Poor old Lara Croft: we're about to see a new pretender to her throne who, frankly, makes her look like a lily-livered, goody-two-shoes, simpering milksop. Her name is Bayonetta and while, like Lara, she may have a cut-glass Received Pronunciation accent, all similarities end there. She's an amnesiac witch, for starters, with guns attached to her stilettos as well as in her hands, and a distinct penchant for sado-masochism best expressed by a bewildering variety of special moves.
Oh, and her clothes (which are magically constructed from her hair) have a habit of falling off. The good news is that now the Bayonetta demo is here, we can all get to know her. You can download it to see for yourself here
There was considerable excitement when Sega snapped up Bayonetta developer Platinum Games, with the likes of Shinji Mikami, of Resident Evil fame, and Hideki Kamiya, who brought us Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe, to the fore. Nobody makes gloriously, gothicly, surreally weird games better than the Japanese, and the two ex-Capcom men just aren't interested in making games that are like anyone else's - or indeed normal in any respect whatsoever.
The mentalist, ultra-violent MadWorld - deliberately subverting everything that the Wii stands for - marked a promising start for the union, but Bayonetta - which is Kamiya's baby - is the first game from Platinum to hint at the potential grandeur of what is to come. Edge Magazine, certainly, was suitably enamoured: it gave Bayonetta that rarest of things, a perfect 10 review score.
So what is it like? The demo, as is invariably the case, is a tiny amuse-bouche which gives the merest hint of what the full game will be like. Frankly, it leaves you on your knees craving more. But by the often low standards of demos, it's pretty useful, introducing you to the game's key mechanics, while leaving plenty of gameplay levels unhinted at, for you to discover on the 8th of January, when it will hit the shops.
The Bayonetta demo consists of the tutorial, plus extracts from two levels: Falling Clock Tower and The Angel's Metropolis, the first of which takes place right at the beginning of the game, and the second of which you would encounter in the full game's first chapter proper, after completing the prologue.
Tutorial There can, surely, be no better sign of a good game than a tutorial which is actually enjoyable, and that is true for the Bayonetta demo. The tutorial gently introduces you to the basic gameplay mechanics, namely Bayonetta's special attacks, which are achieved, beat-em-up-style, with combinations of the Y and B buttons, shooting, for which you need to hold down either the Y and B buttons, torture attacks, which are triggered by pressing Y and B together when you've filled your Magic Gauge and, perhaps most important, dodging using the right trigger - dodge at the last moment when an attack is about to hit, and you trigger a short period of Witch Time, in which everything around you slows down.
The tutorial is pretty forgiving - it only makes you nail one instance of each move before letting you move on. And when you've satisfied it, it introduces you to another of the game's neat touches: you can practice Bayonetta's special moves whenever any loading is taking place.
Falling Clock Tower The first thing that strikes you about this short but sweet extract is Bayonetta's Steampunk art style - you're falling while fighting on a disintegrating clock tower, not unlike Big Ben, with pleasantly disorientating explosions and chunks of masonry taking place around you. The next thing you notice is the responsiveness of Bayonetta's controls, which is the very crux of the game, and gives you full control over Bayonetta's moves, rather than leaving you feeling as though you're just randomly mashing buttons.
She has an astonishing wealth of special moves, including heavy attacks in which she conjures up a giant, purple-and-black, stockinged, stilettoed foot or fist, and you can easily encourage her to stand on her head and spin around, shooting from her foot-guns. Witch Time proves a boon, too: trigger it and you can embark on a chain-attack frenzy.
Given that stylishly and quickly taking out enemies (which are angels - Bayonetta is firmly aligned on the side of the devilish) fills up your Magic Gauge with more alacrity, it's well worth mastering, as the torture attacks are the most satisfying of all.
The type of torture attack Bayonetta unleashes is dependent on her alignment with the poor enemy - if she and the poor sod she's torture-attack are face to face, she conjures up an iron maiden and shoves him into it; if she's behind him, a guillotine appears, and she pounds him before the blade falls.
The Angel's Metropolis This takes place in a little park in the town Vigrid and again sees Bayonetta beset by large numbers of angels of various descriptions - along with a mid-level boss, somewhat reminiscent of Resident Evil 4, as he has a weak spot on his back.
