Bayonetta – Review

1. When I first saw the videos and the character designs of this game, I instantly fell in love with it. It was truly love at first sight. Just like Devil May Cry series, Bayonetta is an action pack game with over the top scenes, ridiculous actions, cheesy lines, memorable characters and a flashy over-sexual main character. To me action games are not just about game play, it is also about having a good time and enjoying it. Bayonetta truly delivers an experience that you will never forget. The game itself doesn't take itself too seriously but there is nothing wrong with that. Sometimes people forget that games are meant to be enjoy.
   
   The story stars Bayonetta who was awaken from her 500 hundred slumber with no memories of her past. All she knows that she is a witch. She finds out about an artifact called the" Eyes of the World" which might have a connection to her past. It led her to the city of Vigrid and soon she will learn about the Luman Sages and the Umbra witches and it's history. The biggest problem with the story is that it wants to be deep and thought provoking but the sad reality is that it really isn't. It lacks depth and the way they explain the story is a bit jarring. The jokes and the cheesy lines doesn't help so it does kinda makes you wonder about the thought process behind the story of this game. So for the people who play games for their story, beware of this game because you are probably going to be disappoint at the end. You might also be confuse a bit about the storyline but it is actually pretty straightforward when you take your time and think about it. The story might be lackluster but the over the top scenes are worth it for me to stick with it. For me, I don't like my actions games to be deep. Over the top is the way to go.
   
   As a female gamer, it is great to see a female lead such as Bayonetta. She might be over the top and very sexualize but she march to the beat of her own drum. Her beauty is not your typical ideal beauty but there is something about her that makes it appealing. For once it is great to play as a female lead in an action game.
   
   The graphic of this game is quite wonderful and there is nothing to complain about. Some of the levels are very creative although the camera drives me nuts. It is hard when you are trying to make a maneuver and yet the camera won't let you see where you are going. However, I seen more people complain about the character designs especially when it comes to the subject of Bayonetta's head and her impossible body anatomy. Who would have thought that someone thought up a suit made out of hair? Bayonetta's designs is over stylized but also I felt that it was very creative. The anatomy doesn't bother me at all. In fact, it works for the game. She would not be the first exaggerated design and she would not be the last. However, if you can bother by it and are not playing the game because of it, it is rather sad to hear that.
   
   The music in Bayonetta is wonderfully done ranging from classical/ opera-ish syle and pop songs. However, if you do not like the piece "Fly me to the moon", beware because you will be hearing it a lot throughout the game. It is a classical piece but some people dislike hearing something over and over. I have to admit, it does fit very well with the story and the atmosphere of the game
   
   As Bayonetta, you are equipped with four guns and uses an ability known as the Bullet Arts. You would be able to equip different weapons later on in the game such as a katana. The control layout of this game consist of X for shooting, Y for Punch/shoot, B for Kick/Gun, and A for Jump. Depending on the combination of the buttons, you can perform many different many combos variations. If you not a expert when it comes to combos, during the loading scenes, you can practice your combos. The fighting and the combos in this game is probably one of the smoothest and high pace and it doesn't feel jarring. When you set up your weapon combination, it is easy to change your weapons on the fly by pushing the left trigger button. What's also great about this combat system is the evading. It rewards you when you dodge your enemy's attack. When you time it just right, it activates Witch Time where time is slow down and gives you a chance to attack. It is something that is hopeful when you are in a tight spot.
   
   Since you are playing a witch, you have three different kinds of magical attacks. When you magical is full, you can performed a Torture Attack if torturing angels is your kind of hobby. When you are fighting, you are also able to summon something known as a Wicked Weave. After the end of the boss fight, you can summon Infernal Demons, and end the life of your enemies in a more bloody fashion.
   
   You can collect many things for your alchemy which creates lollipops that enhances you in battle. You can also collect angels' halos and buy different techniques in order to fill your repertoires. There are also many different kinds of accessories that can also help you in battle. There are also many things such as costumes to collect so you might to go through a few play-through in order to collect them all.
   
   Don't judge this game by it's cover designs and silliness. Just sit back and relax and enjoy the game for what it truly is.
   
   If this game ever going to have a sequel, I will be the first one in line to purchase it.
2. Rating: 
   9
3. Product Release: Bayonetta (US, 01/05/2010)

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