The surprise success of Hazelight Studios’It Takes Twoshows that gamers are still interested in quality co-op games, and few other franchises would stand to benefit from adding proper co-op support as much as Capcom’sDevil May Cryseries. With 2019’sDevil May Cry 5setting a new sales milestone for the franchise, now is the perfect time to expand its appeal by letting players take on the next entry’s full campaign with a friend by their side. By building off of the limited co-op features introduced inDevil May Cry 5, Capcom could create a can’t miss experience for both series fans and co-op gamers in general.
Traditionally a single-player series, many fans of Dante and his dysfunctional family of demon hunters were excited when Capcom announced thatDevil May 5was introducing a co-op mode to the franchise. The reality of the feature failed to live up to gamers’ expectations, though, andco-op inDevil May Cry 5was limited to a barebones modewhere players were matched with a random person to take on small segments of certain levels. Despite its faults, this mode proved that co-op functionality could coexist with the series’ typically solo gameplay.
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Adding Full Co-Op to Devil May Cry Would Be a Natural Evolution for the Franchise
WhileDevil May Cry 5’s limited co-op functionality may have left many players feeling underwhelmed, it could serve as a foundation for adding full campaign co-op to the series’ next installment. Capcom could also take some cues from the game’s talented modding community. Disappointed with the default multiplayer options available in the game, oneDevil May Cry 5modder added a PVP modeto the game while other mods added full online co-op support with up to 3 friends.
Given the franchise’s history of combat mechanics that let players dispatch their demonic foes with style and grace, effortlessly air juggling opponents as they dash around the environment, a potentialDevil May Crycampaign co-op mode should make this sort of acrobatic gameplay a main focus. Being able to take control of Nero and unleash a volley of sword strikes on an opponent before tossing them skyward to be blasted to pieces by a friend wielding Dante’s pistols would be a thrilling co-op experience that would stay true to the series’ gameplay roots.
A Co-Op Devil May Cry Game Doesn’t Need to Dial Down the Difficulty
In addition to proving that there’s still a market for co-op games in an industry increasingly dominated by Battle Royale titles and constantly connected live service experiences,the incredible success ofIt Takes Twoalso shows that gamers still love a challenge. Behind its charming art style and emotionally powerful storyline, director Josef Faris' latest game was also brutally difficult at times. This willingness of gamers to persevere even when the going gets tough shows that Capcom wouldn’t have to sacrifice any ofDevil May Cry’s trademark difficulty to deliver a satisfying co-op experience.
WhileIt Takes Twoproved that games don’t need a single-player modeto be enjoyable, adding co-op to theDevil May Cryseries doesn’t mean the franchise would have to abandon its solo roots. A well-made co-op feature could complimentDevil May Cry’s single-player mode, letting players enjoy the experience with a friend if they choose to but still giving them the option go it alone.
Although gamers will be able to revisit Dante and crew when themobile gameDevil May Cry: Peak of Combatbegins its closed beta on March 23, a new mainline entry with full campaign co-op is what the franchise really needs. And if Capcom can juggle telling a good story while providing co-op fun as adeptly asIt Takes Twodid, it could mark a whole new start for the storied series.
Devil May Cry 5is available now for the PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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