I think it's just as good as 3.

Hum, no climbing towers with a motorcycle...

But Nero's combat is just perfect for the enemies, and it really flows.

Now...

Dante's... Sheesh... I mean... His combat is CLEARLY superior to Nero's, but it's so not designed for Nero's enemies... Playing as Dante in the story is pratically a torture, it should honestly be illegal. But fighing in the Arena with some of the enemies that actually work is one of the best combats ever.