Release of Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening

Released on February 17, 2005, Devil May Cry 3: Dante’s Awakening served as both a prequel and a creative revival for Capcom’s iconic action series. The game reintroduced Dante—a young, brash demon hunter—at the start of his journey, pitting him against his stoic twin brother Vergil in a high-stakes battle for power and identity. After the mixed reception of Devil May Cry 2, this third installment reestablished the franchise’s reputation for fast-paced, stylish action, razor-sharp combat mechanics, and deeply expressive gameplay. The new Style system, which allowed players to switch between combat modes like Swordmaster, Gunslinger, and Trickster, added strategic depth and gave players unprecedented control over Dante’s fighting style. Narratively, Devil May Cry 3 stood out for its mix of gothic fantasy and character-driven drama, exploring themes of sibling rivalry, self-discovery, and the burdens of power. The game’s difficulty was notoriously intense—particularly in its original Western release—but fans praised its rewarding combat, fluid animations, and iconic boss battles. The game laid the groundwork for modern character-action design and heavily influenced future entries in the genre. Devil May Cry 3 is still widely considered one of the greatest hack-and-slash games of all time and a definitive showcase of action gaming at its most stylish and precise.