To take him out, you get to unleash Bayonetta's most satisfying move: Climax. This is where her clothes (which are actually composed of her Wicked Weave, that is, her magical hair), fall off and transform into a giant demon which chews him up. There's more boss action later on but here's a tip: if you double back after defeating the mid-level boss, you can unearth a hidden area with more enemies to defeat.
And it's worth picking up defeated enemies' weapons: armed with, for instance, an axe with a 20-foot-long handle, you can easily coax Bayonetta into letting rip with what can only be described as a pole-dance attack.
Gagging for more The only problem with the demo is that it finishes too soon - but then, it wouldn't be a demo if it didn't. But there's no doubt Bayonetta is poised to become one of the gaming world's favourite characters, not only does she kick ass and possess the finest special moves we've ever encountered, but she does everything with a delightful whiff of sado-masochism and eroticism.
If you like the demo, then you'll be in for a great treat when the full game arrives, as there are many extra gameplay elements which Platinum, wisely, omitted from the demo. There will be plenty of happy, besotted gamers choosing to stay in with Bayonetta rather than brave the vagaries of the winter weather at the beginning of 2010.
I've heard rumours that Sony are optimizing the PS3 version for SEGA. Any truth in those rumours, CVG? Or should the PS3 expect another lacklustre port?
I really enjoyed the demo and will be picking it up on Day 1. It'll be intersting to see how Dante's inferno stacks up against it when the demos released at the end of the month.
Having played both i have to say that I don't understand what the fuss is over the PS3 version. They're nigh on identical. The PS3 got the better levels for the demo as well. The 360 demo leaves you wanting more, but feeling a little shortchanged. The PS3 demo just made me want more.
Im not with the in crowd (Famitsu, EDGE) as I have played the Demo and to be honest it didnt grab me, maybe the full Game offers more (probably).
Personally, I have Dantes Inferno and Darksiders higher up on my radar.
Those are the games I'm weighing "Bayonetta" against as well. "Darksiders" is my current top contender despite having limited details on it. All three games share a similar common theme of hellish things and wickedness (although Dante is a "good guy" and War is out for revenge after being bamboozled, while Bayonetta is apparently wicked and possibly evil). If I could only choose one at present time, it would fall to "Darksiders" with "Dante's Inferno" coming in at second place. This preview has however picqued my curiousity.
Im not with the in crowd (Famitsu, EDGE) as I have played the Demo and to be honest it didnt grab me, maybe the full Game offers more (probably).
Personally, I have Dantes Inferno and Darksiders higher up on my radar.
Those are the games I'm weighing "Bayonetta" against as well. "Darksiders" is my current top contender despite having limited details on it. All three games share a similar common theme of hellish things and wickedness (although Dante is a "good guy" and Wrath is out for revenge after being bamboozled, while Bayonetta is apparently wicked and possibly evil). If I could only choose one at present time, it would fall to "Darksiders" with "Dante's Inferno" coming in at second place. This preview has however picqued my curiousity.
I don't know - I'm interested in all 3, but Bayonetta seems to have all the plaudits so far and I'm not sure if the others will get quite the same reaction.
Dantes Inferno looks pretty cool - but, it is basically just a GoW clone. Darksiders could be brilliant - but, it's one of those that I would need to play a demo of (or hear some really good feedback about).
Bayonetta has put itself firmly on my radar - there is no smoke without fire and everyone seems to absolutely love it....the videos I've seen are incredible too.
I'll most likely end up trying all 3 at some point or other, but one may end up being bought when cheap.
Been ranting about this title for yonks now, and I warned my cousin NOT to buy Brutal Purchase - sorry Legend, and wait for this instead. But would he listen? Would he sh**e! Regrets it now. Yes, its about time we had a true successor to DMC and it is nice to see a chic looking, strong female character, something Capcom's PN03 missed out on... It does seem that the Japanese developers understand this type/style of game better than Western developers (Van Helsing, Brutal Legend etc spring to mind). DMC was brilliant and ticked almost all the right boxes. Bayonetta has scored a tasty 10/10 in Edge, a score NOT given lightly by any means, and I look forward to playing this game...long live Platinum Games. Well done chaps.
