Devil May Cry 2

Game Overview

Devil May Cry 2 is a 2003 action-adventure and hack-and-slash game developed by Capcom Production Studio 1 and published by Capcom for the PlayStation 2. Directed by Hideaki Itsuno (who would later become the series’ long-time director), it was released in North America on January ²⁵⁄₂₈, 2003, Japan on January 30, 2003, and Europe on March 28, 2003.

The story is set after the events of the original Devil May Cry. Dante is recruited by Lucia, a guardian of the island of Vie de Marli, to stop Arius, a wealthy businessman who seeks the four Arcana artifacts in order to summon the powerful demon Argosax and gain ultimate power. Players can experience the campaign from both Dante’s and Lucia’s perspectives, with each character having their own set of missions.

Gameplay retains the core stylish combat of the first game but makes several changes. Dante uses his sword (Rebellion) and firearms, while Lucia relies on dual blades and throwing knives. New mechanics include wall-running, aerial kicks, real-time gun switching, and a dedicated dodge button. The Devil Trigger system returns, allowing characters to transform into more powerful demonic forms. An Amulet system lets players equip different jewels to customize Devil Trigger abilities. Missions are larger and more open than the original, with less emphasis on tight arena combat and puzzles. Performance is still ranked from D to S after each mission based on style, time, damage taken, and item usage.

Devil May Cry 2 is widely regarded as the weakest mainline entry in the series due to its simplified combat, lower difficulty, and less engaging enemy design, but it remains an important part of the franchise’s history and introduced several ideas later refined in subsequent games.

Quick Specifications

• Title: Devil May Cry 2
  
• Platform: PlayStation 2
  
• Developer: Capcom Production Studio 1
  
• Publisher: Capcom
  
• Director: Hideaki Itsuno
  
• Release Dates: NA – January ²⁵⁄₂₈, 2003; JP – January 30, 2003; EU – March 28, 2003
  
• Genre: Action-adventure, Hack and slash
  
• Mode: Single-player
  
• ESRB Rating: Mature (Blood, Violence)
  
• Media: DVD-ROM (two-disc set)
  
• Players: 1
  
• Key Features: Dual playable characters (Dante & Lucia), wall-running, Amulet system, Devil Trigger
  

Key Features

• Two fully playable characters: Dante and Lucia, each with separate campaigns
  
• Expanded movement options including wall-running and aerial kicks
  
• Real-time weapon switching for ranged weapons
  
• Devil Trigger transformations with customizable Amulet powers
  
• Larger, more open mission environments compared to the first game
  
• Style ranking system (D to S) based on combat performance
  
• Red Orb upgrade and item system
  
• Unlockable content including Hard Mode, Must Die Mode, Bloody Palace, and Trish as a playable character
  

Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)

What is the story of Devil May Cry 2 about?

Dante is called to the island of Vie de Marli by Lucia to stop Arius, a powerful businessman who is collecting the four Arcana artifacts to summon the demon Argosax and gain god-like power. Players experience the story through both Dante’s and Lucia’s missions.

How long is the game?

A standard playthrough of one character’s campaign takes roughly 5–7 hours. Completing both Dante and Lucia’s stories, plus higher difficulties and unlockables, can extend the total time significantly.

Can I play as characters other than Dante?

Yes. Lucia is a fully playable character with her own campaign. Trish can also be unlocked as a playable character after completing certain difficulty modes.

Is Devil May Cry 2 harder or easier than the first game?

Most players find it significantly easier than the original Devil May Cry due to simplified combat, stronger ranged weapons, and more forgiving enemy design.

What is the Amulet system?

Players collect jewels that can be equipped to an Amulet. These jewels modify and enhance the characters’ Devil Trigger abilities, allowing for different elemental attacks and movement options.

Does the game have multiplayer?

No. Devil May Cry 2 is a single-player experience only.