style action RPG, is the result of the creative minds behind popular titles in the Tales and God Eater series. This game boasts an exquisite combat system, reminiscent of the fast-paced and exhilarating battles found in Devil May Cry. Adding to the excitement, the characters in Scarlet Nexus wield psychokinetic powers, allowing them to hurl objects at their foes and unleash awe-inspiring special attacks.

16 Soulstice

The combat in Scarlet Nexus is both fast-paced and strategic, offering a challenging experience, particularly during boss fights. While the Devil May Cry games have an anime-like execution, Scarlet Nexus takes it a step further, providing players with a visually breathtaking adventure that feels like an interactive anime. In addition to its stunning visuals, the game also boasts an excellent story that captivates players.

Soulstice, released in 2022, is a riveting action hack-and-slash game that draws significant inspiration from the acclaimed Devil May Cry series. Set in an apocalyptic landscape, the game portrays a dark and foreboding environment while captivating players with breathtaking visual spectacles that will resonate instantly with genre enthusiasts.

While not quite reaching the level of refinement seen in its inspiring games, Soulstice presents a seamless action experience with easily grasped yet demanding strategic mechanics. Taking inspiration from Ikaruga, the game incorporates color-coordinated attacks, intensifying the challenge. However, with time, the fighting system will become as natural as second nature.

15 X-Men Origins: Wolverine

The movie tie-in game, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, was widely praised by fans for being more entertaining than its source material. Taking inspiration from the God of War series, it perfectly captured Wolverine's violent and deadly nature, embodying the anti-hero persona he was meant to be.

14 Conan (2007)

The game is significantly more gruesome and gory compared to the movie, taking inspiration from the God of War series for its combat system. While it may not possess the intricate mechanics found in Devil May Cry, enthusiasts of the genre will relish in the savage gameplay mechanics and instantly feel a sense of familiarity with Wolverine.

Released in 2007 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Conan initially went unnoticed due to its resemblance to the popular God of War series. Although it can be deemed a God of War clone, Conan outshines it with its superior counter-attack system, equipment mechanics, and weapon variety. The focus on counters in Conan holds greater significance. However, it is regrettable that Conan lacks the grandiose triple-A cinematic appeal found in God of War.

Furthermore,

13 Transformers: Devastation

was the ultimate power fantasy in fiction long before God of War and Devil May Cry. Moreover,

13 Transformers: Devastation

showcases artwork inspired by the original works of Frank Frazetta, an award-winning soundtrack, and exceptional voice work from Ron Perlman and Claudia Black in the lead roles. Undoubtedly,

13 Transformers: Devastation

still reigns as the ultimate Conan the Barbarian game, providing players with the opportunity to assume the role of the iconic character.

PlatinumGames developed and released Transformers: Devastation in 2015. This action-packed title blends hack-and-slash gameplay with shooting mechanics reminiscent of Devil May Cry and other Platinum titles. Immerse yourself in the world of Autobot heroes Optimus Prime, Bumblebee, Grimlock, Sideswipe, and Wheeljack as they journey back to the iconic 1980s cartoons.

12 Dante's Inferno

Like Devil May Cry series, Transformers: Devastation features intense and dynamic gameplay, offering players a wide range of actions, precise timing, and unforgettable encounters with powerful bosses. Additionally, players have the ability to enhance the abilities of the Autobots by acquiring TECH upgrades that progressively enhance their statistics throughout the game.

Capcom openly acknowledged that Devil May Cry drew inspiration from Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy during its initial stages of creation. Similarly, Dante's Inferno, a hack-and-slash action-adventure video game, released in 2010, was also influenced by this renowned literary work.

The story is centered around

11 God Hand

, the initial canticle from the majestic Inferno epic poem. While the combat may not attain the same speed or intricacy as the Devil May Cry series, it undeniably possesses an equally raw and intense quality. Furthermore, the level design, which transpires within the depths of Hell, rivals the grandeur found within Capcom's renowned collection.

The cult classic God Hand for the PlayStation 2 is an action-packed title developed by Clover Studio, known for their work on the acclaimed game Okami. It is worth noting that many of the talented individuals behind Clover Studio eventually formed Platinum Games, a fact that should pique the interest of fans of the Devil May Cry series, as it speaks to God Hand's pedigree in the realm of action-adventure and beat-em-up games.

