Prequel to DMC1 events, focused on Dante's youth. The Stylish Rank system and diversity of combat styles elevate the genre. Original Japanese version with legendarily brutal difficulty. One of the finest action experiences on PS2.
Your verdict
Category
Action1 player16+
Description
The original Japanese edition of the third Devil May Cry, released in 2005. Capcom returns to fundamentals after the lukewarm reception of part two: more technical combat than ever, a younger Dante built for sheer swagger and a punishing difficulty that the later Special Edition would soften.
Devil May Cry 3 review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
4/5
Story
★★★★★
"Captivating"
More flamboyant still, the game pushes its gothic baroque toward outsized settings and combat of choreographic virtuosity. Dante's insolent style and the spectacular effects compose a permanent action opera. This visual extravagance, dark and elegant, marks the aesthetic peak of the saga.
Pushing the metal further, the music makes distorted guitars and gothic choirs roar over supercharged themes cut for the flamboyant style of the fights. Dante's main theme, a jubilant nu-metal anthem, galvanises every clash. This ferocious sonic energy, perfectly in tune with the game's panache, remains a peak of the series.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
Juggling four distinct styles and a full arsenal of weapons to assemble your own combos pushes stylish action to a peak of depth and freedom. Every encounter becomes a stage for self-expression, where mastery is rewarded instantly. The difficulty is harsh and the camera occasionally temperamental, but the sheer richness of the combat system makes it an untouchable benchmark for the genre.
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
Taken back to its origins, this entry pushes stylish action to its peak: endless combos, multiple weapons to chain and oversized bosses to fell with flair. The style system multiplies creativity and rewards virtuoso mastery. Demanding yet exhilarating, of a brutal elegance, arguably the absolute peak of the genre and an untoppable action benchmark.
Addictiveness
"Obsessive"
Juggling four combat styles and a whole arsenal to compose ever wilder combos turns every clash into a playground of virtuosity you want to perfect. Pushing your style rank up and unlocking weapons keeps the session going. The fearsome difficulty puts you off at first, but this combat depth remains a peak of action that is hard to put down.
Difficulty
"Punishing"
Notorious for its brutal difficulty spike on its Western release, this third entry puts mastery of stylish combat at the heart of the trial: aggressive enemies, tight-timed dodges and titanic bosses punish any lack of preparation. Juggling styles and weapons to chain combos becomes vital. Demanding yet immensely deep, it rewards learning and remains a pinnacle of action.
An entry held as the peak of the stylish-action series, returning to demanding difficulty and combos of celebrated depth after a disappointing second chapter. Still fairly widespread in the West, its interest lies in this reputation of redemption and apex rather than scarcity. A prime piece for fans of technical action wanting the best of Dante on the console.
Memorable bosses
A pinnacle of virtuosity, this prequel piles on memorable face-offs, from the ice hound Cerberus to the steel twins Agni and Rudra. But it is the rival brother Vergil, met three times blade in hand, who crystallizes all the tension. Demanding and choreographed like dances, these fights reward style as much as precision and remain a showcase of the genre.
Is Devil May Cry 3 still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2005 on PS2 as Devil May Cry 3 and later as Dante's Awakening and Special Edition in expanded versions, Capcom's project returns to Dante's origin with renewed intensity. The four selectable combat styles, the exotic arsenal and the combo choreography install a peak of stylish action. The baroque gothic art direction and Tetsuya Shibata's music are magnificent. The Special Edition adds playable Vergil. The fixed camera has aged. Strongly recommended today for any stylish action devotee and for Capcom fans curious about the studio restart on Sony's second home console hardware globally.
