Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Mar 1, 2005
Metascore
84

Generally favorable reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 60
  3. Negative: 1 out of 60
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  1. AltGaming
    70
    Even a game so entwined with the concept of hell and damnation shouldn't make playing it a torture. Given proper time to cultivate skills, this game will yield a sumptuous banquet for you to enjoy - but sadly it doesn't get anywhere near the casual treat it should have been.
  2. 1UP
    70
    Crosses the line that separates challenging from cheap. Charismatic and brazen to a fault, it is something of a return to form, but denies the gamer an honest challenge and the eye-opening lack of balance results in a sometimes-electrifying game that isn't especially fun to play.
  3. Stuff
    70
    And speaking of those late stages, don't plan on seeing them. Ever. This game is so controller-bustingly hard that even the one guy in the office who beat "Ninja Gaiden" ended up wetting himself, then shivering in a corner of the Xerox room all afternoon. Which is a real shame, because behind that near-impossible difficulty there's a big, beautiful action game here.
  5. Game Revolution
    67
    In the end, I was left with a surprisingly good feeling about Devil May Cry 3, despite my idea during hour 5, still on the second level, of breaking the disc into tiny shards and sticking them in my eyes. The latter part of the game becomes quite enjoyable.
  6. TotalPlayStation
    65
    You know when you see that guy in the Porsche convertable with the bad combover trying to drag race everyone at the stop light? It's called overcompensation, and we've got a pretty bad case of it right here.
  7. GameShark
    60
    The game is just plain unapproachable to the average gamer... Is it possible that whoever play-balanced Devil May Cry 3 is a bitter person who loathes humanity and is working actively for the death of joy in the world?

Awards & Rankings

23
#23 Best PS2 Game of 2005
6
#6 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2005
11
#11 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2005

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0

Universal acclaim- based on 582 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 524 out of 582
  2. Mixed: 31 out of 582
  3. Negative: 27 out of 582
  1. YHWH
    Aug 26, 2012
    10
    Perfect balance between gameplay, difficulty, and graphics.

    10/10 game. Anyone that doesn't like it is an americna crybaby that can't get    Perfect balance between gameplay, difficulty, and graphics.

    10/10 game. Anyone that doesn't like it is an americna crybaby that can't get past stage 1.    … Full Review »
  2. alex007
    Oct 22, 2012
    9
    With "Devil May Cry" (a superb action game), Capcom had caught lightning in a bottle. Unfortunately, that didn't happen twice with the releaseWith "Devil May Cry" (a superb action game), Capcom had caught lightning in a bottle. Unfortunately, that didn't happen twice with the release of a tepid sequel in 2003. So for the third installment, the developers went back to what made the original so great. In the process, they also went back in the timeline and made a prequel instead. "Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening" recalls the original game's style of play and tells the story of the hero's rise to prominence. It's also one of the toughest games Capcom has ever made. DMC 3 is an extremely polished action-adventure that features crazy combat and over-the-top, kinetic cutscenes. This is one of the PS2's best action offerings but the extreme difficulty will not appeal to casual gamers. The game offers four different combat styles to choose from at the beginning of each level. As you progress, you'll be able to power up Dante in a variety of ways while additional weapons become available. It's worth noting that "Devil May Cry 3" is more comparable to the XBOX version of "Ninja Gaiden" than the original DMC. This is due to the emphasis on hyper tough fights, similar boss battles and an extensive arsenal of weaponry. It's not as good as "Ninja Gaiden", but DMC 3 is a much better game than part 2. I'd also recommend the Special Edition which features Dante's brother, Virgil, as a playable character. "Dante's Awakening" is arguably the best installment in the series.… Full Review »
  3. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Mar 8, 2021
    9
    DMC 3 is a fantastic action title despite being a little too tough and cheesy for its own good. The game (in its own way) is an equal to theDMC 3 is a fantastic action title despite being a little too tough and cheesy for its own good. The game (in its own way) is an equal to the original Devil May Cry. That means it's miles better than part 2. At the time of release, this was also compared to the Xbox's Ninja Gaiden. While not perfect, "Dante's Awakening" certainly upped the ante for fast stylish action. It's a difficult, over-the-top hack n' slash that should please most fans. I would rate it with a 9 out of 10.… Full Review »
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