Start on Normal, play on Gold Orb mode for your first time through. Buy Stinger first, then Air Hike. Pay attention to audio cues, as enemies never attack you when they're off-screen, but the second they show up on camera in any capacity, they will be able to attack you. Also, consider dodging rather than going for one more attack. Attacks aren't cancellable at any time, so you have to commit to your moves. Your jump and dodge roll both have invincibility frames like in DMC1, so they can be used to dodge attacks. Your double jump, however, does not have any i-frames, so it won't be able to function as a dodge.
Also, near the end of mission 3, pick Trickster, as its your best option. You can choose styles mid-game via the Goddess of Time statues found around the game.
Are you sure about this? I know it's the case for DMC4, but I believe all enemies could attack from off screen in DMC3, which is why the audio cues are so important.
Thanks, I'm always a little worried when I start a hard game because I don't want to give up and not see it though to the end
I've beaten Bayonetta and God Hand, so hopefully I'll be fine, just with all the different versions and ways to save it's a little hard to know where to start
How long would you say it is?
The first game took me about 6 hours (I skipped DMC2)
The game is probably about 10 hours on your first playthrough, I'd say. More depending on how much you take your time and how long it takes you to figure out certain puzzles. It's longer than DMC1 for sure.
To piggyback on Sesha's post, you should already have some of a grasp of weapon switching from playing Bayonetta, but get used to using the style button. I'm personally an advocate of yellow orb mode for your first playthrough.
Remember that you can recenter the camera by pressing in right thumbstick. As long as you do this regularly, the camera shouldn't really pose too much of a problem. You also don't have to be locked on at all times. You lock-on often and when necessary. LISTEN for sound cues. The game is designed where every enemy has a "tell" before they attack. This is deliberate and is intended to aid you in crowd control.
Save before every boss fight. You'll keep your orbs and items if you die.
Trickster is a style focused on mobility, suited for beginners. It provides you with a very useful dodge button with plenty of i-frames. You can cancel most attacks straight into the dodge. Something to keep in mind- your beginning jump animation frames are invincibility frames. A lot of people don't know this when they start, but it makes a world of difference. If you time it right, you can jump through most attacks. This, coupled with SkyStar, (invincible airdash with lvl 2 Trickster) makes Dante nearly untouchable.
Playing through the game once, you should get enough XP to max one style and level up another to level 2, so plan accordingly.
Crazy Combos like Million Stab are the easiest way to build Style meter (the moves where you mash and see a flash when they come out. Mash harder for more hits). Be sure to weapon switch mid combo and mix up your types of attacks.
Certain enemies and bosses have elemental weaknesses. You can tell because there's usually a visual indicator (they catch on fire, ice crystals appear, etc.), it does more damage, and it creates more stun.
There's no better place to ask questions than here as you're progressing through the game.