Having bought the ultra-rare special edition about a week ago, all I can say is that it's the greatest game I've ever played, seriously!
The gameplay has improved beyond comparison, the graphics improved, and the storyline reigns supreme. Back when the original DMC was released, Resident Evil fans and the rest of the gaming nation were left speechless and wanting more. So soon after, Devil May Cry 2 was released.
Unfortunately, it failed to be as innovative as the original and left many fans disappointed. However, this all changed when the third installment of the DMC series was released, looking back on it's original and starting over.
Although one question still strikes me as to why this game is actually less difficult than the rest. It was seen as the 'most difficult DMC game to date' yet I fail to see the difference between the respective modes across the series. Maybe it's just because I've improved to the point where DMC is no longer a difficult series.
Nevertheless, I've played for several hours and have managed to progress with the easy mode completed and the 'normal' option left half-finished. So far, I've not completed a mission below a 'B' ranking and I hope to continue that.
But then again, I'm using the lightning-fast, evil brother of Dante; Vergil, so things may even become better once I play through with Dante.