Lately, I've been replaying the Devil May Cry series, in anticipation (hopefully) of DMC 5 being present at E3. Among its many qualities, I had almost forgotten how delightfully enjoyable its main character is. Dante's design was quite inspired from the beginning, but later games provided him with a very charming personality, up to the point of turning every scene or interaction where he plays a role into an entertaining piece. Somehow, in its playful nature and simple ways, he comes to represent the most refined version of what Japanese developers have been doing for decades: creating characters so fun to engage with, so extravagant and at times ridiculous, that in the end, they are all the better for it.
The most impressive detail, I started to think, is that Dante is not a rare exception for, in this case, the company behind his series. There are not only other examples of cool, very gamey heroes or villains in Devil May Cry. Capcom's output is filled since the 80's with characters that represent video games in a way that no other studio has achieved. Many companies have icons: some are more serious or realistic, portrayed like film characters with complex narrative archs; others are familiar and simple, figures both loved by children and adults. But developers working at Capcom seemed to have created characters from another mindset. Street Fighter II is a classic representation of this model: every single character in the game looks exciting and unique. In time, as the roster kept expanding, we got to play with new designs that felt in tune with the original creations and became inmediate fan-favourites. We might not appreciate it, but it's really hard to achieve this level of success.
From Ryu to Leon, Megaman in any of his versions or the young Frank West, Chris Redfield and Ada Wong, Samanosuke or Wesker, Sissel or Phoenix Wright, Asura and Sir Arthur... Whatever they produce or publish (as long as it comes from their Japanese branch), it's a guarantee of stylish presentation, only possible in the form of video games. Do you feel there's any company on their level in this regard? And if so, which are your favourite characters designed by them?
PS: To Mr. Langdon, thank you for your work, let's hope to hear your voice soon.
The most impressive detail, I started to think, is that Dante is not a rare exception for, in this case, the company behind his series. There are not only other examples of cool, very gamey heroes or villains in Devil May Cry. Capcom's output is filled since the 80's with characters that represent video games in a way that no other studio has achieved. Many companies have icons: some are more serious or realistic, portrayed like film characters with complex narrative archs; others are familiar and simple, figures both loved by children and adults. But developers working at Capcom seemed to have created characters from another mindset. Street Fighter II is a classic representation of this model: every single character in the game looks exciting and unique. In time, as the roster kept expanding, we got to play with new designs that felt in tune with the original creations and became inmediate fan-favourites. We might not appreciate it, but it's really hard to achieve this level of success.
From Ryu to Leon, Megaman in any of his versions or the young Frank West, Chris Redfield and Ada Wong, Samanosuke or Wesker, Sissel or Phoenix Wright, Asura and Sir Arthur... Whatever they produce or publish (as long as it comes from their Japanese branch), it's a guarantee of stylish presentation, only possible in the form of video games. Do you feel there's any company on their level in this regard? And if so, which are your favourite characters designed by them?
PS: To Mr. Langdon, thank you for your work, let's hope to hear your voice soon.
My work here is done.
