Bayonetta 2 + Bayonetta
FLY ME TO THE MOON… TWICE. $89.95 | Switch | bayonetta2.nintendo.com
HOPING TO REACH a larger audience than it did with its original release on Wii U, PlatinumGames’ masterpiece Bayonetta 2 arrives on Nintendo Switch with the original Bayonetta included as a bonus. The package aims to bring newcomers up to speed on the action series before its upcoming third entry, while also give existing fans the chance to indulge in its outrageously stylish gameplay in a more portable manner. Playing as the titillating titular character of Bayonetta, a scantily-clad Umbran Witch with amnesia, you’re tasked with mowing down hordes of the evil Angels of Paradiso using your hand and stiletto guns, as well as a variety of other weapons you’ll pick up along the way. Often considered a spiritual successor to the Devil May Cry series (both were born from the mind of Hideki Kamiya), Bayonetta is essentially a hack’n’slash title with a deep fighting system that’s focused on chained attacks through melee and ranged combat. The game’s outlandish enemies can be launched into the air and juggled, placed into mediaeval torture devices, and even ravaged by Infernal Demons composed from Bayonetta’s own hair (don’t ask). Other magical powers allow you to transform into a panther, walk on walls, and even set off ‘Witch Time’ — an ability that slows things down so that you can unleash a flurry of retaliatory blows after a successful dodge. While some may find the overlysexualised nature of the character to be off-putting (the game features crotch shots galore), Bayonetta completely owns that sexuality, never coming across as anything but powerful and in charge.
Admittedly, not much has changed since the games were released on Wii U, though Bayonetta 2’ s newly-added amiibo support gives players unlockable costumes based on famous Nintendo games, and the game now runs at a steady 60fps during combat. As far as third-person action games go, Bayonetta 1 and 2 are some of the best of all time. Turns out they’re even better when played on the go.