Most aspects of Bayonetta’s combat carry on directly into Bayonetta 2, although the sequel includes a ‘rage’ mode called Umbran Climax that can be activated when the magic meter is full. Throw in a heap of different weapons and combos, and Bayonetta gradually builds an impressive array of attacks around this central pillar of attack, dodge, slow time, attack harder. It’s immensely satisfying to pull off, and a core part to keeping a sense of flow during prolonged fights. The heart of this is Witch Time a slow-mo, purple tinted mode that activates for a precious few seconds when you successfully dodge an attack at the final possible moment. Keeping combos running can be a real challenge, particularly on harder difficulties, but the power of PlatinumGames’ design is in how it makes you feel powerful and precise, even if you’re semi-aimlessly mashing buttons. If you enjoyed the combat in last year’s Nier: Automata, for example, you’ll find a lot to love in the balletic swoops and twirls of Bayonetta’s fighting style. The flow of the fighting in Bayonetta is amongst the best you’ll find in a video game, even within PlatinumGames’ own stable of titles. With a Switch-exclusive Bayonetta 3 on the horizon, there’s no better time to delve back into this madcap series.īoth games are very similar, emphasising stylish, frenetic combat.

Bayonetta 2 refines and builds on the first Bayonetta, cutting the original game’s baggier aspects whilst improving the mind-bending visuals and tightening its stellar combat. The relative unpopularity of that ill-fated console, especially compared to the success of the Switch, means this port is likely to be the first time many people will experience the game – and that’s a very good thing.

This latter aspect meant family-friendly Nintendo wasn’t the most obvious choice to bring Bayonetta 2 to market, which it did as a Wii U exclusive in 2014. Bayonetta is sexualised, sometimes with the tact of a teenage fantasy, but often with humour and a seam of irreverence that runs throughout the two games. It’s an exuberantly camp adventure, often incomprehensible, but full of tongue-in-cheek humour and a compelling main character. If you’re unfamiliar with the world of Bayonetta, it centres on the titular witch as she romps around a Dantesque land where the forces of Paradiso and Inferno have fallen out of whack. Super Mario Odyssey review: Mario’s globetrotting adventure shows Nintendo hasn’t lost its magic

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