Wrath of the Witch Queen- Bayonetta Review

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenJanuary 10, 2010
246 3,586 2 minutes read

As the processing power of consoles has grown exponentially, so has the graphical intricacy of our games. While faster CPUs and additional memory have brought higher resolutions, these technological advances have also increased the amount of visual data, allowing diversions to bedazzle gamers with colossal amounts of on-screen activity. Some of my most salient gaming memories emanate from those supreme tests of sprite tracking- from sorting out the imposing hordes in Smash TV to navigating Raiden’s clouds of enemy ammunition.

Twenty years later these diversions no longer generate the same sensation of chaotic bliss. Like many gamers, my ability to discern frenzied fields of activity has improved over time, requiring new amusements to reach that heightened state of mind-blowing immersion. Sega’s Bayonetta is the latest conduit for attaining that altered state of gaming consciousness.

The game’s playable prologue foreshadows some of what’s in store. Accustomed to featureless cinematic introductions, players may not even realize that they are in control as the subtitled narration commences. Within moments opponents will surround the protagonist, failing to obey the requisite rule of gaming which states that foes must politely wait their turn to attack. Like any great game, it can be debilitating at first. Gamers will inevitably focus on the visual opulence as blood erupts in crimson spurts, flowers bloom when the protagonist is hit, and ethereal guillotines behead unlucky foes. 

Just as players sort out the sexy spectacle of violence, they’ll also be garnering a taste of the title’s fluid control scheme. Bayonetta’s heroine is as sinuous as she seductive.  Whereas Kratos annihilates foes with bombastic strength, this femme fatale obliterates with erotic elegance. Each of her countless combos displays a lithe lethality- from stripper-pole spins with furious kicks to giant stiletto stomps that pulverize rivals. Coupled with purchasable skill moves, an upgradable arsenal and armaments that can be procured from fallen foes, combat remains consistently exhilarating. With the exception of the odd quick-time event embedded within a cinematic and the recycling of boss characters, skirmishes in Bayonetta are skillfully varied.

Perhaps the most awesome element in Bayonetta’s arsenal is ‘Witch Time’, which is invoked whenever the player narrowly evades an incoming attack. By waiting until the last moment to dodge, the game slows down every on-screen enemy, allowing our protagonist to deal out devastating amounts of damage. Masterfully, the skill is encouraged but never required by the game, creating a compelling risk/reward mechanic that elevates the game above its third-person peers.

While the title could have easily been yet another disposable action title, Bayonetta will maintain a player’s attention long after the game’s eighteen chapters are completed. With hidden tomes to read, achievements to accomplish, outfits to unlock, and collectibles to acquire, the disk holds an unexpected amount of depth. Clearly, this is part of the game’s design, as the game’s entertaining but often nonsensical cinematics are always skippable, encouraging additional playthroughs.

For a title as visually sumptuous as Bayonetta, players might expect the sporadic graphical foible. With the exception of a bit of screen-tear here and a hint of slowdown there, the title performs flawlessly, and humiliates its contemporary action brethren with its dazzling draw distances and frame-rate. The game’s soundtrack is equally proficient, with a beguiling title song, and a several charming retro references. 

Few single player action games are as brilliantly conceived and as consummately executed as Bayonetta. The title is one of a handful of games to truly capitalize on the promises issued by next-gen console manufacturers. With retina-searing visuals, and a delightfully deep combat system, this sexy sorceress’ adventure is so accomplished, it makes the conceptualization of a sequel nearly unimaginable. Please prove us wrong, Kamiya-san- we’d love to be bewildered and bewitched all over again.

Photo of Robert Allen Robert AllenJanuary 10, 2010
246 3,586 2 minutes read
Photo of Robert Allen

Robert Allen

Since being a toddler, Robert Allen has been immersed in video games, anime, and tokusatsu. Currently, his days are spent teaching at two southern California colleges. But his evenings and weekends are filled with STGs, RPGs, and action titles and well at writing for Tech-Gaming since 2007.

