Devil May Cry is a game where the time period it was released in is just as important as the game itself. It not only defined the character-driven hack 'n' slash genre but also laid the foundation for every game that would draw inspiration from it. You don’t get a game like God of War or Bayonetta without Devil May Cry.

Certain aspects of the game, like the camera, can suck ass, and the game’s combat has been surpassed countless times at this point. However, I don’t let that diminish how great of a game this is. It still provides me with an experience that’s completely unique. Take, for instance, the introduction to Dante. He doesn’t have a lot of dialogue, but he becomes instantly iconic with just the way he carries himself. The haunted castle maintains an eerie atmosphere, unmatched in its unsettling ambiance. This is complemented by the amazing '90s to early 2000s influenced hard rock soundtrack. The horror atmosphere blends in so perfectly, clearly wearing its Resident Evil roots on its sleeve.

There is beauty in Devil May Cry’s simplicity. It exudes early 2000s charm and remains one of the most well-paced and rewarding hack 'n' slash games out there despite it all