Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 to 20 Hours

The Bottom Line:

"Old-school"

Bayonetta is what I like to refer to as a "Gamer's" game. The story doesn't make any sense, the action is absurd, and there are plenty of boss battles. It's a throwback to the early days of gaming.

This a game for gamers who enjoy a challenge, and like to see crazy stuff on screen.

LOVED

Lady Ninja Gaiden: Fast paced, over the top action that rewards practice. That is what defines Bayonetta, and her Ninja Gaiden lineage. The game can be a sight to behold if you're able to master her skillset.

It's Japanese: Bayonetta is unapologetically Japanese. From how Bayonetta herself is designed, to the bosses she fights, to the nonsensical story, this game is just outright crazy. Just roll with it because the gameplay is indeed fun and challenging.

It's a Video Game: Platinum Games doesn't try to pretend Bayonetta is anything other than a video game. Characters with guns on their feet, characters walking on walls, tons of gore, and there's even bosses with upside down baby faces. It's a video game, alright, and there's no shame in it.

HATED

It's Japanese: It's no surprise why Bayonetta wasn't a commercial success in the Western markets. Bayonetta herself is over-the-top sexy, and some of her moves are nearly cringe inducing. The enemy designs are outlandish and sometimes it's hard to make out what a boss is (upside down baby face, really?).

It's a Video Game: Repeating boss battles, difficulty spikes, the story is hard to follow, and the voice acting is downright terrible. It's a good thing the game doesn't take itself seriously.

CONCLUSION

Bayonetta harkens back to the days when games didn't take themselves too seriously, and were all about crazy, over-the-top fun. If you can handle a heavy dose of Japanese aesthetics, then there's plenty of fun to be had. Just make sure to equip the sword once you obtain it.