Released in 2010, the original Bayonetta was heralded as one of the last generation’s finest achievements. From precise controls, lovable characters, insane story and ludicrous enemies, Bayonetta had it all. Although the game received high praise from the gaming community and sold 1.35 million units 3 months after release, a sequel was hinted at, but may never have seen the light of day had it not been for one of gaming’s elite. Director of the original Bayonetta, Hideki Kamiya, stated that the sequel to one of 2010’s finest games wouldn’t have existed if it wasn’t for Nintendo assisting with the development. Two years after the game was initially announced, Bayonetta 2 has hit the gaming community in a way only a demonic witch can control.
First and foremost I believe it’s key to analyse Bayonetta’s attitude and the way she is perceived by many. As far as I’m concerned, Bayonetta is a sexualised character, but it is not done in a demeaning way. It shows how confident she is in her appearance as well as her abilities. From my time playing Bayonetta 2, I never once felt awkward by camera angles and instead focused on what those shots had in-store with regards to powers and combat abilities. While I won’t dwell on the subject too much, Bayonetta 2 couldn’t have been released at a more perfect time as she proves that game characters don’t have to be butch space marines who use a limited vocabulary and use the same tired dialogue we’ve heard in games for years. Bayonetta, yet again, provides tremendous charm and several humorous exchanges which take her above and beyond any character we’ve seen for some time. With the protagonist being one of the major strengths of the sequel, the combat is the finest aspect of this crazy yet lovable game.
Much like its predecessor, Bayonetta 2 concentrates on learning combos and dodging enemy attacks inch perfectly. The frantic yet high intensity combat never ceases to amaze and is very simple to learn. While many publications have recommended using a pro controller for the Wii U, I found no problem in using the gamepad, with the exception of the torture or execution moves where I would have to hold the pad in a different position in order to move the stick effectively or press certain buttons, but it doesn’t impact the game hugely.
In between chapters and other loading screens, you will be able to teach combos in a free-roam practice area which provide you with the knowledge of what moves you are pulling off. The artistic way in which Bayonetta is able to perform moves is almost like watching poetry in motion in that she can avoid any attack and each and every punch or kick feels extremely satisfying. With X and A being the punch and kick buttons, combos can be created easily and can also be used in mid-air where your combos will differ slightly. Although you constantly see Bayonetta toting her guns, they aren’t too effective and are mainly for show, but they are included in some of the combos which make for a terrific spectacle.
One of the newest additions to Bayonetta 2 comes in the form of the ‘Umbran Climax’ which sees the player using their entire magic gauge to summon Wicked Weaves and Infernal Demons for around 10 seconds or so creating an even better show. Perhaps the finest mechanic in the game is Witch Time. This feature is enabled when you avoid an enemy’s attack by a split second and it allows Bayonetta to move quickly around the enemy while everything else around her is in slow-motion. The risk-reward feature of the Witch Time feels flawless and perfect when it occurs that you can’t help but try to achieve it. Some enemies aren’t as straight forward as challenging you face-to-face, however and require you to keep your eye on every area of the screen.
The styles of the enemies are remarkably similar to those found in the original Bayonetta: huge white, almost statuesque, faces are common on numerous enemies you face no matter their size. Most of your foes have little or no personality and they are basically slow talking works of art who look stunning and force you to be creative when taking them on. Some enemies will attack you head-on, while some will shoot straight from the ground below you forcing you to concentrate on every aspect of the environment. As much as the standard or common enemies are intriguing and look beautiful, the Pièce de résistance has to be the demons that confront you at the end of each chapter.
These demon battles are so tense that no matter how easy they seem at the time or how quickly you learn their attacks; it feels very rewarding once they have finally succumbed to the grasp of your hair-controlled allies. These vast creatures come in such forms as huge stingrays, dragons, dog-like robots as well as many more weird and wonderful beings which go beyond my wildest dreams. Much like the original Bayonetta, the enemy design, especially the demon bosses, is wonderful and is exactly how ‘end of level’ enemies should be designed.
Aside from the manic combat mechanics, which you only receive rest bite from for a minute or two, the voice acting is wonderful, even if a certain character does seem intent on rubbing the player up the wrong way. Bayonetta is voiced by Hellena Taylor and she is perfect for the role. The elegance, class and humour she oozes is almost the exact opposite of idiotic protagonists we’ve been used to recently including Delsin Rowe from inFAMOUS: Second Son and the main marketing tool for Sunset Overdrive. Bayonetta is everything you want from a character and it’s no wonder she’s a cult hero to many throughout the community. The aforementioned ‘annoying’ character comes in the form of Loki. While it may be down to the translation or whatnot, the accent Loki has is awful to begin with but you soon get accustomed to it. The way in which he calls Bayonetta “love” almost every time he has a conversation with her seems brash, rude and reminds me of when a random child calls me “mate”. As the game gets into its stride, Loki grows as a character and you see the bond developing between the “little one” and Bayonetta. If you’re a fan of the first game, I’m sure you will already be accustomed to Rodin and Enzo and they provide plenty of comical moments.
Prior to Bayonetta 2’s release, there were many sour fans that were bombarding Bayonetta Director Hideki Kamiya about why the game was being made for an inferior console and, as I’ve already mentioned, this sequel wouldn’t have been possible without Nintendo. The fact that the game appears on the Wii U doesn’t affect its look or performance at all. The vibrant colours combined with the unique enemy designs and brilliant characters make for a wonderful looking experience and one which will certainly live long in the memory. After creating high performance games such as Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors, the Wii U is home to the beautiful yet highly detailed games. In an age where graphics often define the minority’s opinion, Bayonetta 2 looks brilliant on the Wii U.
While there is an online co-op mode in Bayonetta 2, I have been unable to play it due to time constraints and those who I have spoken to seem to prefer to play Bayonetta 2 in singleplayer. While this would have been a great aspect of the game to analyse, unfortunately it hasn’t been possible.
Bayonetta 2 is one of the finest games I have ever had the chance to play. While I wasn’t a major fan of the original, I have finally fallen under the spell of this mesmerising witch. If you have been weighing up a Wii U for a while and if Mario Kart 8 didn’t force you into buying one, then Bayonetta 2 definitely should. Wonderfully crafted combat mechanics are addictive to pull off and the battles and challenges throughout the campaign will keep you going back for more. Once you have completed the main story, you’ll immediately want to start again and even then it doesn’t get repetitive. Platinum Games have once again created a masterpiece that deserves to be played by many. My only fear is that with the number of Wii U owners that may not come to pass. Nonetheless, Bayonetta 2 is a game everyone should play and it’s an essential for any Wii U owner.
Bayonetta 2 is available now for £29.99 from online retailers and as part of a bundle with the original Bayonetta for around £39.99 online.