I've heard the ps3 version has some heavy slowdown on certain levels/scenes. I doubt those levels will be included in the demo(i've not played the demo).
If you have a 360 and ps3(as i do), all the rumours are pointing towards this game heavily favouring the 360.
Shame for ps3 owners because this is rumoured to be the action title of the year. Even god of war 3 may struggle to top this if the high ratings for bayonetta keep coming in once released.
Played it this morning a couple of times. What can I say? It's off it's t**s and I loved every minute of it. Ninja Gaiden 2 and DMC4 failed to grab me but this looks like it could do me very nicely.
No, I think God of War 3 will top this (sales wise) due to its already large, installed user base. A lot of gamers go for the 'safe bet' and it is a shame that sometimes brilliant new IP's get overlooked. Its not impossible by any means, but God of War has a fearsome reputation now...but you may be right. Optimisation is key before any release, and hopefully the PS3 (apparently a sod to program for - cheers Sony!) version shall be 'ironed out' upon release...hopefully.
"Throughout the game the gap in performance is colossal, and pretty much unprecedented."
Ouch. Read the article here: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-bayonetta-faceoff
If you can't be bothered to read all that, here's the skinny:
"It's fair to say that the performance you see in the PS3 demo is pretty much akin to the game running on its very best terms: it can get a whole lot worse. Just enough of the magic of PlatinumGames' insane Xbox 360 original has made it across to make it an enjoyable experience, but it's still a bit like watching Star Wars on DVD and then moving across to VHS; once you've been spoiled with the superior version, you can never go back."
"Its core technological and design philosophy favours Xbox 360 to such a degree that it puts a fair few first-party releases to shame. In places, it's absolutely epic. Go get it."
If you have both consoles, you already know to buy multiplatform games on 360. If you only have a PS3, well. Sucks to be you, I guess. Stick to Uncharted and DMC.
Really enjoyed the demo (wish it was longer though) and being a fan of devil may cry, I'll definitely be picking this up next year. Although with all the reviews pointing to the xbox 360 version it's going to be a damn busy beginning to my 360's year, with Mass Effect 2, Bioshock 2, Alan Wake, Split/second and Splinter cell! They may all have to wait.....who am I kidding.
...and NOT to forget Gran Turismo 5, God of War 3, Heavy Rain, LBP 2, Metal Solid 5, Unchartered 2, (Rockstars secret PS3 only epic), Afterburner Climax, MotorStorm 3 etc etc...MIIAAAOOOWW!!
...and NOT to forget Gran Turismo 5, God of War 3, Heavy Rain, LBP 2, Metal Solid 5, Unchartered 2, (Rockstars secret PS3 only epic), Afterburner Climax, MotorStorm 3 etc etc...MIIAAAOOOWW!!
I meant just for my 360 in January/February, not for my PS3's whole year.
Damn it! I want this game NOW, not next year! Reviews have been immense and the demos for both platforms were great. Shame that they didn't put more effort into the PS3 version but I'm getting the 360 one anyway, so no love lost for me. Sony should get hands-on though and help SEGA out for the western release. There's enough time to touch it up and this WILL be a huge game, and they can't really afford to lose out to 360.
Not played this yet but think it looks okay. Probably boycotting it though because although I have both PS360, PS3 is my main console, and this game has been basically slated my DF for the appauling PS3 'port'.
Which brigs me to the question - why port it? They should have spent more time making the PS3 version themselves (PG) instead of carting the code off to Sega so that they could ruin it.
i Just spent some time on the demo and i think its really really good. One the most very stylish,very sexy,fun and exciting game I have played in a long long time. The music is great, graphics are great with lots of bright colour(no dull grey or brown insight)All i can think and say about the game at this time is SEXY SEXY SEXY SEXY AND SEXY AND EXTREMY STYLISH AND I LIKE IT ALOT!!!!!!!
