Tips for playing DMC3 first time?

[Eric]

i played about half of DMC1 last year. Whlie I liked it alot I didnt stick with it. On a whim i started playing DMC3 and i dont know why but something really clicked this time. This game is amazing. Does anyone have any tips? Im mostly just using Rebellion, Ebony & Ivory, and Swordsman. Should I be switching it up during a playthrough? Any tips on getting combos up? I think there was one of those combo statues in chapter 7 before you fight vigil and i couldnt for the life of me get it past a "sweet" ranking.

Also I just fought Vigil at the end of chapter 7. Does this game stay this great? The pacing is amazing

[MechaMike]

Switch weapons mid combo to raise your style more easily. Yes you should be switchig out different weapons throughout the game switching styles is up to you.

Yes the game stays this amazing if not gets better.

[Mayonnaise Eater]

One of the things I always recommend is to not use/buy any items. (except for blue orbs and purple orbs)(ok, maybe for something like 18/19 items aren't a bad idea, if desperation kicks in)
Now why would I recommend something that sounds this stupid?
1. You will have all the red orbs for purchasing new skills and updgrading your guns, which is always great.
2. You will force yourself to get better. Learning how to dodge will be way more important in the long run, than spending all your orbs on items. They are temporary solutions to a long term problem.
A vital star (small) will cost you 5000 from your 7th purchase onwards. A large one will cost 10k from the 6th. Devil Star 10k from the 5th. Holy Water 30k from the 5th.

Remember that enemies always only attack when they are on screen. Exception to this rule are those blood bats.
Jump cancelling is the best.

oh and btw, try to pay attention to the games audio. Some bosses say or grunt a specific thing before a specific attack