Devil May Cry 5 vs. Special Edition: What’s the Difference?
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The core difference between Devil May Cry 5 and Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition boils down to a suite of enhancements, additions, and performance upgrades targeted towards next-generation consoles. While the original Devil May Cry 5 was a critically acclaimed action game, the Special Edition takes it a step further, introducing substantial gameplay and visual improvements that elevate the experience. The Special Edition is designed to take advantage of the power of PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, offering a definitive version of the game for new-gen hardware. Essentially, the Special Edition offers everything the base game did, plus significant additions and improvements.
New Content and Features
Playable Vergil
By far, the most significant addition is Vergil as a fully playable character. While initially absent from the base game, Vergil’s inclusion in the Special Edition marks a crucial shift. His unique and powerful move set makes him a distinct experience compared to the other protagonists. This isn’t just a reskin; it’s a complete overhaul, offering a new way to experience the entire campaign. He is a standout character in the Devil May Cry universe and his inclusion alone adds a huge value to the special edition.
Legendary Dark Knight Mode
The Legendary Dark Knight mode is a new difficulty option that ups the ante considerably. It throws huge swarms of enemies at you, turning every encounter into a chaotic and demanding battle for survival. This mode was not present in the original Devil May Cry 5 and serves as a perfect example of how the special edition has been created to appeal to long-time fans of the game, providing a brand new challenge for players to master.
Turbo Mode
For those craving even more intensity, the Special Edition includes Turbo Mode, which increases the game’s speed by 20%. This modification dramatically changes the pace of combat, forcing you to adapt quickly and execute combos with lightning-fast reflexes. It is the perfect mode for players looking to take things up a notch and further hone their devil-slaying skills.
Ray-Tracing Support
On the technical front, the Special Edition features ray-tracing support, a next-generation graphics technology that provides more realistic lighting, reflections, and shadows. This creates a more immersive and visually striking experience, especially on displays that can take advantage of these graphical enhancements.
Upgraded Performance
The Special Edition is built for the latest generation of consoles, meaning that it has had some substantial performance upgrades and can now provide improved framerates and resolution. This leads to a much smoother and more responsive experience and allows the fluid, fast-paced gameplay to flow as intended.
What Stays the Same?
The fundamental gameplay and story of Devil May Cry 5 remain unchanged in the Special Edition. Players still follow the journey of Nero, Dante, and the mysterious V as they confront the demon king Urizen. All the intricate combat mechanics, character progression, and stylish gameplay that defined the original are fully intact. The core of Devil May Cry 5 remains, but with the Special Edition, everything is enhanced and refined for next-gen consoles.
Which Version Should You Buy?
If you own a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is the definitive way to experience the game. The additional content, enhanced visuals, and performance upgrades make it the superior version. If you only have an older console, then the base game is still fantastic, but new-gen console owners should certainly choose the Special Edition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition worth it?
Absolutely. The inclusion of Vergil as a playable character, Legendary Dark Knight mode, Turbo Mode, ray tracing, and improved performance make it a worthwhile upgrade, especially for new-gen console owners or for anyone looking to experience the game at its peak. Even for those who own the base game, if you’re looking for more content and better performance it’s worth the upgrade.
What is included in the Devil May Cry 5 Deluxe Edition?
The Deluxe Edition of the original Devil May Cry 5 includes the base game, some additional Devil Breaker weapons (Gerbera GP01, Pasta Breaker, Sweet Surrender, Mega Buster), a Dante weapon (Cavaliere R), and three battle music tracks from each of the first three Devil May Cry titles. It’s worth noting, however, that it does not include Vergil as a playable character; he was sold as DLC for this base game on older consoles.
Is Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition only on PS5 and Xbox Series X?
Yes, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is exclusively available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. It is not available on previous generation consoles or PC.
Does the Special Edition have all the DLC from the original Devil May Cry 5?
The Special Edition includes all the content from the base game and all the DLC. This also includes the additional content from Devil May Cry Deluxe Upgrade, the pre-order exclusive EX Color costumes, and the Bloody Palace mode.
How long does it take to beat Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition?
When focusing on the main story, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition takes about 10 hours to complete. However, for completionists aiming to achieve 100%, it could take around 81 hours.
Is Vergil available in the base version of Devil May Cry 5?
Vergil is not playable in the base version of Devil May Cry 5 without purchasing the DLC. He was later added as a DLC character on older consoles and PC, but he is included as part of the main game in the special edition.
Is there a physical copy of Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition?
Yes, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition is available both digitally and as a physical release for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X.
Is Devil May Cry 5 a difficult game?
Yes, Devil May Cry 5 can be challenging, requiring practice to master its mechanics and overcome tougher difficulty modes. The game rewards skill and precision.
Can you change the difficulty in Devil May Cry 5?
Yes, you can change the difficulty, however, it is not possible on the fly. Missions are unlocked in different difficulty tiers accessible from the Mission Select screen on the Main Menu.
Which Devil May Cry game should I start with?
For the best experience with Devil May Cry 5, it is recommended that you start with Devil May Cry 3, DmC: Devil May Cry, and Devil May Cry 5 in that order. This order gives the best understanding of the game’s universe and its references. The events in the games are not in the same order in the release timeline.
How does Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition use Ray Tracing?
Ray tracing is implemented to improve lighting, reflections, and shadows, providing a more realistic and visually stunning experience. The overall visual upgrade gives it a much more next-gen look and feel than the base version.
How much is the Vergil DLC?
The Vergil DLC for the base game of Devil May Cry 5 was priced at $4.99 / €4.99 / £3.99. However, it is included as part of the Special Edition.
How is Vergil different to other characters in Devil May Cry 5?
Vergil has a unique playstyle that is different from Dante, Nero, and V. He utilizes weapons such as his Yamato sword, the Beowulf gauntlets, and the Mirage Edge, offering a high-skill ceiling for experienced players. The movesets and style are extremely unique compared to the other characters in the game.
Does Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition improve the sound design?
While the sound design is not fundamentally different, the Special Edition has had a framerate and resolution upgrade, which can make the sound design sound much better by providing a more immersive experience.
Is Devil May Cry HD Collection worth playing?
Devil May Cry HD Collection is worth playing, particularly for those interested in the series’ origins. It includes Devil May Cry 1, 2, and 3. These games are an important part of the franchise’s history and contain many of the characters and plot points which are referenced throughout the newer games.