Dante is arecognizable and beloved video game protagonists, but he’s actually had quite a few drastically different iterations throughout the series. Whether it’s making him even more cocky and brash, or even toning down his bad attitude altogether, Capcom and other developers who have contributed to the series have never shied away from taking some creative liberties with his character if they feel that it’s necessary, but this hasn’t always been well received by the fans.
Luckily, the majority of the time players get to take control of Dante in a brand-new game, he’s just as fun and charismatic as fans would come to expect, but there are still some portrayals of him that seemed to miss the mark completely on who he actually is as a character. Here’s every single version of Dante in theDevil May Cryseries, and how they all rank in terms of their design, depth, and how memorable they were overall.
The secondDevil May Crygame is often looked down upon by fans, and it seems as though Capcom have tried to completely erase the game’s existence from its catalog. This entry unfortunately suffered from a very rushed development, and it most certainly shows both in the gameplay, which was far too easy and very clunky, and also Dante himself, who seems bored out of his mind for the majority of the story.
It’s clear that Capcom were going for a slightly more moody and edgy version of the character, and while it does result in a pretty interesting look thatleans into the gothic aesthetica lot more, it also rips away all the charm from his personality. Dante doesn’t let out any small one-liners or sarcastic quips, instead, he’s actually mute for the majority of the story, only asking questions when it’s absolutely necessary. His appearance this time around is pretty unique, but Dante felt like a shell of his former self inDevil May Cry 2.
5DMC: Devil May Cry
The Reboot’s More Rude And Rebellious Dante Was Met With Mixed Reception From Fans
Ninja Theory’s standaloneDevil May Crygame was met with mixed responses upon its announcement, but when it finally released, a lot of longtime fans found that theunique gameplay mechanicsand overall plot actually turned out to be pretty good, and compelling overall. Dante himself, who has received a drastic makeover, has received somewhat of a mixed reception though. He’s no longer got that clumsy side to him that makes him so endearing, and instead, is a foul-mouthed and rebellious young man who sometimes comes off as trying too hard to be cool.
His devotion to his mother is an endearing part of his personality, but it’s not quite enough to make him very interesting or in-depth as a protagonist. His punk inspired design is definitely a unique take on the character’s signature look, but that too is somewhat of a divisive topic among the fanbase.
While Nero is technically the main protagonist ofDevil May Cry 4, Dante does still show up at multiple points throughout the game, and one notable element of his character that is immediately apparent isjust how insanely powerful he has become. This is showcased right from the get-go where he actually acts as the first major boss of the game, and is also one of the most challenging enemies because of how fast and deadly he is.
Making Dante a sort of anti-hero at the beginning of the game is definitely an interesting way to take the character, and it was a genius way to showcase just how dangerous he actually is due to his underlying powers. His sharp tongue and witty remarks are still here, though they aren’t quite as memorable or creative as fans are accustomed to hearing from him. He might not be quite as relevant to the overall story, but Dante inDevil May Cry 4is still just as lovable as ever.
It’s clear that, when developing the first game, Capcom still weren’t fully decided on what sort of character they wanted Dante to be, but they still managed to do fantastic job at creating a protagonist who felt incredibly unique and interesting. Dante’s often shown to be extremely laid-back and carefree in this game, even when faced with hordes of ravenous demons, but there are a few scenes that hint tosomething deeper underneath that charismatic surface, which helps to add a lot of intrigue to his character.
What also makes this version of Dante stand out so much is how effortlessly stylish he is. He isn’t afraid to show off his weapons and abilities in combat, such as when he literally resurrects himself after being stabbed, all while trash talking a demon in the process. He does also have a few one-liners that have stood the test of time, with the iconic “Let’s rock, baby” becoming a mainstay of the series. His design might not be too flashy or detailed, but this Dante is still a great character who balances his silly and serious sides incredibly well.
Dante actually doesn’t show up as a fully playable character inDevil May Cry 5until nearly halfway through the game, but when he does appear on-screen, he instantly reminds people why he has remained such a beloved character after all these years. He’s definitely shown to be a lot more serious in this game, especially whenface to face with his brother Vergil, but Dante is also just as goofy and charismatic as ever, often mocking menacing boss enemies before taking them out with his massive arsenal of weapons.
Capcom did an amazing job at sprinkling just enough serious and emotional moments in the story that help make Dante more than just a typical action hero, such as when he saves Trish, or when he reveals to Nero the true identity of his father. Despite obviously being quite a bit older, Dante still hasn’t lost his sense of style, rocking a long glossy red leather jacket along with his iconic silver hair which is now quite a bit longer. Dante is just so much fun to be around in the fifth game, and it’s a testament to just how well Capcom executed his infectious personality and overall vibe.
Devil May Cry 3’sDante has stood the test of time as the most popular iteration of the character, and the main reason is because of just how vibrant and bombastic he is. Even in the intro cutscene, it’s made clear that this version of Dante is as casual and carefree as a person can get as he’s shownfighting off a horde of demons, all while munching on some pizza and throwing some music on the jukebox. He retains this cool and charismatic attitude throughout the entire game, and it led to some of the series' most memorable moments, such as when he decides to ride on top of a rocket, or when showing off his new weapons.
What also makes this version so intriguing is that while he’s overall a very outgoing and cocky character, there are a few revelations throughout the story that bring out a much more emotional side to Dante. This is especially true when he slowly learns more about Vergil, or when talking to Lady about her evil father. It results in an amazing character arc that works so well in a prequel, since it makes perfect sense why Dante would become a little more solemn in future games.Devil May Cryfans often look back fondly on this iteration of Dante, with his lovable persona being a massive reason whyDevil May Cry 3is such an iconic game in the first place.
