Review: Bayonetta - What Do You Get When You Combine God Of War And Devil May Cry?

Bayonetta is a fast-paced, challenging action game available for the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 consoles

. The game combines a complex combat system with intricate graphics and an out-of-this-world story to create a unique gaming experience unlike anything currently available.

Platform: PS3, Xbox 360

Publisher: Sega

Genre: Action

ESRB Rating: Mature

Release Date: 01/05/2010

Graphics: 7.0 / 10.0

At its surface, Bayonetta looks fantastic, with intricately designed characters and set pieces that lend themselves well to the gothic themes of the game. Everything looks sharp and clear, with a color scheme that is appropriate to the overall feel. However, there are a few graphical problems as well. Bayonetta suffers from occasional frame rate slowdown and sluggishness, especially during the more epic boss battles. This problem is especially noticeable in the PS3 version of the game. The PS3 edition also suffers from some graphical graininess and washed out colors that could serve as a turnoff for some. However, these certainly aren't reasons to avoid Bayonetta entirely.

Gameplay: 9.0 / 10.0

Immense, intricate boss battles, extremely tricky combos, and an absolutely relentless pace of play add up to one of the most challenging (and rewarding) gaming experiences you'll find on a next-gen console. The combat system is complex, and requires players to concern themselves with their defenses nearly as much as their offensive powers. Blocking attacks will allow you to retaliate in slow motion, something that will be absolutely necessary for many of the more challenging encounters. Bayonetta also mixes in elements of puzzle-solving and exploration, though the combat system takes center stage.

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Story: 8.5 / 10.0

The story in Bayonetta plays out like a combination of Devil May Cry and God of War, not surprising since Director Hideki Kamiya also worked on the original Devil May Cry. The game focuses on a scantily clad heroine who is the last remaining member of a dark clan of witches, following an epic battle with a clan of sages. Although the plot might be a little hard to swallow, it's very interesting in that you get to play a character battling for the dark site against angelic forces of light.

Music: 9.0 / 10.0

Bayonetta features a unique soundtrack that includes fast-paced jazz dotted with some highly dramatic choir sections. The music is very dynamic and lends itself well to the onscreen action. Voice acting can be occasionally hokey, but not to the point where it detracts from the overall experience.

Replay Value 7.0 / 10.0

The bulk of Bayonetta's replay value comes from the extreme difficulty level. Although the easiest difficulty setting will be agreeable with even the most casual gamers, there are plenty of options included for the hardcore. After playing through the campaign mode on Normal difficulty (a feat that will take 20 or more hours, even for a skilled gamer) you can unlock Hard mode. True gluttons for punishment can also try the Non-Stop Infinite Climax" mode, a truly extreme test of player skill and capability.

Overall Score: 8.5 / 10.0

Bayonetta is one of the finest action games currently available for a next-gen console, and this is especially true of the 360 version. The aforementioned graphical problems present in the PS3 version, along with long load times, make the PS3 port of Bayonetta more difficult to recommend. Players who are patient enough to deal with long load times and occasional graphical slowdowns will be thrilled by fast-paced game play and extreme challenges found in both versions of the game, however.

Review: Bayonetta - What Do You Get When You Combine God Of War And Devil May Cry?

By: gamepodunk

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