The release of Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X comes without a valued feature from the current consoles. While DMC5SE's launch was noteworthy for the numerous additions it brings to the flagship action game, one omission may have players thinking twice about springing for the upgrade. Players who are only purchasing the title through the Special Edition release for the first time won't be affected by what Devil May Cry 5 is missing, but players of the original game will quickly realize how far one missing feature can set back the experience.
Through the impending launch of the new consoles, backwards compatibility became a buzz-word, with the phrase becoming something of a rallying call as one of the most wanted features of the incoming generation of consoles. Both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X offer backwards compatibility in varying measures, with the ability to transfer save data and continue where one left off coming along for the ride. Save data transference applies to games released on both platforms as well.
With the ability to transfer save data, players are able to start a title on their current platform before upgrading. Once the player obtains the latest console of their choice within the same family, they will be able to continue the game on the new console, with some titles offering free upgraded versions that were developed with the new consoles in mind. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition takes advantage of the next-gen power of the PS5 and Xbox Series X compared to their predecessors, but it fails to carry over the functionality and convenience.
DMC5 Owners Have No Upgrade Path Options
Devil May Cry 5 was originally released in March of 2019. Heralded as one of the greatest action games of all time, the game was adored by fans and critics alike as one of the finest titles of the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One generation of platforms. DMC5 later received a Special Edition announcement, following in the footsteps of the previous two games by adding Vergil as a playable character along with several improvements to Devil May Cry 5 itself. Notably absent, however, was the announcement of any sort of upgrade path, a feature that has grown to become a standard of the transition between the two console generations.
With the game's release, Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition on the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X is considered an entirely separate title, with a new trophy list tied to the player's account. For players, this means that the game does not feature an upgrade path from the original Devil May Cry 5 release. As a result, players hoping to carry over their progress - including their orbs, skills, and unlocks from other difficulties - will find themselves unable to do so, requiring players to start from scratch with the new title. Devil May Cry 5 Special Edition's upgrades from the original game are plentiful, but it doesn't erase the disappointment for fans who may have been expecting to pick up where they left off. With the separate Vergil DLC launching in December for USD $4.99, it may be a better value than the $40 price tag of the new edition for old fans.