So is hard lock-on replacing the soft-lock from the original? Despite its faults, I still ended up liking it. I'd really like the option to switch between the two.
Definitely optional, since they also mentioned full controller remap, which was already part of the original.
Maybe they'll let us use lock-on for modifiers instead of just being a basic lock-on? So R1 + Forward + /\ = Stinger? That would be nice.
It'll be kinda hard to get used to dodging with L1 though, I replace it with Rainstorm in the vanilla game and just use R1 to dodge.
EDIT: If I can use lock on + X to dodge and just map Devil Trigger to L1, oh lawd.
I really doubt Hard lock is anything more than a small option over the existing game play. It should be very easy to play through the game without every using it as the base game was designed for it.
The hard lock is going to be used for some extra tricks like showcased in the trailer where Dante used Streak and the hard lock on guided it back to the enemy. It is also a nice way to gauge enemy health.
It's already possible with the soft lock, though, I like to use it after cancelling Prop with a lvl 0 Ricoshot.