(Played it on a PS 2 emulator)
The first instalment of the Devil May Cry series aptly named Devil May Cry is a hack-and-slash game that introduces us to the character Dante and is the first to feature mechanics such as the stylish meter. Even though at that time, the parts that made this series so popular were in their infancy, it still managed to be entertaining. Still, the flaws are apparent – low-quality cutscenes, clunky controls, and some out-of-place mechanics are just some of the issues holding this game back. Due to this, I can’t give it a much higher rating.
There isn’t anything here that hasn’t been done better in a future instalment. As such, the only people who I could recommend it to, are fans of the franchise who want to see its origins. For them, I have to say you aren’t in for an incredibly good time, neither an incredibly bad time.

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲
You play as Dante, the son of the powerful devil Sparda, who has taken up a job as a devil hunter seeking revenge for his family. A woman by the name of Trish informs you that the devil you are searching for is located on a remote island that she can take you to. There you will face foe after foe and even stand face to face with individuals from your past.
The story overall is alright for the most part, it's heavily carried by the protagonist Dante. He is a flashy rock star kind of cool guy, who is constantly saying one-liners to his enemies and doesn’t take even the most dangerous encounters seriously. My biggest disappointment is that there weren’t more cutscenes.
I am also not a fan of the ending. Not that a happy ending is bad, but the way it’s done is too out of place compared to the rest of the game.

𝐌𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲
Groundbreaking at release, far from the norm by today, Devil May Cry’s gameplay is trying its best. First, it isn’t over the shoulder, but rather the camera moves on a fixed predetermined path. Sometimes this causes problems, like not allowing you to look in the direction you want.
Combat-wise, you attack with your swords using a diverse set of moves like thrusting attacks, plunging attacks, sending enemies into the air, and so on. There are also harder to perform combos that fill the style meter faster. Throughout your playthrough, you will acquire other melee weapons with their own move sets and special attacks. In addition, in your arsenal, you have a gun. Just as with the swords, you will get more the further you go. They are a genius addition to the game, allowing you to close the gap no matter the distance. It makes those pesky flying enemies a piece of cake. All of these attacks fill up the devil trigger meter, which when used unleashes Dante’s devil form.
My main issue is that it doesn’t feel that fluid, there are button presses that seem unnecessary and just slow down the gameplay. Overall, I found it good enough to be enjoyable for the 8 hours I played. It isn’t a combat system I would try to master.
Enemies and bosses are good, they provide a challenge but aren’t that difficult. Can’t say the same about the final boss, though. I spent more time on him than all others combined.
Another issue I mention is some of the unusual gameplay sections. Was the underwater section or the part where you fly a plane really needed? Thankfully, they don’t last too long, but they still threw off the pace of the game.

𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐬/𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐲𝐥𝐞
As I said, the cutscenes have not been spared, as they were made for a much lower-quality display than today. On the other hand, the game itself looks surprisingly good, still outdated, but by no means ugly. Most of that is due to the fixed camera, not letting you see, what you are not supposed to see, even then the effort put into the scenery is clear.

𝐀𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞/𝐈𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧
The influence of Resident Evil is clear, the environment, the soundtrack, it all has this dark sinister undertone, not typical of this genre. If it wasn’t for Dante’s incredible power, this would be a survival horror instead.

𝐒𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐤
Choir, orchestral, and some rock dominates the OST of Devil May Cry. It’s a well-fitting soundtrack that helps build up the atmosphere. It isn't one I would listen to outside the game.
My favourite part is “Lock & Load”.
Also, what the hell are these track names – “Pubic Enemy”, “Final Penetration”, “Evil Vacuum”, “Blue Orgasm”?

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬
“I should have been the one to fill your dark soul with LIIIIIIGHT”