While many players fell in love with Ninja Theory's take on the
Devil May Cry series from the get go, there's no denying that the 2013 slasher was a highly divisive title among gamers. While some appreciated the Cambridge-based studio's design choices and original world building, there were some who vocally criticized the "extra edgy" characterizations of Dante and his villainous brother, Vergil.
According to Reuben Langdon, who has been voicing Dante since 2005's
Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening (he was replaced by Tim Phillipps in
DMC and recently returned in
Devil May Cry V), Director Hideaki Itsuno was not a fan of Capcom's decision to reboot the series and Ninja's output.
"
He [Itsuno]
was ready to leave Capcom, he wasn't happy," Langdon explained in an interview with Toy Bounty Hunters. "
I think he put in his resignation and they said “Okay, wait. We know you’re a valuable guy, we don’t want you to leave, what can make you stay?" And he said “alright, I got my wish list,” and Devil May Cry [
V]
was the top of the list. He said “I’ll stay if you give me Devil May Cry and let me do it the way I want to do it, not the BS stuff you guys did before with the other thing.”
"
Hats off to him for standing up and hats off for Capcom for going all out. They literally gave him everything he requested and wanted for this game, and it’s paying off," Langdon added.
Considering that
Devil May Cry V is one of the best-reviewed video games of the year (currently sitting at a stylish 87% score on Metacritic), Capcom's willingness to ditch Ninja Theory's controversial ideas was definitely the right call. Be sure to check out the full interview with Langdon down below:
A new demonic invasion has begun with the seeds of a demon tree being sown in Red Grave City. Now fully equipped with his trusty Red Queen and Blue Rose, and a new arsenal of rad robot hands thanks to his partner Nico, Nero must rise up to this new impossible task. With such insane amount of energy and destruction emanating from this surprise invasion, the stage is now set for the latest chapter of the “Sons of Sparda” saga.
Devil May Cry V is available for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC NOW!