While the Bayonetta series has absolutely delivered some great gameplay and unusual visuals, there’s something to be said for the consistency and quality of the Devil May Cry franchise as well. While I’ve been away from it for a few iterations, and it did take me a little while to get back my sea legs, when it has obviously continued to evolve substantially since the earlier days, it’s one of those games where once you get locked in with the fundamentals you’re pretty well guaranteed to have a good time. Hitting on all of the notes the series is known for, and adding a fair amount of variety that will see you playing as multiple hunters, this edition absolutely ups the ante with plenty of spectacle and thrills which have been packed with care into the portable Switch 2.

For those unfamiliar, or who have been away, it may take a little time to get oriented with both the story side of the equation, featuring a number of hunters and other characters from over the years, and the action side which gets to be quite deep. Getting started, the game does a fair job of trying to help you understand what you can do, but as you unlock abilities and simply try to make the most of what you’re capable of, you’ll either need to experiment quite a bit or perhaps look up some help online. In particular, making effective use of Nero’s wide array of mechanical arms, which range from more practical to perhaps a bit silly, could take some time since a few of them are simply a bit crazy. Dante, the cornerstone character of the series, still retains his core feel, with plenty of flourishes and fun to be had as always. For me though, the real thrill was in taking control of V who is a less active fighter, mostly commanding his familiars from a safer distance, and then jumping in to finish the job. 

The variety the core trio offers up, as well as some additional surprises, really help the gameplay shine. Whether you’re taking down varied mobs of simpler foes, or tackling what can sometimes be intimidatingly-large behemoths that will require a bit of strategy, you’re never really allowed to get terribly comfortable before needing to shift gears and tactics. Mix that with a steady stream of new unlocked skills and abilities, and the gameplay continues to feel pretty fresh and fun throughout. For anyone who had any concerns with whether the Switch 2 would be able to handle this franchise, whether in your home or on the go, this is a good time that performs quite swimmingly no matter how you play it.