Hey guys, have you ever noticed some seriously familiar vibes while you're blasting demons in ULTRAKILL? If you're a fan of the stylish action of Devil May Cry, you probably have! ULTRAKILL is absolutely packed with references, nods, and even outright homages to the beloved series. It's like the developers at Hakita Games are huge DMC fans themselves – and honestly, who can blame them? Let's dive deep into all the awesome Devil May Cry references hidden within ULTRAKILL, shall we?

The Blood and the Style: How DMC Influences ULTRAKILL's DNA

From the get-go, it's pretty clear that Devil May Cry had a massive influence on ULTRAKILL. The core gameplay loop of chaining together combos, maintaining style ranks, and prioritizing aggressive play is straight out of the DMC playbook. Both games are all about feeling powerful and cool while you're laying waste to hordes of enemies. The high-octane action, the emphasis on stylish movement, and the sheer satisfaction of pulling off a flawless combo all scream DMC. But the similarities go far beyond just the gameplay mechanics. We'll explore these elements individually later, but for now, remember the key elements that unite the two games are:

• Combo-Driven Combat: Both games reward you for stringing together diverse attacks and avoiding damage. The longer and more varied your combos, the higher your style rank. This is a core mechanic in both games.
• Emphasis on Style: Maintaining a high style rank (D, C, B, A, S, SS, and even higher in some cases) is crucial for maximizing your score and, often, your damage output. The goal is to look good while you're demolishing your foes.
• Aggressive Gameplay: Both games incentivize you to stay on the offensive. Dodging, parrying, and relentlessly attacking are key to success. Passive play is often punished.
• Weapon Variety: Both games offer a wide arsenal of weapons, each with its own unique moveset and combat applications. Experimentation and mastering each weapon is a key part of the experience.
• Over-the-Top Action: Both games are known for their over-the-top action sequences and their ability to keep players engaged and entertained.

So, if you dig that combo-based, stylish, and relentlessly aggressive gameplay, ULTRAKILL will feel like coming home if you're a DMC fan. The devs clearly took inspiration from DMC and then took the concept and made it their own, it's not simply a copycat, but an evolution. So, let's look at all the easter eggs!

Weaponry: A Testament to DMC's Influence

One of the most obvious areas where ULTRAKILL pays homage to Devil May Cry is in its weapons. Many of the weapons, their names, and their functions feel like loving tributes to the weapons of Dante and Nero. The very essence of the game involves different weapons, and ULTRAKILL executes them magnificently.

• The Revolver: Let's start with the basics. The revolver in ULTRAKILL is your standard sidearm, but its rapid-fire capabilities and the satisfying 'pew pew' sound it makes feel very reminiscent of Dante's Ebony & Ivory. This is the first weapon you get in the game, so it immediately invokes the spirit of DMC.
• Shotgun: Again, a staple in any action game, but the way the shotgun functions in ULTRAKILL echoes the DMC series' shotguns. Powerful, close-range, and incredibly satisfying to use, especially when you're blowing enemies away. The punch it packs feels great!
• Nailgun: While not a direct analogue to any specific DMC weapon, the Nailgun is still included. It's a rapid-firing weapon that works well in combination with other weapons. It is the beginning of the experimentation in gameplay!
• Rocket Launcher: A weapon capable of dealing massive damage and launching enemies into the air, the Rocket Launcher is similar to DMC's various rocket launchers. It's perfect for crowd control and launching enemies.
• The Feedbacker: The Feedbacker is the ULTRAKILL variant of Dante's gauntlets. They provide a series of melee attacks that can be chained together and even used in mid-air. With the addition of each arm you get, the amount of moves that you can do increases.
• The Whiplash: The Whiplash is like Nero's Devil Breaker arm. It can be used to pull enemies towards you and is an essential tool for mobility and controlling the battlefield.

Enemy Design and Behavior: Echoes of DMC's Bestiary

Beyond weapons, the enemy design in ULTRAKILL also subtly references Devil May Cry. The way enemies move, attack, and behave often feels familiar to those who've battled through the demonic hordes of DMC. While ULTRAKILL has its own unique roster of enemies, you can spot some clear parallels:

• The Soldiers: These are the basic enemies that are similar to the common enemies you'll encounter in DMC. They are often the first foes you'll face and serve as training dummies for the more dangerous enemies.
• Streetcleaners: These are a little less direct but share a similar aggressive, melee-focused combat style to some of DMC's melee enemies, often swarming you and forcing you to maintain your distance and manage the battlefield.
• Hideous Mass: The Hideous Mass is the most iconic. They are large, grotesque, and powerful enemies, reminiscent of some of the larger, more imposing demons in DMC. They can be a serious threat if you let them get close.

Style Ranking and Combat Flow: Keeping it Stylish

We mentioned this earlier, but it's worth re-emphasizing. The entire combat system of ULTRAKILL is built around the idea of style. The higher your style rank, the more points you earn, and often, the more damage you deal. This is a direct parallel to Devil May Cry, where maintaining a high style rank is critical for success.

• Combo Variety: Just like in DMC, the key to a high style rank in ULTRAKILL is to vary your attacks. Using different weapons, mixing melee and ranged attacks, and incorporating movement techniques like slides and dashes will all contribute to your style.
• No Damage is Good: Avoiding damage is also crucial. Taking hits will lower your style rank, so you need to be constantly moving and dodging to stay in the zone.
• The Sweet Sounds of Success: Hearing the style rank increase as you perform combos is very rewarding. It's one of the most satisfying parts of ULTRAKILL.

Level Design and Atmosphere: A Descent into Hell

While ULTRAKILL's levels are distinct, there's a definite shared aesthetic with Devil May Cry. Both games feature environments that are often dark, gothic, and filled with a sense of impending doom. The architecture, the lighting, and even the music all contribute to this atmosphere.

• Gothic Architecture: Both games often feature gothic architecture, such as cathedrals, castles, and other structures. This helps build a certain atmosphere and mood to the game.
• Dark Color Palette: The games often use dark and grimy color palettes, with reds and blacks. This helps give the games an unsettling tone.
• Music and Sound Design: The music and sound design in ULTRAKILL, with its heavy metal soundtrack and intense sound effects, definitely mirrors the over-the-top, adrenaline-pumping energy of the Devil May Cry series.

Conclusion: A Love Letter to DMC

So there you have it, guys. ULTRAKILL is a fantastic game, and the many references to Devil May Cry are part of what makes it so special. It's clear that the developers at Hakita Games are huge fans, and their passion shines through in every aspect of the game.

ULTRAKILL doesn't just borrow from Devil May Cry; it builds upon it, refining the formula and creating something unique in its own right. It's a game that honors its inspiration while forging its own path. If you're a fan of stylish action games, especially Devil May Cry, you absolutely need to play ULTRAKILL. You won't be disappointed! Now go out there, embrace your inner demon hunter, and show those enemies what you're made of!