Bayonetta 2 Review

Rarely are there ever true surprises in video games. Especially when it comes to reveals. Most gamers know what to expect to a certain degree, and they usually know which system will hold the next title in the series they want.

This was NOT the case however with Bayonetta 2, as the original was not on the Wii when it came to systems. So when the sequel was announced for the Wii U many were shocked. And because of that questions began to arise. Would Nintendo force Platinum to tone down their game? Would it work and look well on the Wii U? Lastly, would the game still be awesome?

The answers are: no, yes, and yes.

Bayonetta 2 is an action-packed thrill ride that’ll have you carving up angels and demons in various epic ways. I’ll admit I honestly didn’t play the original Bayonetta when it first came out, so when I heard Nintendo bundled the two games together I was thrilled. After playing both back to back, I can see all the numerous improvements to the sequel.

If you liked Bayonetta, you will like Bayonetta 2. There’s just something epically fun about it. Whether it’s choosing your arsenal to lay waste to your enemies with, interacting with characters old and new, or exploring and trying to get the highest ranking possible after fierce battles, there’s something for everyone here.

Platinum has really gone full force on the battle system here with Bayonetta 2. They refined it from the first game, and they made it both more fun and more diverse. While you still have your tried and true pistols (both on your arms and legs) to battle with, now you can have swords, bows, whips, chain saws, scythes, and more to have fun and kill bad guys. It’s true a blast mixing and matching your weapons to find the perfect combo. You may think you have the perfect set, but once you take a risk and try out a new weapon you’ll be amazed. My combo? Swords on my arms, whips on my feet. It’s epic.

The other main addition is the technique known as the Umbran Climax. This attack allows your abilities to be supercharged in order to deal devastating amounts of damage to your opponents. Knowing when to use the Climax and when to hold back will show your skill as a player.

Now you may thinking that this game is easy. I mean with numerous weapons, Witch Time (allowing you to slow time down to attack enemies), Umbran Climax, it all makes it sound easy. It’s not. Bayonetta 2 is difficult, and I’m saying that from the standard setting point. I noticed playing both games back to back that enemies are actually tougher in this one, and damage is actually less than it was the original. The result is a test of skill and patience and you hack, slash, whip, blast, shoot, claw, and eviscerate your enemies in an attempt to kill them. If you take them lightly, you will die. You have been warned!

Special props need to be given for the visuals of the game. Cause Bayonetta 2 looks gorgeous. Not just Bayonetta herself, but the whole game. The environments are painstakingly detailed. The characters are full of life and personality. The enemies are varied and reflect the world in which they came from. It is all on point. Many have said that the Wii U doesn’t have the graphical power the other consoles have, Bayonetta 2 proves that statement false in my opinion.

My opinion is proven ten-fold when it comes to some of the epic boss battles in the game. Whether on land, in the air, or even underwater, these fights are standouts both visually and gameplay wise. From angels and demons, to the return of the Lumen Sage and more, it is all epic and fun. A standout for me is an early mission where Bayonetta fights the Lumen Sage. They each summon one of their creatures assist them in battle. So while Bayonetta and the Sage battle in the foreground, the monsters battle in the background. And, as if that was not enough, the monsters fighting in the back affect the battle in the front. That’s awesome.

Something I think might get lost in the mix of fun gameplay and dazzling looks is the story of Bayonetta 2. While maybe not the deepest story ever, I feel it really did a good job of not just continuing the mythology of the world of Bayonetta, but also tying it back to the story of the first game. It would’ve been so easy to ignore what happened before, but instead they went full force and made a tale that takes what we learned from the original game and expanding it to new heights.

And of course there is Bayonetta and her epic crew. I mentioned earlier that the characters were full of personality, but that doesn’t truly do them all justice by just saying that. From Bayonetta, to Luka, to Rodin, to Jeanne, they’re all how you remember them, and then some! Any fear that the game would down the style that made the original so fun is erased in the first sequence. But more than that, I would say that this sequel gives more depth to Bayonetta than the original. As we see her forced to lower her guard in order to save her best friend, and protect a new friend along the way. Don’t worry, she’s still hilarious and sassy and great with one-liners, but there’s a new level of personality added to her here.

There’s only a few complaints I have with the game overall. First is the obvious one that this game is not for everyone, the game has an M rating for a reason, and some of the language can be a put off. Second is that although there are some cool unlocks to get via Rodin’s shop, a lot of them are really expensive. And for those who might struggle with the game (and thus get less money to buy items), they probably won’t see the need to buy anything but the essentials. Which will restrict their horizons. This goes especially for the Nintendo themed costumes. They’re actually unlocked straight off in the original, but you have to buy them in the sequel. This will probably be a put off to some.

In the end though, Bayonetta 2 is a game that deserves to be praised. It’s combat system is dynamic and fun and easy to use. Yet one that you’ll continue to mix and match and toy with until you true are a master of your own style. There’s plenty to do, plenty to buy, and plenty of angels and demons that need killing. Whether you’re a first-time action game participant, or a seasoned pro, Bayonetta 2 is the game you’re going to play and enjoy for a long, long time.