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Bayonetta Hands-On Preview for Xbox 360

Bayonetta Hands-On Preview for Xbox 360

Action Overdose

June 25, 2009 – Bayonetta is a hugely anticipated game from the creators of Devil May Cry. Describing the game as belonging to the action genre almost seems like an understatement. We recently got to spend some time with this game, and the amount of things happening on screen is really overwhelming. Of course, all of the action can be attributed to the game’s titular heroine, who pretty much defines the term “over-the-top.”

Bayonetta screenshot

With guns on both her arms and incorporated into her high-heeled boots, Bayonetta certainly makes an intimidating first impression. But, firepower isn’t the only asset that this witch is packing. She also has a super powerful spells that she can cast with just the press of a button. Most of her magic attacks revolve around her insanely long hair, which does everything from clothe her to form giant dragon heads capable of chomping enemies in half. She also has a nice pair of… glasses.

The combat system is very similar to Devil May Cry (for obvious reasons) and features some simple one-button attacks primarily involving shooting and brandishing a sword. The shooting mechanics aren’t terribly complex, and the legions of enemies that I was able to take down with feet-bullets to the face were staggering. The swordplay is equally simple to handle, but the real gem here is in the combos system. Button-mashing these two attack buttons together produced some pretty amazing special attacks, and although I really didn’t know how I was performing most of the moves that were executed on screen, the combo system is so fluid that you don’t really need to.

One thing I was really impressed with while playing was the speed of the attacks. I mashed buttons as fast as I could, and as long as I was mashing, the action never slowed down, and I was amazed by just how quickly things got insane on screen. Another thing that the game doesn’t skimp on is gore, and enemies lose limbs and bleed out quite frequently. And, with the volume of enemies that you’ll encounter in this game, you’ll be painting the floors with blood, which is thrilling to say the least.

Bayonetta screenshot

Another interesting mechanic that we got to experience was Witch Time. This mechanic comes into play when someone tries to attack you and you dodge at just the right moment. You’ll then have a few precious seconds of slowed time to counter attack. This mechanic works very well, and slowing down time is a great way to pull off more complicated moves, including special Torture moves that help you regain health. Although we weren’t able to perform one of these attacks by ourselves, we were told that players can summon a giant Iron Maiden or Guillotine to slam enemies into as well as demons capable of equally brutal attacks.

Once I was finished running through a few rooms, it was time to check out a mini-boss battle. The structure is very similar to other action games, but again, the action was definitely punched up to the next level. The boss was a giant moving statue, whose design was faintly reminiscent of the God of War series. After wearing the big guy down with some heavy gunfire, I was able to take advantage of it in a vulnerable state and then unleash one of Bayoneta’s, pardon the pun, hair raising attacks. After a few well-timed button presses, Bayonetta’s suit of hair flung from her body and re-assembled in the sky as an evil dragon/dog with very sharp teeth. Of course, while all her hair was flying up in the sky, it was no longer on her body, which left our girl very exposed. Of course, there was a small bit of hair left covering the most essential regions, but there is no doubt that Bayonetta’s disappearing clothing will be flaunted throughout the game.

Bayonetta screenshot

Playing through the game, it was clear that the emphasis on brutal action was only trumped by style. Everything from the architecture to the enemy design screams originality, and the fantastical world around me was sharply presented with stunning detail. Demons as well as just regular enemies had amazing clothing and weaponry, and the stylistic elements of the game certainly fit with the game’s decidedly over-the-top feel.

Bayonetta is not a game for everyone. It’s crazy action, gore, and, of course, nudity will definitely be a turn off for plenty of gamers. But for what it is, Bayonetta is outstanding. The action is incessant, and I could actually feel my pulse pounding as I blasted away enemies. Needless to say, I couldn’t be more excited for this game’s release this fall. If you are an action junkie, prepare for an action overload with Bayonetta, as this witch is fully loaded and ready to kick your butt!

