Bayonetta Review

Review – Bayonetta
System(s) – PS3 / Xbox360
Produced by: Platinum Games / Hideki Kamiya
Rated – M (for mature)


Torn between two worlds: heaven & earth, angels & demons, limbo is not what it’s cracked up to be. This is where B, our heroine is placed: a world of wonder, history, and darkness. Being one of the “lost witches”, he vows to right the wrongs that have been made onto those in the past. Meanwhile facing enormous odds against those: from upon high, and below. Welcome to a tale, of magic, action, suspense, and mystery unlike any other.


Bayonetta’s tale is told through chapters “Verses”. And as your mission unfolds, you will find lost books that unveil the history of the torn worlds, including: enemies, and bosses encountered, and weaponry.
In-game money is composed of an item called “Halo’s”, the rings that are above the angels’ heads. Gather up enough, and drop by “The Gates of Hell”, and visit with the cheerful shop owner. At the “Gates of Hell”, items for health, weapons, and special moves can be purchased here. Another neat feature within B’s quest is the option of being able to compose mixtures of compounds. Items found within each chapter, can be fused to create health & magic items. Master these well, and you will find a diverse collection of goodies whenever you need them.


Each “Verse” unfolds B’s tale from start to finish, finding old friends, to meeting old enemies from days long ago. Character dialog is given a unique touch, from B’s “sassy” attitude, to Jeanne’s “angst”, and much more. Even the villains you come across have their own personality. From angels, to watchdogs, and a few beasts that dislike a pretty face wanting to make them eat dirt.


Bayonetta’s in-game soundtrack is an: exciting, diverse, energetic, and psychotic. B’s background tunes are just about everywhere, from jazz, rock, to electronica. Plus there are a few hidden Easter egg tracks that are waiting to be found. Depending on the situation surrounding both B & the player, the music will shift to a darker tone until a health item is used. Boss themes are composed of power, and strength, versus the lovely lady’s opposing attitude, which mixes well during boss fights. (Think of Jet Set Radio Future’s song playlist, which shifted during your escapades around town)


Controls within B’s adventure are simply setup, but can be changed whenever the player decides. On the plus side, the controls are timely pressed (for QTE events) which work seamlessly. Plus there is an alternative reaction, for moments such as torture attack, versus boss, and escaping obstacles. (1) Torture Attack = aka “pushing buttons” This mode is active once B has delivered enough damage towards enemies nearby, thus delivering the final blow (or crush, smash, or ripping a black hole to summon an entity). (2) Boss fight(s) – Player versus enemy, the classic finale to every stage. But in this game, some enemies make a comeback, depending on how well B delivers blows. Once a foe’s ass is kicked to bits, the finish is a lovely QTE that involves a descriptive finishing move that requires timed button presses to earn, and receive extra “halos”. (3) Obstacles are a classic platformers’ best friend, or worst enemy. In B’s case, it’s a mix of the two, consisting of monumental getaways (close to Indiana Jones). This mode happens rarely often, but once it’s active get ready to run!! (And watch out for baddies that make your getaway a headache, ignore them and keep going!)


Before we wrap us this review, I must give kudos to a friend of mine, Leigh Alexander. A writer that delivers: knowledge, wit, wisdom, and downright awesome. Leigh introduced me to the game Bayonetta, by way of her writing. Be sure to read some of her diverse works @
http://sexyvideogameland.blogspot.com/
http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/213466/bayonetta-empowering-or-exploitative/
(This review is a must read, it may open your mind on how to take a game, not so seriously)