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I still hear some people/hardcore fans of either, lament or get upset/"disappointed" how the metroidvania aspects and environment of either first title was either never done again, or not done as well. Though I do like the Dark Tower in DMC3, but the later third of it is an issue. Especially that whole room shifting puzzle thing on Very Hard or DMD. Even when you know what to do. To me, that just makes these particular titles all the more special, even though they're not my favorite entries in either franchise.
Both games have grounded and methodical combat that works well within their design scope. Though DMC1's was grounded somewhat accidentally, due to being one of the first of its kind (Rising Zan technically beat DMC to it first, back in the PS1 days, but these cases are almost always about who does it better and popularizes it), and hardware limitations in the beginning at least. NGB had more advanced hardware and tech skills to be much more intentionally grounded and methodical in mind. These two titles still build for the old school hard arcade philosophy, yet NGB and DMC1 go into completely different direction when it comes to combat design and enemy behavior. Enemies are meant to be styled on DMC, and NG enemies have no room for mook chilvary and are not afraid to shit stomp on Ryu if or when given the chance.
I do prefer playing the sequels more to either first title, but I do have much more comfort in playing DMC1 more than NGB. The environmental atmosphere and RE style structure gives me this warm comfort feeling that was never done again. Also, DMC1 is pretty much a Castlevania game with early 2000s trappings and combined with Resident Evil. It was supposed to be original RE4. Hideki Kamiya has admitted this on multiple occasions. Which would make DMC1 and DMC3, 3D versions of Castlevania 1 and SothN respectively. I bet not too many people thought of that immediately. It took me about until 2010 to realize that, so don't feel ashamed.
The sequels I favor (mainly the updated versions), because they take the arcade roots of these games, and expand on them further with at least great linear level design. Not to mention, depending the game, there are still some open-ended areas, or extra spots you can explore for items, collectibles, or hidden fights that you're rewarded for going the extra mile to do. My favorite DMC games will always be 3:SE (on Switch now) and 5:SE, because of the latter being an ever further expanded version of the former with 4 playable characters, and Legendary Dark Knight Mode (Devil May Cry Musou/DW mode) making a proper return again. Ninja Gaiden II: Black is my personal favorite in the franchise, but NG4 is not too far behind.
For all of the action game, brawler, slahser, or casual fans out there, what are you thoughts?
Both games have grounded and methodical combat that works well within their design scope. Though DMC1's was grounded somewhat accidentally, due to being one of the first of its kind (Rising Zan technically beat DMC to it first, back in the PS1 days, but these cases are almost always about who does it better and popularizes it), and hardware limitations in the beginning at least. NGB had more advanced hardware and tech skills to be much more intentionally grounded and methodical in mind. These two titles still build for the old school hard arcade philosophy, yet NGB and DMC1 go into completely different direction when it comes to combat design and enemy behavior. Enemies are meant to be styled on DMC, and NG enemies have no room for mook chilvary and are not afraid to shit stomp on Ryu if or when given the chance.
I do prefer playing the sequels more to either first title, but I do have much more comfort in playing DMC1 more than NGB. The environmental atmosphere and RE style structure gives me this warm comfort feeling that was never done again. Also, DMC1 is pretty much a Castlevania game with early 2000s trappings and combined with Resident Evil. It was supposed to be original RE4. Hideki Kamiya has admitted this on multiple occasions. Which would make DMC1 and DMC3, 3D versions of Castlevania 1 and SothN respectively. I bet not too many people thought of that immediately. It took me about until 2010 to realize that, so don't feel ashamed.
The sequels I favor (mainly the updated versions), because they take the arcade roots of these games, and expand on them further with at least great linear level design. Not to mention, depending the game, there are still some open-ended areas, or extra spots you can explore for items, collectibles, or hidden fights that you're rewarded for going the extra mile to do. My favorite DMC games will always be 3:SE (on Switch now) and 5:SE, because of the latter being an ever further expanded version of the former with 4 playable characters, and Legendary Dark Knight Mode (Devil May Cry Musou/DW mode) making a proper return again. Ninja Gaiden II: Black is my personal favorite in the franchise, but NG4 is not too far behind.
For all of the action game, brawler, slahser, or casual fans out there, what are you thoughts?
