totally get why this is the one that finally locked in the template for what this franchise looks like moving forward in terms of aesthetics, personality, rhythm; why this is the one everybody holds up as their nostalgia favorite. The story and characters are super fun, the shenanigans are top shelf, the gameplay is a satisfying elaboration of DMC1 while cough cough actually salvaging some good queues from 2 cough, mother fucking styles, the game is gorgeous to look at, i want to BE Lady

AND YET

there’s something about the focus and polish and intentionality of everything going on here that charms me a lot less than 1’s chunky, piecemeal presentation and fuck off structure. My reaction to DMC1 was the giddy feeling that I was experiencing something that was really vibing itself, and while DMC3 feels just as earnest and just as passionate, my reaction to the story is “wow I can't wait to play DMC5” and my reaction to the combat is “wow I can’t wait to play DMC4” and my reaction to the puzzles is “RIP I’m gonna miss you guys”

it’s a game that I have a really great time with in the moment but in basically every department I’m just left wanting

also buying air hike for 20k on every individual weapon what the fuck guys what the hell