Played for the first time through the DMC HD collection. IDK man there's just something special about ps2 action RPGs—they just don't make them like this anymore! OK sure the camera is annoying and the autolock is janky and some of the fights suck, and yeah I got stuck a few times on normal, specifically at the scythe mob in the small arena and the final boss, but overall the game far outshines its flaws. I love a good hack and slash and DMC is fun to play, combos are satisfying, missions are nice and short, getting new weapons feels cool, and the game just oozes personality. The melodrama of the story kind of works in the game's favour since it plays it so serious but really it's just cool to be Dante and move through cool levels. I adored the Mundus in space fight, beautiful design and I love suddenly being in a bullet hell shmup; more games should be this comfortable subverting gameplay expectations (shout out the Sea of Stars true ending final boss). After that dope ending cinematic I rewatched the NG+ intro cinematic just to see it. Not 100% but I may return to hunt some more achievements at a later date, this was just the short and sweet palette cleanser I needed after a 70hr slog.