246 Comments

  5. I cant see how this game gets an “A” when it’s story is total crap. I dare sometime to say it’s good.

  6. I know what you mean Desert. When I tried the demo, I couldn’t figure out what the hell was going on.

  20. I’m on my second play through. Love this game. It’s balls to the wall nonstop awesomeness.

  23. Great review. I like the way you describe a game without explaining every boring detail. Most people say things like “A” jumps “X” punches and “Y” is for your special.

  29. Did Tide or NOLA play the game? I’m curious as to their throughts. I would have liked a two man on this game.

  31. I tried the demo and I don’t see why everyones panties are in a bunch over this game. It’s DMC5, people.

  35. The story a bit hard to comprehend, but the cinemas have some really hyper-kinetic action that very amusing.

  40. Have you played it?

    Don’t be like Christian Nutt and crap on things you’re barely played please.

  43. After playing the demo, the game seems good but not that good. I can’t believe this got an “A”

  51. Games that get an A should be classics, enjoyable years from now. I doubt anyone will want to play this is 6 months.

  55. I think the ability to turn her hair in into a giant boot or a dragon constitutes a “spell,” so at the very least, she can be called a Capillumancer.

  60. It flashy and all, and I like the graphical style, but it seems really repetitive to me. Funny doesn’t really change all that much through the game.

  65. I like all the alliteration. Great review – I’m definitely going to need to check this game out, soon. Hadn’t given it much thought a week ago, but with reviews like this I can’t see not investing at least some time into it.

  66. Haven’t been able to play Bayonetta yet, but I’ve been drooling over the game since they started showing gameplay footage. Sounds like it’s one of the best games of 2009, from all the reviews, too.

  67. Really good review. Too many people are dismissing this and are missing out on a fantastic and incredibly fun game.
    Rent it and you’ll wanna buy it!

  69. Plays something like the Devil May Cry series in my opinion, though I don’t have a lot of experience with the later DMC games.

  73. Great review! I hadn’t really looked into this game all that much and was content to just pass it over. But this review’s making me want to give it a try. Thanks!

  74. Played the demo, I thought it was pretty good. This is another game to go on my list of things to check out.

  75. Great review. I played the demo and found it a bit ridiculous but enjoyable. Not the biggest fan of DMC but I loved Viewtiful Joe so I’m definitely down for giving this a shot.

  80. Great review!!.I’m not a huge fan of hack and slash games but this game looks crazy fun!.This review makes me even more pissed that I have this game pre ordered from toyrus and they keep telling me they’ll get copies tomorrow,then 4 days later game will be in stock 1/10/10 now they’re telling me could be 2 weeks WTF!!!..

    I would cancel but I ordered it during the b1 get one 50% off sale and they already sent me my other game.

  81. Very nice review, being on the fence between picking up this and darksiders I may pick up this first.

  84. Nice Review, I’m not usually a fan of hack & slash games but i’ve been enjoying the demo of this alot.
    This is a rare hack & slash game i’d be willing to pay near full price for if i could afford it.
    Like I said, Nice Review, You covered all areas well.

  85. Fun game, though had to rush through it myself since it was a rental. Will eventually want to pick it up.

  88. Nice, I’ll be picking this up soon. You can’t go wrong since this is the guy that made Devil May Cry.

  91. I dunno, Bayonetta just has that charm to it. It’s like, it shouldn’t be this good, but yet it is.

  96. I’m not a fan of DMC (more-or-less indifferent actually) but I’m pretty interested in this game. I think I’ll give the demo a try…

  98. Might have to pick this one up, only thing that shoulld’ve been noted in the review is the PS3 port’s failure 🙁 [the deciding factor in me not buying it yet]

  100. The one thing that scares me about this game is the nudity. I wouldn’t have a problem with it, but it looks so gratuitous and I’m not a fan of that. One time I heard someone try to justify it, “It’s because her clothes are her hair and she needs it for magic.” That doesn’t justify the nudity at all. That’s just so they the excuse for it. The game gets good reviews though, so I wouldn’t mind trying the game out to see if it’s as bad as most pictures suggest.

