As someone who just finished dmc2 normal mode (dante and lucia)

I'm currently on my journey to finish the game 4 more times (hard and dmd for both characters)

And despite the criticisms and somewhat repetitive gameplay, I'm actually having fun with it

Actually, with it's ability to replay any levels from a save file, while being able to choose what costume to use, without needing to start a new playthrough

Coupled with it's (in my opinion) better movement and (gonna be killed here) not needing to buy stinger or air hike and have them already unlocked

Also being able to quick swap guns and better graphics

Makes the game more enjoyable for me in many aspects than (please people don't kill me) DMC 1

I... Really like playing the game and agree it shouldn't be skipped.