>>712580217
>It failed every goddamn time
DMC4 and DMC5 are the most successful DMCs by far.

>>712581195
>no one could predict the plot and the roles of the characters before the games release
Nero was always at the front and center of the game. First trailer was his. Demo was his. First missions were his. Producer showed to promote the game in his coat. They even made a lifesize statue of him.

You'd need to be deluded to think the protagonist was going to be anyone but Nero and Dante wouldn't have a role similar to his role in DMC4.