100 hours in, halfway into Pure Platinuming Normal mode.
Finally got used to the timing of Viola's parry. Because PPKP attack string is the shortest combo with Cheshire attack at the end, spamming this combo makes Cheshire attack more often (outside of directly summoning him). For some reason, block offset doesn't work on "Kick" sword throws so that doesn't allow offsetting final hit after going into parry -- have to start PPKP inside the Witch Time from the start. Maybe it would be better to only do PPPPPP combos and offset them?..
Getting used to Viola's charged hits can be awkward especially when you don't want charged animations to take up your time when you're trying to go deeper into attack string. You need to tap buttons very lightly so they are recognised as regular hits and not slower charged hits. However, charged moves do a lot of damage -- for example Viola's fully charged sword launcher can halve bosses' HP bar -- this a huge damage output -- not even Bayonetta has anything even close to that. And while the sword is spinning you're free to mash on him with melee, adding to the damage. Regular fully charged sword throw also does lots of damage but more importantly it covers huge area, stunlocking lesser enemies and not allowing them to attack you.
Viola actually became fun to play as, especially great to
fight some of the bosses in side missions.
Speaking of side missions -- the amount and variety of encounters you can pick at any moment is stupid. Side missions hide enemies, bosses, demons and unlockable weapons that are completely outside of the main campaign.