You should play DMC3, it is a lot better and Dante is SSStylish! The story is more interesting too and there is not that much backtracking. (You visit some places, not all)
The combat is fluid and needs some skill to get highest rank than in the "remake", but my wrist seems to cramp up when playing on keyboard.
Maybe I am out of shape, I have not played it in a year I think. I used to be quite pro.