  105. Nice review! Always a fan of the DMC-esque God-of-War-like beat em’ up games, and can’t wait to try this out!

  108. I might pick this game up at some point, but have to say that the trailer is so dopey I don’t know if I will. Oh, and pick me!

  109. The reviews on this game have been great. Plus, those glasses make her a hot geek woman.

  112. Mm i never thought this game would be as good as it is. I was expecting high 8’s but not 9’s.

  113. Nice review. Caught my attention on a game I was all but ignoring. This sounds like a game with legs (sorry, pun intended).

  114. I wish Sega (and whatever developers they publish) would get away from the 90s arcade look and sound of their games. Other than that good review.

  115. “Gamers will inevitably focus on the visual opulence”, indeed.
    Quite the wordsmith in this review.

  116. There is no other game like Bayonetta, for the next DMC, CAPCOM needs to bring their game up if they want to compete with bayonetta

  117. OK, I just can’t get excited for this one. It looks like a beat-em up button masher with you basic unlocks and thin story. Seems like the hype came around high-end graphics and a nearly nude chick with glasses. Really people? Someone tell me why this game really stands out.

  119. I kind of through the same thing- why even have it. Buts its usually so brief and short, you have to look for it. I think she always cover in an Austin Powers way, too.

  122. I’ve been dying to play this game, trying to hold out for the whole thing instead of just downloading the demo.

  123. I’m a fan of Kamiya’s games so naturally this one appeals to me too. I have played the demo and it was pretty fun.

  124. You know, thanks for running this contest. Without this contest I would not have found this site. This site has been bookmarked. Keep up the great writing!

  125. Going in to the game I thought, “Somethings wrong if you have to use nudity and flashy graphics to sell your game” The demo only partially helped things.

    Now, after playing the full version, I see why the game is getting straight A’s by reviewers. It fun and tight as hell.

  132. Recently tried out the demo on the 360. I was hoping this game would live up to the hype and from this review and others (plus the demo) it appears it does. Definitely looking forward to picking up this game.

  134. When it comes to comprehending Japanese storylines, I’m pretty worthless, but during the demo I was having too much fun to care. Plus it’s the only opportunity I’ll get to be inside a gun-wielding Sara Palin. Bonus.

  136. Loved DMC and hope this holds up to it’s reviews so far. Downloading the demo as we speak.

  137. good review, found you from CAG. post the next one up in the forums there too please. Another good review or two and I’ll have to bookmark this site!

  140. I’m a sucker for slo-mo gimmicks and blood. Hell, I enjoyed BloodRayne. This would probably be right up my alley!

  141. Good review. The demo was great, and things were perfect once I realized I could change the camera speed.

  142. I was not really intersted in the game until I read your review, now I can see what all the hype is about. Great review! Cool site by the way.

  148. Nice, review, but I think I will wait till this hits a good sale price as these types of games aren’t my thing.

  149. Loved the demo even though i didn’t finish it. would definitely want to own this game some time in the near future.

  155. Still wondering whether this game will pull me in more than Devil May Cry ever did. I’m a little concerned about playing this one with my wife around. 🙂

  156. I tried the demo out but I seriously didn’t know wtf I was doing the whole time. The reviews are way too good for this type of game.

  157. I can’t stand screen tearing and slow down, companies need to optimize to remove this, they are being too ambitious with the now weak 360 hardware. 360 will suffer greatly in the extended console generation, if it is continually plagued by these issues, vs the ps3 versions of games.

  158. Similar to others, I tried the demo and I felt like I was overwhelmed with the number of moves available. It just felt like a button masher where I was extremely effective when I randomly smashed buttons as when I tried to do specific moves. In fact, I was more effective when I smashed buttons. I think if you like fighting-style games where your characters have a boatload of moves to memorize, this is your schtick.

  159. The only thing holding me back from buying this game is my huge backlog of other stuff… It looks amazing, nice review!

