Are Devil May Cry and Resident Evil Connected? The Hidden Links Between Two Iconic Franchises

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Two of gaming’s most esteemed titles, ‘Devil May Cry‘ and ‘Resident Evil’, have captivated gamers for years with their distinct gameplay approaches. The former offers fast-moving, demon-hunting action, while the latter immerses us in a world of gradual, terrifying dread. Initially, they may appear as polar opposites—one emphasizing flashy combat, the other focusing on survival. However, upon closer examination, you’ll discover that these iconic series share more than just their Capcom origin. There’s a concealed connection binding them together that extends beyond their shared developer, hinting at a deeper, intertwined history.

Over the years, I’ve held a soft spot for both ‘Devil May Cry’ and ‘Resident Evil’, and it’s fascinating to consider the possibility that they might be more interconnected than we initially thought. It’s not merely about their shared lineage from the same parent company; there’s an intriguing tale of how one game spawned the other, as well as subtle references that keep surfacing in their respective universes. From their humble beginnings to the latest streaming adaptations, uncovering the ties that bind ‘Devil May Cry’ and ‘Resident Evil’ is a captivating endeavor. Let’s delve deeper and discover what secrets these two gaming icons share.

How Devil May Cry Was Born from Resident Evil

In the late 1990s, Capcom was developing a fresh installment for the ‘Resident Evil’ franchise. Director Hideki Kamiya was assigned to produce what initially intended to be ‘Resident Evil 4’. The team envisioned an action-packed style with a charismatic protagonist and a departure from the conventional zombie-infested mansions. However, as the project expanded, it began losing the eerie, suspenseful vibe that ‘Resident Evil’ fans were accustomed to.

Shinji Mikami, a significant player in the creation of ‘Resident Evil’, expressed concerns as it was too dissimilar. Instead of abandoning the project, they transformed it into something fresh. This is how ‘Devil May Cry’ made its debut on PlayStation 2 in 2001, with Dante becoming the main character instead of Leon S. Kennedy.

Originally, there were evident similarities to ‘Resident Evil’, such as fixed camera angles, haunting castle settings, and maintaining a gothic atmosphere stemming from the horror genre. Additionally, certain enemy designs, like the Phantom with spider-like features, bore resemblance to the Web Spinners from ‘Resident Evil’. However, the creator envisioned a protagonist who was daring and agile, which didn’t align with the survival-oriented style. Consequently, ‘Devil May Cry’ evolved into its unique identity, giving birth to a franchise that has grown to be as prominent as its predecessor.

Shared Threads in Games, Shows, and Movies

Beyond that initial backstory, connections between the two series have persisted throughout their development. Subtly, they’ve been hinting at each other for years. For instance, in the first ‘Devil May Cry’, there’s an eerie resemblance between Mallet Island and the Spencer Mansion from ‘Resident Evil’, both sharing a sense of isolation and foreboding. Additionally, characters like the Blades bear a striking resemblance to the Hunters from ‘Resident Evil’, with their reptilian appearance and lethal claws. Lastly, a common theme is the warning screen about violence and gore, which appears in both series as a nod to their shared origins.

In the year 2025, Netflix’s new series ‘Devil May Cry’ introduces an intriguing twist. In episode three, Dante’s friend Enzo brings up a questionable past in Raccoon City—the city plagued by zombies from ‘Resident Evil’. This brief mention leaves us curious about the possibility of Dante ever encountering Umbrella Corporation’s trouble. While the movies don’t have a direct connection, they both share a fondness for high-octane action and ominous undertones inspired by Capcom’s work.

Actors and Voices Bridging the Gap

As a passionate fan, I’ve noticed an intriguing connection between these gaming worlds:

For instance, take Reuben Langdon, he’s the man behind Dante’s voice and motion capture in ‘Devil May Cry 3’, ‘4’, and ‘5’. Not only that, but he also appeared as a stunt performer in the ‘Resident Evil: Vendetta’ animated movie. Moving on to another name, Matthew Mercer, he lent his voice to Leon in ‘Resident Evil 6’, and later made an appearance in the ‘Devil May Cry’ series as a minor character. These talented individuals seem to effortlessly move between franchises, creating a sense of familiarity that ties both worlds together.

At Capcom, it’s not just about individual voice work. The teams often collaborate extensively. For instance, Hideaki Itsuno, who directed ‘Devil May Cry 2’ to ‘5’, has worked with people who gained their expertise from ‘Resident Evil’ projects. This shared talent pool helps maintain a connection between the two series, though their narratives don’t necessarily intertwine officially. It’s like a family reunion where you can see similarities among different branches.

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2025-04-05 12:14