Released on July 21, 2005, for the PlayStation 2, Devil Kings is an action-packed beat-em-up that brings a chaotic twist to the genre. Standing in the same vein as the renowned Dynasty Warriors series, this title shifts the focus from ancient Chinese history to a fantastical feudal Japan setting. Players step into the boots of super-powered warriors to halt the Devil King's unholy invasion, wielding an eclectic mix of historical arms and anachronistic modern weaponry.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat System

At its core, Devil Kings delivers fast-paced, frenetic action reminiscent of Dynasty Warriors but with distinct Capcom flair. The gameplay revolves around an arcade hack-and-slash style where players battle through hordes of enemies using a combination of standard attacks and secondary moves. A key mechanic is the primer system, which renders enemies vulnerable to damage, allowing players to supercharge their Fury Gauge and unleash devastating Fury Drive specials.

  • Combat Depth: While the action is accessible, the game introduces a guard move that allows players to block and counter-attack, adding a layer of strategy beyond simple button-mashing.
  • Weapons and Magic: Fighters utilize an eclectic arsenal ranging from traditional swords and spears to modern-day chain guns, shotguns, and handguns, alongside powerful magic spells.
  • Character Roster: The game features twelve playable characters, each with unique weapons, attacks, and weaknesses.

Story and Setting

The narrative unfolds in a fantasy world inspired by feudal Japan, diverging from the localization's original Sengoku Basara roots by introducing a fictional timeline and setting. The plot centers on the Devil King, a ruler possessed by the soul of the Devil, who unleashes an unholy army to bend the world to his will. Players must stop this tyranny alongside the Devil King's formidable minions, including his wife Lady Butterfly, the Red Minotaur general, and loyal assassins Scorpio and Venus.

While the story elements can be ridiculous and nonsensical, the game presents the tale through a mix of 3D character cutscenes and 2D cinematic videos. Each of the twelve playable characters has their own narrative arc, offering different perspectives on the conflict.

Notable Features of Devil Kings

Devil Kings offers two primary modes of play to satisfy different playstyles:

Game Modes

  • Conquest Mode: The main story experience where players expand their territory across a map of over a dozen regions. The goal is total domination, and the campaign can span seven or more missions depending on the chosen character.
  • Free Mode: Allows players to replay any stage they have unlocked, providing a sandbox for grinding secrets or practicing combat.

Key Features

  • Over-the-top special moves involving fire, falling rocks, and magical capes.
  • Vehicles and horse riding for traversal and combat.
  • Well-detailed character models and environments that include terrain variations like hills.

Platform Availability and Target Audience

Devil Kings was released exclusively for the PlayStation 2 on July 21, 2005. It holds a Metacritic score of 64.00, reflecting a mixed but generally positive reception for its action.

This title appeals most to fans of the Dynasty Warriors series looking for a faster, more chaotic alternative, as well as those who appreciate Capcom's style of "bigger-better-more" arcade action. It is ideal for players who enjoy high body counts, unlocking secret weapons, and character customization, though it may feel repetitive for those seeking a deep strategic experience or those sensitive to graphical glitches and AI issues.