The Devil May Cry HD Collection is the best way to experience the first three games in one convenient package. Don't be mistaken this collection is not a remake or remaster of the game's graphics or textures. Rather it simply allows for resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. Below is a review of each game in the series.

TLDR: I recommend playing 1 and 3 while skipping 2.
Spolier warning: mild to mid spoilers below for DMC 1 and 3.

DMC1: This game is a classic, it was very good for its time but it has not aged quite that well. From issues like building up devil trigger incredibly fast at times, spamming air raid on specific boss fights, or a poor camera system at times the game has its flaws. With these and many more flaws in mind I think the core gameplay loop of the game is still fun and there is enough build variety for you to not get bored throughout your playthrough. I was not exited to get through the game but I was not bored either. I kinda just wanted to take it at face value and get through it to play DMC3. The level design is fairly in depth and well made, however I got lost multiple times in certain levels and it took me a while to realize what I was supposed to do. Overall the world is well crafted and fun to explore. The story of the game isn't the best but it was by no means bad. It follows the demon slayer Dante through his journey to defeat the demon emperor Mundus. The game's plot is really only is explored in the beginning and end of the game with the middle just being Dante going from level to level, trying to get closer to the gate of hell. Dante doesn't take himself too seriously but the story is able to get serious when it wants to. With all that being said, I think the game is worth playing once and moving on. It sets up the backstory of Dante's father and introduces you to Trish (who shows up in later games).

DMC2: This game is a total mess. The story is next to non existent, the combat is somehow a downgrade from the first game, the upgrade system is also worse as instead of unlocking new moves through red orbs now you just make your weapons do more damage. I could go on and on but I highly recommend you skip this game and move on to DMC3. You are not missing any important plot points, gameplay mechanics, or world building. Please do not play this game.

DMC3: This is where the series gets enjoyable for a lot of people including myself. The game mechanics are upgraded in every way compared to the first two games. The classic upgrade system is back better than ever. There are now more weapons available for Dante to add to his collection. You can now equip two devil arms and two firearms at the same time and instantly swap between them. This allows for very long and unique combos and opens up many different playstyles that aren't just hit enemy, dodge, repeat. Dante now has access of a variety of styles. These styles are abilities Dante uses that heavily effect your playstyle. For example you can use the swordmaster style which gives Dante's sword type weapons more moves or you can use the trickster style which allows Dante to dash and avoid enemy attacks. I could go on and on about all the new features but just know the combat is fluid, well balanced, and most importantly fun. DMC3 has arguably the best story in the series. The story follows Dante through a journey to stop the evil Arkham from opening a gate to hell and absorbing the power of Dante's father Sparda. This is the game which introduces Dante's twin brother Virgil. The two have a sibling rivalry and fight each other throughout the game because of their differences. Dante and Virgil were born from a demonic father and a human mother. While already being very powerful, Virgil embraces his demonic side and yearns for the power of his father Sparda. In contrast Dante initially rejects his demonic side and embraces his humanity. The game's story has pretty interesting subtext and meaning behind how it effects the gameplay mechanics. One example is how Dante initially rejects his demonic side. This is symbolized in game by having the ability to use devil trigger locked until a specific story moment. It is only after Dante leans more into his demonic side does he become able to use devil trigger which is a core part of the DMC series. When it comes to level design this game vastly expands on the castle setting from DMC1. Dante will traverse much more and you wont be stuck in the same place for too long. One downside of the expansive level design is that it can be confusing at times where to go as there are many interconnected rooms. That's just a small gripe though and the levels just keep getting cooler the more you play. The game also has a lot of replay value by allowing the player to play as Virgil and being able to play on harder and harder difficulties each playthrough. Overall this game is excellent and truly marks why the DMC series is so beloved to this day.

Notable Bugs: This could just be unique to my hardware however when I launched DMC2 there would be about a 50/50 chance that the game would instantly freeze and be unplayable. However this bug might as well be a feature as there is no good reason to play the game anyways.

