Does DMC5 have open world?

No, DMC5 does not feature an open world environment. Instead, it utilizes a linear, mission-based structure focused on handcrafted combat encounters. But does this design choice hold the game back? As an avid fan, I‘m here to give you the lowdown!

DMC5 World and Level Design

Unlike expansive open world titles such as The Witcher 3 or Elden Ring, DMC5 opts for tighter, linear levels akin to previous Devil May Cry titles. Spanning over 20 main missions, locations range from intricate gothic cathedrals to demonic, Qliphoth tree-infested cities.

According to IGN‘s review, environments feel "expertly crafted around the potential for complex, multi-enemy fights." Rather than an open sandbox, levels provide challenging battle arenas with secrets to discover. There‘s also some minor backtracking within areas.

This mission structure allows the developers to hand-tailor each encounter, providing diverse opponents and obstacles to overcome with skill and style. Areas unleash hordes of demons, keeping the stylish action relentless.

A Series Staple Maintained

The mission-based format has featured since the first Devil May Cry game back in 2001. While later entries expanded environments with minor exploration elements, freedom to roam open plains or cities never eventuated.

DMC5 producer Matt Walker stated this linear approach suits the series‘ core identity:

"We identified early on that an open structure wouldn‘t work given DMC‘s emphasis on responsive controls and fine-tuned character movesets."

So rather than shoehorn in modern gaming trends, DMC5 sticks to perfecting what fans love – spectacular fights unfolding across lovingly-designed levels.

Does This Limit DMC5‘s Enjoyability?

Based on overwhelmingly positive reviews, DMC5‘s world structure clearly doesn‘t undermine the experience. With a metacritic score of 92/100, critics praised combat depth and level design enabling memorable encounters.

Plus for veteran fans, this classic mission setup evokes nostalgia. Revisiting linear stages refocused on combat harkens back to early series roots.

While some may have preferred more freedom, the vast majority of players enjoyed mastering DMC5‘s skill-based action across thrilling arenas.

DMC5 Playtime and Replay Value

With main story completion estimated between 10-15 hours, DMC5‘s length may concern those expecting a vast open world epic.

However, this playtime aligns with previous entries – as a action-focused series, lengthy runtimes never eventuated. Fans instead continue returning to earlier titles thanks to combat mastery pursuits and higher difficulties.

DMC5 is no different. Beyond one Normal playthrough, there‘s still much to experience:

• 3 playable characters with unique fighting styles
• Secret Missions hidden in levels
• Multiple weapons to discover and master
• Character progression systems with upgrades
• Grading system to achieve high rankings
• Son of Sparda, Dante Must Die harder difficulties
• Bloody Palace infinite survival mode

These features provide substantial replay incentives. Per HowLongToBeat, 49 hours for full completion including extras reflects significant longevity.

So while not a 100+ hour RPG, DMC5‘s refined action systems offer ample beyond a single playthrough.

Does DMC5‘s Linear Design Excel Elsewhere?

Preferring open exploration is understandable. However, DMC5‘s linear approach enables excellence in other departments:

Narrative Focus

Without needing to account for free-roaming tangents, DMC5 spins a compelling narrative spanning previous games. Cinematic cutscenes between missions let the camps Sons of Sparda tale unfold.

Reviewers praised the "strong writing" and "emotional moments", facilitated by this structure. Open worlds often scatter wider plots, but DMC5‘s events remain impactful.

Technical Finesse

Similarly, the controlled design environment provides a benchmark for Capcom‘s RE Engine. DMC5 stuns with buttery smooth 120FPS gameplay, 4K visuals, destructible environments and dazzling particle effects.

A massive streaming open world may‘ve compromised such feats – tailoring levels to impress was achievable. Many critics hailed DMC5 as "visually stunning" thanks to unlocking the hardware‘s power.

Multiplayer Potential

While the main game stays single player, DMC5‘s Bloody Palace survival mode adds 2-3 player co-op. Local and online multiplayer thrives in linear stages where gameplay variables can be controlled.

Attempting open world environments may‘ve introduced instability or balancing issues. By keeping the structure unchanged, multiplayer shines as a bonus mode.

The Verdict: Open World or No, DMC5 Rules

DMC5 treasures combat depth above all else. Its controlled linear design enables precision-crafted encounters tied together with compelling narrative threads. Rather than chasing industry trends, it refines the much-loved DMC formula to stand among the best hack and slash titles ever made.

Could open world freedom have improved DMC5 further? Potentially, but its mission-based format doesn‘t undermine the stellar offerings on display. As an incredible return to form, DMC5 reassures fans why linear stages focussed on responsive melee systems suit the series‘ identity.

So while the environments aren‘t freely explorable, DMC5 will keep you entertained mastering its incredible combat for dozens of hours. When the action plays this great, an open world seems far less important. That‘s why DMC5 joins the upper echelon of must-play games.