Listen closely: do you hear that sound? It’s the anguished cry of countless Dino Crisis fans, deeply lamenting the revival that could have transformed their gaming experience.
In a captivating revelation, Adi Shankar, the visionary behind Netflix’s eagerly anticipated Devil May Cry adaptation and a noted filmmaker celebrated for his exceptional work on video game anime adaptations like Castlevania and Captain Laserhawk, shared intriguing insights in a recent post on X/Twitter. Notably, when he first engaged with Capcom years ago, his initial focus was not on bringing Devil May Cry to life.
He began with a nostalgic reflection on each of the three Dino Crisis games, expressing admiration for the first two installments while acknowledging that the third installment “lost that magic” as it ventured beyond Earth, straying from the series’ roots.
“Why am I telling you this?” he mused. “Because when I first approached Capcom in 2017, my mission was crystal clear: I had my sights set on reviving Dino Crisis. However, in an unexpected twist of fate, they ended up selling me on the idea of Devil May Cry instead! I honestly didn’t anticipate that DMC would even be an option.”
1. Dino Crisis 1 nailed the survival horror vibe, blending the tension of Resident Evil with the sheer terror of being hunted by dinosaurs—perfect.
2.Dino Crisis 2 took it up a notch with fast-paced action & incredible level design.
3.Sadly, Dino Crisis 3 lost that magic—it took… pic.twitter.com/0pOZReOdkf— Adi Shankar (@adishankarbrand) November 6, 2024
This revelation is almost comically tragic for the dedicated Dino Crisis community, which has eagerly awaited a new chapter in the series since its inception by Resident Evil’s legendary creator, Shinji Mikami. “It’s great that Devil May Cry fans can celebrate, but how disheartening for Dino Crisis fans to remain in a constant state of sadness,” lamented one user on X/Twitter.
The last mainline Dino Crisis game debuted way back in 2003, and speculation about a possible fourth installment has circulated for years, stirring excitement but yielding little substance. There are a few reasons that fans should temper their enthusiasm: for one, Mikami himself stated earlier this year that the immense popularity of Monster Hunter currently overshadows the potential for another Dino Crisis entry. Additionally, Capcom’s recent attempt at a dinosaur-themed game, Exoprimal—a multiplayer experience—has faced challenges, ceasing the addition of new content just a year after its launch.
Still, hope for a revival, even in anime form, isn’t entirely extinct—though it may be fragile. While emphasizing that he is fully invested in a “very long-term plan” for Devil May Cry, Shankar noted, “But yes, one day—perhaps—I often use my creativity to resurrect Dino Crisis.”
As for Devil May Cry, it is still slated for release in April 2025. For more information, check out my profile of Shankar from last year, where we delved into his work with Captain Laserhawk for Ubisoft and Netflix, among other intriguing topics.
Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her indulging in fantasy novels or engrossed in Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.
**Interview with Adi Shankar: Reflections on Dino Crisis and the Devil May Cry Adaptation**
**Interviewer**: Thank you for joining us, Adi. There’s been quite a buzz surrounding your recent revelations about your initial intentions to revive Dino Crisis. Can you tell us what drew you to the series in the first place?
**Adi Shankar**: Absolutely! Dino Crisis has a special place in my heart. The first game captured the essence of survival horror perfectly by combining the tension of Resident Evil with the thrill of being hunted by dinosaurs. It was innovative for its time and really laid down the foundation for what could be an exciting revival.
**Interviewer**: You mentioned that during a discussion with Capcom, your focus on Dino Crisis unexpectedly shifted to Devil May Cry. Can you elaborate on that twist of fate?
**Adi Shankar**: Sure! When I first approached Capcom back in 2017, my main goal was to pitch a revival for Dino Crisis. I felt there was so much potential to explore with its themes and characters. However, during our conversations, the team at Capcom was incredibly passionate about Devil May Cry and ultimately convinced me that it was a better fit for an adaptation. I never anticipated DMC would even be on the table.
**Interviewer**: That’s fascinating! How do you feel about the reactions from the Dino Crisis community regarding this news?
**Adi Shankar**: It’s definitely a mixed bag. I understand their disappointment completely. They’ve been waiting for a new installment for so long. While I’m excited to bring Devil May Cry to life and explore its rich story and characters, I can’t help but feel for the Dino Crisis fans who are left hanging. Their passion for the series is palpable, and I can only hope that someday Dino Crisis will get the revival it deserves.
**Interviewer**: Do you think there’s a possibility for a Dino Crisis revival in the future, potentially even after your work on Devil May Cry?
**Adi Shankar**: Anything is possible in the world of gaming! I truly believe there’s still a huge market for survival horror and a renewed interest in classic franchises. Whether I’d be the one to do it, I don’t know, but I’d certainly love to see it happen. The stories and characters of Dino Crisis have so much potential for a modern audience.
**Interviewer**: Last question: Are there any key elements from the original Dino Crisis that you feel should be preserved in any future adaptation?
**Adi Shankar**: Definitely! The survival horror vibe is essential. Maintaining that blend of tension and fear while reintroducing the iconic elements like the dinosaurs is crucial. It’s all about staying true to what made the originals so beloved while also giving it a fresh take for new players.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Adi. We appreciate your insights and can’t wait to see what you bring to both Devil May Cry and potentially, one day, Dino Crisis!
**Adi Shankar**: Thank you for having me! It’s always a pleasure to discuss these beloved franchises.
