This is the first time the developers have went with a cinematic approach and using real life models for motion capture. Even though going with this method the developing team guaranteed that it would not hinder the classic stylish gameplay.
Uses the RE Engine, the same game engine used for Resident Evil 7: Biohazard (2017) and the 2019 remake of Resident Evil 2 (1998).
While the soft reboot (DmC: Devil May Cry) is not considered canon and is essentially ignored, Capcom has taken a few things implemented from that title. Firstly the camera perspective: all of Capcom's previous entries had a fixed camera perspective akin to the older Resident Evil games (also a Capcom franchise and the original template for the first DMC game). The second, is once Dante has unlocked his Sin Devil Trigger, he is able to materialize his Devil Sword Dante. Just as the reboot's Dante was able to summon his Rebellion sword. Thirdly, each new enemy is introduced with a short description and a moniker while the camera zooms in on them. Fourthly, at the end of a kill streak, the action slows down and the camera zooms in on the protagonist.
Directly follows the events of Devil May Cry 4 (2008) rather than the series reboot, DmC: Devil May Cry (2013).
Characters such as Morrison and Patty originate from the Devil May Cry Anime series. This means that the Anime series (while not stated explicitly) is in fact canon to the series as a whole.