  161. As usual another great review. I’m still very split on this one after the demo – maybe more in the $30-40 range for me.

  162. Didn’t like the demo at first but it’s starting to grow on me, haven’t played the actual game yet but itching to try it out. Go half naked witches!!!!

  166. Wow, great review. Really clarifies a lot of things on the game. I was torn between this and Darksiders

  167. Thanks for the great review, it’s so weird to see a potential goty candidate come out in january though. Maybe I’ll play it in (never) once I clear some space out of my backlog.

  168. Seems awesome. I was a huge fan of Devil May Cry and God of War so this looks to be just up my alley.

  171. I’m downloading the demo as I type. It looks really fun. I think I need more action games in my life…

  174. Love the review. Thanks for the giveaway. Bayonetta plays better on the 360, so thanks for that.

  175. Great review. I havnt played this game or even seen anyone play it but have heard great things from many people.

  176. I wish I had a bigger TV. The graphics are pretty hectic for me and it’s hard to see unless I sit really close. Else, the demo was fun, both on PS3 and 360.

  177. I only played a portion of this at a friends house, but this review seems dead on from what I played.

    Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this game.

  180. I hear a lot of people saying Bayonetta isn’t good, it’s repeatative, etc. Most of them have’t tried the full game. I really encourage people to try that, not the demo.

  184. Interesting game. It definitely combines DMC elements with a unique style of gameplay which is different from Devil May Cry.

  185. Can you believe that I have never played a game of this type before? I guess this game goes into the pile with the Devil May Cry series and God of War series before it. I’m sure I will get around to playing them, since they always do sound rather fun. After I finish Mass Effect 2, maybe I should give this game a shot.

  187. Great review, great game. I’ve been playing the demo for this and I certainly can’t get enough of it. Too bad the PS3 version is so borked.

  189. Good Review. Not too sure of the flaws, as I have a ps3, but will definitely pick it up regardless.

  192. I have been looking forward to this game for months – even when other sites were bashing it in theire previews (the same sites that now praise it in their reviews).

    I haven’t had a chance to pick it up yet, and probably won’t until the end of the month, but it’s nice to see it scoring well and confirming my pre-release excitement for this game. (Wow, that sounded worse than I intended…)

  194. Well written article, I’ve been very interested in getting this game but I can’t afford ALL the games coming out this spring.

  196. Fantastic review! Even more reason for me to want this game with every inch of my soul, but can’t get it because I’m broke…=(

  212. This game has been my planned rental for the weekend. Hopefully I can find it with all the rave reviews it has been getting.

  213. After reading the review, I tried out the demo. The review is spot-on. Damn, I need this game real bad now.

  215. Ah, Mass Effect 2 comes out next week and I want this too. Guess I’m not eating next week…

  219. Seems like something I’ll have to try when I get some of my game backlog cleared out. Nice review.

  221. I’ve heard pretty good things about this game, not just from here but from friends and other critics. I’ve been meaning to try it out!

  223. Pretty cool review! I wanna get this game, but i’m upset that the ps3 conversion is done so poorly.

  225. The demo was decent, but I didn’t really “get” the gameplay for a while. Might’ve just been from everything happening in the game.

  228. Yeah, just like the review said, there was a lot happening at first. Now that I’ve played the demo a few times, I got a better handle on it.

  233. “Whereas Kratos annihilates foes with bombastic strength, this femme fatale obliterates with erotic elegance.”

    I read this line twice…and then I re-read it again.

    great line.

    hahahaha!

  236. I’ve played through the 360 demo a good four times now just trying out different things to see what happens. The game is so over the top that you can’t help but laugh the whole way through. Definitely going to pick this up at the $30-40 price.

  237. No, she doesn’t. That pic of her being covered up is as far as you get to seeing bayonetta nude.

    Someone’s gotta be the bearer of bad news…

  242. I actually like the title of the review^^

    Oh and I guess the game looks pretty cool to :-p.

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