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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsDevil May Cry 3: Special Edition is still worth playing if you want demanding, expressive character-action combat. Critics praise its fast combo system and boss fights; the Nintendo Switch version stands out for adding Freestyle Mode and co-op Bloody Palace. The trade-offs are an aged presentation and, in the case of the PC version reviewed in 2006, control and visual problems.
What do reviews say about Devil May Cry 3: Special Edition?
The review consensus centers on the combat: it is quick, stylish, and built to reward players who experiment with combos and combat styles. Boss encounters are another recurring strength. The Special Edition also lets players use Vergil, while the Switch release adds features that expand how the game can be played.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition - PlayStation 5 | $23.48 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Devil May Cry HD Collection (PS4) | $15.81 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ZQv9LGhFL._SL160_.jpg)
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Devil May Cry 3 Special Edition Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Devil May Cry HD Collection (PS3) | $30.93 | Buy on Amazon |
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Critics do not treat the game as technically modern. Switch reviews note dated graphics, aging cutscenes, and occasional camera irritation. Those drawbacks coexist with praise for action that reviewers still find compelling. GamingTrend’s February 28, 2020 review, reproduced on Metacritic, put the balance this way: “While Devil May Cry 3 is starting to show its age, it still holds its title as one of the best character action games ever made.”
What do the review scores show?
Metacritic’s page snapshot accessed October 8, 2026 reports an overall critic score of 82/100 from 34 reviews and a user score of 8.6/10 from 422 ratings. Its platform summary lists substantially different critic scores:
#1 Best Overall
- Blood burns with a blue Flame as Vergil joins the fight!
- Powered up for the next-generation of gaming Hardware.
- New gameplay modes Made possible by the increased processing power
- Includes additional content released separately from the original version
| Platform | Metacritic critic score | Context |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 2 | 87 | Metacritic platform summary, 2026 page snapshot |
| PC | 66 | Metacritic platform summary, 2026 page snapshot |
| Nintendo Switch | 82 | Metacritic platform summary, 2026 page snapshot |
These figures describe Metacritic’s published scores at that snapshot, not a universal verdict or a guarantee that each platform has the same number of reviews. The page’s overall critic-review split was 82% positive, 18% mixed, and 0% negative across 34 reviews. Scores and samples can change as the aggregator updates its pages. See Metacritic’s title page.
What does Special Edition add?
Vergil as a playable character
Special Edition adds playable Vergil, giving players a different character to take through the game. Metacritic describes the style system as offering short-range, long-range, defensive, and evasive approaches. Metacritic’s game details outline the edition’s features.
Rank #2
- 3 Great games remastered in High Definition for optimum playback
- Devil May Cry, Devil May Cry 2, and Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening Special Edition
- Adventure horror game from Capcom
- Devil May Cry 3: Dante's Awakening special Edition is Dante's Awakening, featuring a number of enhancements, including the opportunity to play as Dante's twin brother, Vergil,
Switch-only features highlighted in reviews
The Switch edition adds Freestyle Mode, which lets players change combat styles during a fight, and co-op Bloody Palace. Nintendo Life’s February 20, 2020 review, reproduced on Metacritic, called the on-the-fly style switching “a genuinely excellent addition to the package.” These features are the clearest reason reviewers single out Switch as an especially complete version; that is a critics’ judgment, not a claim that it is the best choice for every player or setup.
Which version should you choose?
- Choose Switch if you want the added modes. It is the version with Freestyle Mode and co-op Bloody Palace, the most substantial edition-specific additions called out in the inspected reviews.
- Choose a platform you already own if convenience matters most. The core combat is the central attraction across reviews, so the Switch additions may not matter if you simply want to play the game on available hardware.
- Approach the PC release with version-specific expectations. GameSpot’s 2006 review concerns that PC release and configuration, not every later PC edition or setup.
- Expect an older presentation on any version. Reviews praise the action while noting dated visuals and camera annoyances, especially in the Switch coverage.
The inspected sources do not establish current prices or digital-store availability, so check the relevant store for your region before deciding on a purchase.
Rank #3
- Pick from 4 styles of combat, Gunslinger, Swordmaster, Trickster and Royal Guard, all offering greatly improved skills in each area
- Play the role of Dante, 20 years before Devil May Cry was set, let the all new story unfold in this prequel to the original masterpiece
- All new enemies, bosses and characters, that act independently and more realistic than ever
- New range of weapons - Battle your way through enemies in style with the enchanted Electric Guitar, also Nun-Chucks, and (of course) swords and firearms
- New game engine, featuring all new Shadow Effects, weather conditions, graphics and sharper gameplay
How did the PC version review compare?
GameSpot rated the PC release 7.1/10 in a review published November 21, 2006. Reviewer Greg Kasavin praised the underlying action but criticized rough visuals, awkward default keyboard controls, gamepad mapping, and other console holdovers. He recommended using a gamepad and summarized the port as “a fish out of water on the PC,” while still calling the PlayStation 2 action game great and intensely fast. Read GameSpot’s PC review.
That is a historical review of a specific PC release, not evidence that every current PC version has the same control issues. If you are considering PC, check the control options and compatibility for the particular release you intend to play rather than assuming the 2006 review applies unchanged.
Rank #4
- CAPCOM CO., LTD. 2005, 2020 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ILLUSTRATIONS：Kazuma Kaneko/ATLUS Devil May Cry is a trademark and/or registered trademark of CAPCOM CO., LTD. in the U.S. and/or other countries.
Is it worth playing now?
Yes, particularly for players who value combo-driven action and challenging boss fights over modern presentation. The Switch edition offers the strongest set of extra features in the cited reviews; on other platforms, the main draw remains the combat and Vergil option. If dated visuals, camera behavior, or a potentially awkward PC configuration would undermine your enjoyment, weigh those limitations against the action before choosing a version.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Rediscover Classic Action and Stylized Combat - Rediscover the original Devil May Cry games originally developed for PlayStation 2
- Iconic Demon Action Hero Returns - Play as Dante, one of the most iconic video game characters of the last decade
- Upgraded Visuals - Experience the stylish gothic action that the series is best known for in stunning HD, with updated textures and widescreen support
- Bonus Content - The Devil May Cry HD Collection offers players a wealth of new content for fans and newcomers alike
- Earn PlayStation Trophies - Accomplish new goals and have reasons to relive the action from the Devil May Cry series