Game Features:

  • Bayonetta is a cinematic and stylish action game from the creative mind of Hideki Kamiya.
  • As a gun-wielding witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless enemies in a game of 100% pure all-out action.
  • Outlandish finishing moves are performed with acrobatic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another.
  • Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre with magnificent over-the-top action and fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.


  • Breathtaking Action!

    August 19, 2008 – One could argue that the action platforming genre has become a bit stagnant in recent years. Since many developers have been focusing on RPGs and shooters, many have speculated that action platformers like God of War were a dying breed. However, Devil May Cry mastermind Hideki Kamiya is firing back at this speculation and has created an all-new IP to prove that this genre is alive and well.

    Bayonetta screenshot

    Bayonetta is a new game that revolves around a witch (appropriately named Bayonetta) who is battling heavenly beasts in an alternate universe where human beings are merely reflections and don’t figure much into the cosmic equation. The game features quick and stylish action a la Devil May Cry, and looking at early footage, it is fairly obvious where this game’s pedigree comes from. Combos are really fluid and feature high flying attacks as well as over-the-top acrobatics. The game is essentially a single-player affair, and you will be spending a lot of time getting to know the titular character.

    Bayonetta herself is actually a pretty impressive creature, and she is probably the best reason to be interested in this game, much like Dante was the best reason to play Devil May Cry (sorry, Nero!) Bayonetta is a witch with other-worldly powers and a decidedly sexy style. She exudes charm and her overall look radiates sexuality, from her skin-tight clothes to her moe-style glasses. Her fighting style can best be described as a potent mix of both gunplay and magic. She uses a combination of four guns: Two she uses in-hand, and two others are attached to her boots. Yes, you read that right, Bayonetta can shoot people with her feet. Although one has to wonder how she can pull the trigger….

    But it is not the pedal-based gunplay that makes Bayonetta unique. No, it is her magical powers over hair which sends this game into a completely new stylistic stratosphere. Bayonetta’s hair is basically the centerpiece of both her attack power and her wardrobe. Her entire outfit is made out of hair, and when she initiates an attack sequence, the hair from her outfit will detach itself and form something else completely, like a giant fist or stiletto heel that will smash all who stand in her way.

    Bayonetta screenshot

    Bayonetta can also use her hair for certain in-game boosts. For example, if she needs to jump over a long pit, she can create butterfly wings from her hair and just float to her destination. I’ll be the first to admit that the hair mechanic sounds a little weird at first, but seeing it in action looks pretty cool, and the hair-based mechanisms actually give Bayonetta a very unique feel.

    However, there is more to Bayonetta’s power than just hair manipulation. Bayonetta is also able to implement a high level magic spell that changes the flow of time into “Witch Time” and slows things down considerably. This is probably a less innovative mechanic then all the hair attacks, but it is nice to see that Bayonetta will be incorporating some more traditional elements to please longtime fans of the genre.

    Bayonetta screenshot

    In addition to Witch Time, there are also some more familiar elements in Bayonetta that will help people who are seasoned action veterans feel right at home. The game makes use of a pretty familiar looking upgrade system where you trade collectible angel halos for stronger weapons and attacks. New weapons can also be found in various level stages, or they can be taken from conquered foes.

    From what we’ve seen, Bayonetta looks a lot like it’s spiritual precursor, Devil May Cry. It has a lot of style and some considerable substance to back it up. The visuals look amazing and, while the hair aspect is certainly unexpected, I would be excited to get some hands-on time with this title and try it out before making any judgment. Bayonetta definitely has some serious creative potential, and hopefully it will help push the action genre forward in a way we haven’t seen since the original God of War! It is slated for release sometime next year, so hopefully we’ll have more to report on this title soon!

    Game Features:

  • Bayonetta is a cinematic and stylish action game from the creative mind of Hideki Kamiya.
  • As a gun-wielding witch with powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals, Bayonetta faces-off against countless enemies in a game of 100% pure, all-out action.
  • Outlandish finishing moves are performed with acrobatic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another.
  • Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre with magnificent over-the-top action and fast-paced, dynamic climax combat.

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