Bayonetta Review & Game Analysis

Reviewed by Brian Messick

XBL Id: DeathByDebo

Developer: Sega

Release Date: 01/05/2010

Setup: Xbox 360 through HDMI on a 1080p Vizio Plasma

Bombarded as we are with games of every ilk these days, it is difficult to find time for them all. I'll be the first to admit I am as guilty as anyone of getting stuck into the FPS kill cycle, running around in MW2 or whatever the latest demo is blasting my friends and making new enemies. When I can break away from that though, I really enjoy a well put together hack and slash and Bayonetta offers that in spades.

Straight out of the mind of Hideki Kameya, the creator of the much loved "Devil May Cry" series, this game hits you hard and fast. Unlike the aforementioned series, Bayonetta relies heavily on a strong sense of humor and over the top sexualization of the characters to build the substance of the game. As the main character, Bayonetta brings a lot to the table. She is an extremely powerful, strong willed and cocky witch, who never bats an eye when faced with even the largest enemies. Wielding guns on in both hands and attached to her feet, as well as a sword or set of claws you unlock later, she hacks, slashes and magically devastates her way through level after level. The game plays very much like its predecessors with an easy to use combo system allowing dozens of kick, punch and gun combos. In addition you have "Witch Time" slowing down the flow of things when you dodge an attack, allowing you to attack full speed while the enemies cannot.

Visually the game is very attractive. The maps, though linear, are fairly detailed and later in the game they get really crazy! Some of the levels are more creative than others and at times can get a bit repetitive but all in all they serve their purpose well. The enemies are fairly diverse and are all based on the different types of angels and saints from the traditional Hierarchy of Angels. As a witch you are said to have sold your soul to demons, so that you can wield their powers, and wield them you do! Every few levels there is a boss fight against some giant cherub inspired monster, where you have to chop off or smash its parts while dodging tentacles and beams and god knows what else. Once you beat them down enough you get to finish them off with a huge "Climax" move. You do a sexy dance as the music picks up, calling forth one of these demons to devour the enemy.  Some of the deaths are highly dramatic and overall it is very entertaining.

Throughout the game you collect halos for killing enemies. These you later get to spend in the shop called "The Gates of Hell". Here you can buy moves, weapons, buffs and power-ups as well as picking up new weapons when you unlock them. You will find yourself there often as it helps you much to keep a full stock of magical lollipops. That way you can boost your attack, defense, health and magic whenever you need to.

As far as the story goes, it is rather convoluted and in the end I felt like it was only there because every game needs one. It unfolds mostly through well drawn cinematics and some interesting cut scenes in between. The style is a sort of cross between film noir and anime and I really liked the way it was done, even if the story wasn't so well imagined. Most of the game is really spent watching Bayonetta mess with Luka's mind while sucking on a lollipop and killing things. As far as I am concerned that's what makes the game so much fun. Bayonetta is one of the most over the top hyper sexualized characters I have seen in a game. You never feel like anything less than a BAD ASS as you plow your way through rank upon rank of enemies. She never bats an eyelash and often times she cracks some seriously funny jokes.

The music is annoying to say the least (very much like the story) and you will get very tired of the theme song. Also the game drives on far past the point where it should have ended. I'm all for more gameplay for my money, but Bayonetta hits a wall where you just want to be done and you have to keep going for another 5 hours just to beat it. Not to mention there are two missions that the game could have done without completely!! So, yes the game has its flaws. It is definitely not perfect but in the end I really enjoyed the it. It is highly entertaining, a bit challenging at times, often hilarious and always fast paced and full of action. So for all of these things and more I recommend you rent it and give it a go. Especially if you are a fan of the genre.

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