Initially I dismissed Bayonetta as just a Rack of War or Tits May Cry. Considering Hideki Kamiya, the creator of Viewtiful Joe and and Devil May Cry worked on this game I had no expectations for this. I stopped playing DMC after the second one and I’ve only flirted with Viewtiful Joe, however, I was surprised by Bayonetta.

First off, the plot is “meh” at best. The best way I can describe the story is that it’s like a porno, where you know there’s a plot but you don’t pay too much to it and just focus on the action. Bayonetta’s story starts with you waking up after a 20 year nap and you’re more or less fighting the forces of good (she’s a witch, you see). Since you have forgotten everything except the fact you’re a witch, you slowly regain your memory as you play through each chapter and the story unfolds from there on out. The source material has a history that isn’t explained via cut scenes or dialogue, and there isn’t a lot of character development so at some point Hollywood can turn this into a movie and it’ll be successful. The dialogue between characters is mildly humorous at best though, filled with a ton of sexual innuendo and the F-bomb (read FUCK ) is dropped often.

The visuals are also well done, the only downside being that there are some visual hiccups throughout the game. Some weapons when equipped make Bayonetta look funny or she is having a sexual act performed on her, and the ‘climax’ summons are really impressive as are the weapon effects. The enemies are mainly bird/human hybrids (they are angels) so there’s a lot of feather imagery on screen leading to nice particle effects. The special effects on Bayonetta herself are done well too. As far as negatives, there is some slow down, and I had a problem with the cutscenes. The cut scenes are a mainly in-game graphics with some CG, which is fine, but some of the character models aren’t as well detailed as others. In some scenes it’s not so noticeable, in others it’s embarrassing.

The gameplay is much deeper than I had expected though. They do have a 1 button mash-friendly mode (on Easy/Very Easy you are provided with an item that make your combos come out automatically) while Normal mode and beyond actually provide a challenge. Controls are broken down into six major functions: Jump, dodge, shoot, punch, kick and taunt. There’s no blocking but there are parries, counter hits and ‘Witch Time’ which is activated on a perfectly timed dodge. Combo inputs in normal modes leave the fighting open ended. You can slice someone to bits, then decide whether you want to shoot them with the guns on your feet, or you can just summon a ’spirit limb’ (called the Wicked Weave, basically hair transformed into giant hands or feet) to finish off the combo. You also have the option to customize two separate load outs on Bayonetta which you can switch to on the fly (mine was four shotguns and then a katana with two claw weapons on my feet) and use to further extend your combos. The platforming elements in this game can be frustrating at times, especially the ‘witch-run’ segments. Other times there is a blue orb underneath you to let you know where you are going to land which does cut down on the falling deaths. *Spoiler alert* Be warned that flying is similar to gliding, you will never be able to go upwards.

Overall this game is definitely worth a playthrough. For casual players it should be worth a weekend rental. If you do see it at a lower price point then it’s a fun game to have in your collection. The game has limited replay value outside of unlocking costumes and weapons. If you are an achievement hunter, this game has fairly easy achievements (as of this review I’ve unlocked 32 out of 50 achievements in only 1 and half of a play through.) For the more Hardcore players, Bayonetta is one of those games that some will love and some will hate because of its presentation and execution. Those who want a serious femme-fatale like Rubi (Wet)will be sorely disappointed with Bayonetta. This game feels like the Gun Grave/Viewtiful Joe of this current generation of consoles.