Game developer and publisher Capcom introduced us to the world of DEVIL MAY CRY in 2001 and completely revolutionized a whole other subgenre within action gaming. Over the years the DEVIL MAY CRY franchise spread into the world of comics, manga and animated television, released three more main entries into the series, and a couple of the original game's protagonists even found their way into the MARVEL VS. CAPCOM series. With news of a new DMC: DEVIL MAY CRY on the way, it's only natural that Capcom released the DEVIL MAY CRY HD COLLECTION for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on April 3, 2012 to allow fans to gear up for their upcoming title while helping to promote the classic series.

The DEVIL MAY CRY HD COLLECTION contains the original three DEVIL MAY CRY titles with enhanced HD graphics. DEVIL MAY CRY is the game that started it all over 10 years ago. The game follows the half demon protagonist Dante, as he runs off with a mystery woman moments after she brutally and viciously breaks into his shop and attacks him. This is because she informs Dante that the demon responsible for killing Dante's brother and mother is trying to make into their world, and she's looking for Dante's assistance in stopping the demon. The story offered up in the game gives you betrayal, action, drama and even a potential love interest for Dante. Needless to say, it's one of the best stories in the series and one that every gamer should experience at least once.

The original DEVIL MAY CRY introduced us to one of the most important characters in gaming history in Dante and one of the most influential gameplay styles in the history of gaming. Your primary objective in combat is to chain together complex combination attacks using Dante's sword and twin pistols to deal damage. You are rewarded style for chaining together more moves without being damaged, and you can then use your rewards to further strengthen Dante. If this genre sounds awfully familiar, it's because it's a formula used in nearly every action game of today; however, this is where is was first originated.

DEVIL MAY CRY 2 saw the return of Dante only this time he worked together with a new woman named Lucia--who could also be used as a playable character--after meeting each other inside of a museum. Using a coin flip to make his decision, Dante teams up with Lucia to go and stop a madman from using a collection of powerful artifacts known as the Arcana to resurrect a dreadful demon that has enough power to rule the world. This storyline is one of the best the series has to offer, and the ending manages to be gratifying while leaving the door open for future DEVIL MAY CRY sequels.

DEVIL MAY CRY 3: DANTE'S AWAKENING introduces us to a younger Dante, as it is a sequel to the original game. Dante is working in his yet unnamed store when he is attacked by a swarm of demons sent by his brother Vergil. Upon their defeat, a sinister tower appears which Dante immediately recognizes as Vergil's whereabouts. It seems Vergil and his minions are after Dante's half of a mystic amulet left behind in halves for each of her two sons. As good as DEVIL MAY CRY 2's storyline is, DEVIL MAY CRY 3: DANTE'S AWAKENING manages to surpass that and give you the best storyline in the game series thus far.

Both DEVIL MAY CRY 2 and DEVIL MAY CRY 3: DANTE'S AWAKENING make major improvements on their predecessors including the inclusion of evasive moves, ability to switch weapons with ease, improved camera control and tactical fighting styles. With this new innovations, the third game actually stacks up to modern games fairly well despite its age. The collection also adds the obvious enhancement of HD graphics and the addition of bonus content in the form of concept art on the main menu.

The primary complaint you will hear about the game will be the classic controls and camerawork; however, this can only be expected with a reboot of older titles, and the game does include 99 trophies and achievements to make the games feel more modern while adding replay value to each title.

If you've never played the DEVIL MAY CRY series then shame on you! You should run out and purchase this collection right now and experience one of the most influential game series ever made. The modest $40 MSRP for three complete games makes this a deal you can't pass up whether you're a DEVIL MAY CRY veteran or not. 

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