The Devil May Cry HD Collection is the best way to experience the first three games in one convenient package. Don't be mistaken this collection is not a remake or remaster of the game's graphics or textures. Rather it simply allows for resolutions up to 1920 x 1080. Below is a review of each game in the series. TLDR: I recommend playing 1 and 3 while skipping 2. Spolier warning: mild to mid spoilers below for DMC 1 and 3. DMC1: This game is a classic, it was very good for its time but it has not aged quite that well. From issues like building up devil trigger incredibly fast at times, spamming air raid on specific boss fights, or a poor camera system at times the game has its flaws. With these and many more flaws in mind I think the core gameplay loop of the game is still fun and there is enough build variety for you to not get bored throughout your playthrough. I was not exited to get through the game but I was not bored either. I kinda just wanted to take it at face value and get through it to play DMC3. The level design is fairly in depth and well made, however I got lost multiple times in certain levels and it took me a while to realize what I was supposed to do. Overall the world is well crafted and fun to explore. The story of the game isn't the best but it was by no means bad. It follows the demon slayer Dante through his journey to defeat the demon emperor Mundus. The game's plot is really only is explored in the beginning and end of the game with the middle just being Dante going from level to level, trying to get closer to the gate of hell. Dante doesn't take himself too seriously but the story is able to get serious when it wants to. With all that being said, I think the game is worth playing once and moving on. It sets up the backstory of Dante's father and introduces you to Trish (who shows up in later games). DMC2: This game is a total mess. The story is next to non existent, the combat is somehow a downgrade from the first game, the upgrade system is also worse as instead of unlocking new moves through red orbs now you just make your weapons do more damage. I could go on and on but I highly recommend you skip this game and move on to DMC3. You are not missing any important plot points, gameplay mechanics, or world building. Please do not play this game. DMC3: This is where the series gets enjoyable for a lot of people including myself. The game mechanics are upgraded in every way compared to the first two games. The classic upgrade system is back better than ever. There are now more weapons available for Dante to add to his collection. You can now equip two devil arms and two firearms at the same time and instantly swap between them. This allows for very long and unique combos and opens up many different playstyles that aren't just hit enemy, dodge, repeat. Dante now has access of a variety of styles. These styles are abilities Dante uses that heavily effect your playstyle. For example you can use the swordmaster style which gives Dante's sword type weapons more moves or you can use the trickster style which allows Dante to dash and avoid enemy attacks. I could go on and on about all the new features but just know the combat is fluid, well balanced, and most importantly fun. DMC3 has arguably the best story in the series. The story follows Dante through a journey to stop the evil Arkham from opening a gate to hell and absorbing the power of Dante's father Sparda. This is the game which introduces Dante's twin brother Virgil. The two have a sibling rivalry and fight each other throughout the game because of their differences. Dante and Virgil were born from a demonic father and a human mother. While already being very powerful, Virgil embraces his demonic side and yearns for the power of his father Sparda. In contrast Dante initially rejects his demonic side and embraces his humanity. The game's story has pretty interesting subtext and meaning behind how it effects the gameplay mechanics. One example is how Dante initially rejects his demonic side. This is symbolized in game by having the ability to use devil trigger locked until a specific story moment. It is only after Dante leans more into his demonic side does he become able to use devil trigger which is a core part of the DMC series. When it comes to level design this game vastly expands on the castle setting from DMC1. Dante will traverse much more and you wont be stuck in the same place for too long. One downside of the expansive level design is that it can be confusing at times where to go as there are many interconnected rooms. That's just a small gripe though and the levels just keep getting cooler the more you play. The game also has a lot of replay value by allowing the player to play as Virgil and being able to play on harder and harder difficulties each playthrough. Overall this game is excellent and truly marks why the DMC series is so beloved to this day. Notable Bugs: This could just be unique to my hardware however when I launched DMC2 there would be about a 50/50 chance that the game would instantly freeze and be unplayable. However this bug might as well be a feature as there is no good reason to play the game anyways.