10 Metal Gear Rising: Reveangence

Godhand, an anime-style fantasy game with unconventional characters and action sequences, was helmed by Shinji Mikami, the director of Resident Evil 4. Unlike typical games, Mikami aimed to create a unique experience devoid of reliance on weapons, drawing inspiration from iconic manga series such as Fist of the North Star and JoJo's Bizarre Adventure.

Metal Gear Rising: Reverence, released in 2013 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, was an exhilarating action game skillfully crafted by Platinum Games. Notably, the development team consisted of several talented individuals who had previously contributed to the renowned Devil May Cry series. Undoubtedly, the game fulfilled the cherished aspirations of becoming a dominant force in a realm of boundless imagination.

9 Ninja Gaiden Sigma

Metal Gear Rising introduces Raiden, who previously appeared in Metal Gear Solid 2, as the focal character. With its innovative Free Slicing mechanic, Metal Gear Rising offers a highly flexible combat system, setting a new standard for sword fighting across all genres. Embracing the superhero concept, players can execute incredible feats like slicing bullets and rockets in mid-air.

Ninja Gaiden, developed by Team Ninja, the creators of Nioh and Dead or Alive, made its debut on the PS3 in 2006. Renowned for its relentless challenge, this game is adored by fans for its seamless combat mechanics and lightning-fast pace.

Ninja Gaiden Sigma, an improved rendition of the highly praised Xbox game, incorporated upgraded graphics, fresh gameplay mechanics, and an assortment of new weapons. Enthusiasts of Devil May Cry will be delighted by the lightning-fast combat speed and strategic approach needed to overcome adversaries.

8 Castlevania: Lord Of Shadow

Released in 2010 on the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, Castlevania: Lord of Shadow was a collaborative effort between Mercury Steam and Kojima Productions. Departing from the side-scrolling style of the original series, this installment retained certain elements such as platforming and puzzle-solving.

7 Ghost Of Tsushima

The central focus of Lords of Shadow revolves around its combat mechanics, which offer an impressive selection of up to forty unlockable combos. These combos require precise skill and timing, making them crucial for success in the game. Furthermore, the game is packed with an abundance of content, and much like the iconic Devil May Cry series, it presents a captivating and thrilling journey through the realms of Gothic demon-slaying, making it a title that definitely warrants a second glance.

Ghost of Tsushima, released in 2020, gained tremendous popularity and was hailed as one of the top PlayStation 4 exclusives by avid gamers. Although its gameplay mechanics and open-world concept differ significantly from the Devil May Cry series, Tsushima's combat system, which heavily relies on precise timing, is sure to resonate with fans of the renowned Capcom franchise.

6 Ryse: Son Of Rome

Every battle in the game is exhilarating, offering various strategies to defeat adversaries, either through direct combat or employing stealthy techniques reminiscent of a ninja. The concept of wielding incredible powers becomes prominent as the story progresses, particularly when the main character, Jin, acquires his Ghost abilities, allowing him to engage in combat as an indomitable supernatural force.

Ryse: Son of Rome, an epic action game set in historical times, was released as one of the launch titles for the Xbox One console. It features an innovative fighting system that seamlessly blends the elements of popular games like Devil May Cry, God of War, and Batman: Arkham. The production values continue to impress with stunning visuals, exceptional voice acting, and remarkably lifelike facial animations that are considered among the best in the gaming industry today.

5 Bloodborne

Despite its criticism for lacking variety outside of combat, Ryse offers a perfect fit for Devil May Cry enthusiasts who relish in the cinematic flair of taking down multiple enemies. Although its fighting mechanics share more similarities with the Arkham series than with Devil May Cry, Ryse still delivers enough action to satisfy even the most battle-weary fans.

Bloodborne, an action RPG exclusive to PlayStation 4, is a thrilling creation by the developers behind the renowned Dark Souls series. While sharing some similarities with its predecessors, Bloodborne distinguishes itself with its lightning-fast combat. Rather than adopting a deliberate approach, the game emphasizes the importance of timely dodges and strategic attacks during opportune moments.

Bloodborne stands out with its distinctively darker visual style compared to Dark Souls and Devil May Cry. With its gothic horror elements and intense boss battles, it undoubtedly ranks among the top Soulslike games. Furthermore, its fast-paced action and gripping suspense make it a highly recommended choice for fans of Devil May Cry.