If not the best game for the PS2!
About the gameplay, you've probably heard this many times before about this game but if you ever try it, be prepared that your going to get your ass kicked and die...a lot, especially if your not used to this kind of gameplay. It is extremely difficult at first, it took me forever just to beat the second level. I was almost bald when I finally beaten it, but oh no, the torture doesn't end there as it still gets harder. Once dead, you usually have to start the mission over again, so stock up on those yellow orbs, which allow you to come back right where you are in the mission. Eventually, I got used to it after a while like any game you would, and that's when I really started to enjoy it. It just finally clicks and ultimately, what's so great about the combat system is that it's all extremely fluid and responsive.
To obliterate your enemies you can use your sword, your two pistols, a guitar, some gauntlets to just list a few. You use these fighting styles, each having there own benefits and downfalls depending on how you use them. Some are more easier to use on certain enemies and some I found too difficult or useless on others as I just repeatedly got murdered. You are able to switch between them at a certain point in any level. You also acquire more later in the game. You start off with four, one of them is called "Trickster" and that makes you can't be touched if used right as you just manically laugh at them while avoiding their attacks. In my opinion, I found this style much easier to start with. Swordmaster is another, and personally my favourite, as you can perform more combos with your close range weapons. Gunslinger is more combos to pin your enemies with hails of gunfire, and then there is Royal Guard, which is blocking abilities. Later on, you get Quicksilver to make your enemies incredibly slow until the time runs out. Doppelganger is the finale one, and you can use it to make two of you to deal more excruciating pain. Eventually, in some levels you'll come across some puzzles to do to move forward. You can also go redo the levels anytime and change your ratings you got on the missions before.
When it comes to the characters, I love all the them, even the voice acting, and also the story and cut scenes being quite enjoyable to watch. Dante is funny as he pokes fun at everyone, even when controlling him as you can taunt Demons. A little cheesy sometimes, but still funny. His brother Vergil, being the complete opposite of Dante is one of the coolest villains I've come across in games, in anything really. There is also Mary, Arkham, and Jester that are also easily liked and well-developed characters.
The environment in the missions you travel are beautifully designed, even though they are on the dark and gloomy side. Although limited because you eventually have to go back. The music you hear are perfect at every moment. Beautiful soundtrack for ears who love rock and medal.
To summon everything up, this game I would highly recommend to anyone, well to teens and ages up. It is still to this day one of my all time favorite games, if not my favorite. When I'm in a mood to just slaughter things, Devil May Cry 3 is the first that comes to mind. And to finish, thank you very much for taking the time to read this review :). I hope it was some help to you.