Iv played the demo and it definetely made me want to buy the game. Over the top madness 10/10 Sexyiness 10/10 Music 9/10 Orgasmic plEASURE 10/10Guaranteed to make you cum in ur pants dut to over the top madness. Sorry iv just havent been this excited whilst playing a game in a long time. That move where she suspeneds herself in midair with her sword and hold down the button to generate power and then slams to the ground is so cool. This game is not for dull people. Dull people dont play this game because its to exciting for you. lol
So Edge magazine were right then? 10/10! Brilliant journalism since issue 1... Somebody had a slight pop at me on one of the topics about Edge (can't remember which one now) but I couldn't be bothered to reply back to him. Put simply, if any real gamer wants an honest and thorough opinion on games, I believe Edge are the guys to keep you straight...although the only time they f**ked up was by giving the original GTA (3D version) a 7/10...but hey, they're only human I suppose...
Love the demo, thought it was absolutely fantastic. The combat, which is the main thing in these type of games, is sublime. LOVE dodging at the last minute to activate Witch Time, I can see that sort of thing never getting old. So far from the demo alone, I prefer it over DMC4 which felt very slow in comparison to my personal favourite: Ninja Gaiden.
Presentation is top notch, along with the visuals and sound. Day one purchase for me, definitely.
I've heard rumours that Sony are optimizing the PS3 version for SEGA. Any truth in those rumours, CVG? Or should the PS3 expect another lacklustre port?
Yes there is truth in that, but they are helping/guiding them rather than doing it for them.
So Edge magazine were right then? 10/10! Brilliant journalism since issue 1...
+1
Edge are still my go to magazine for the bottom line.
Thought the demo was fantastic. I spent a good 20 minutes just messing about in the tutorial seeing what could be done... Combat system is nothing short of beautiful. Accessible too, I reckon anyone could pick this game up and enjoy it, but if you take time to learn the systems, mastery and pin point precision is there for the hardcore.
Graphically it's top notch, sound was good, loved the enemy design even in this brief glimpse of the game, in fact I couldn't fault the demo at all... It is short, but surely that's the point? It's meant to be a teaser, to encourage you to buy the game and whip up interest, not blow it's full wad of splendour straight in your face.
Im not with the in crowd (Famitsu, EDGE) as I have played the Demo and to be honest it didnt grab me, maybe the full Game offers more (probably).
Personally, I have Dantes Inferno and Darksiders higher up on my radar.
I have to agree - and I usually love these types of games. It just seemed a bit too silly for my tastes. The controls were easy enough, but offered no immediate strategy other than mashing them like mad, especially on the bosses.
After recently completing NGS2, it seemed very, very easy too.
Not for me.
Saying that, I didn't notice any discernible differences between the 2 versions, other than the PS3 demo is twice the size @ 1600mb.
I'm hoping that Darksiders and Dante's Inferno are more my taste.
Having played the Demo on recommendation of this preview, I can say that I'm quite impressed. It was a little uncomfortable killing 'angels' (regardless of how ugly and aggressive they were) but as a game, it's fluid, fast, clean (in a way lol) and very different to the drab western efforts of DMC rip-offs.
There's a great danger with a lot of these games to give up on combos and just button mash.. and while that works to a degree, the game rewards players who use the dodge, attack-taunt and specials.. not only do they make you feel like a better player, but also add a lot of WOW to the visuals.
I love the butterfly visuals, by the way.. not quite as 'evil' as people make her out to be, obviously.. at least she doesn't have moths and bats coming out of her... coat.
I would reccommend it to anyone old enough to play it. It's fun, there's a lot of combos (more in the game) and very well made. Hopefully people won't be afraid to pick it up... developers who put out high quality titles should be rewarded with sales and gave the financing to keep making games.
Having played the Demo on recommendation of this preview, I can say that I'm quite impressed. It was a little uncomfortable killing 'angels' (regardless of how ugly and aggressive they were) but as a game, it's fluid, fast, clean (in a way lol) and very different to the drab western efforts of DMC rip-offs.
There's a great danger with a lot of these games to give up on combos and just button mash.. and while that works to a degree, the game rewards players who use the dodge, attack-taunt and specials.. not only do they make you feel like a better player, but also add a lot of WOW to the visuals.
I love the butterfly visuals, by the way.. not quite as 'evil' as people make her out to be, obviously.. at least she doesn't have moths and bats coming out of her... coat.
I would reccommend it to anyone old enough to play it. It's fun, there's a lot of combos (more in the game) and very well made. Hopefully people won't be afraid to pick it up... developers who put out high quality titles should be rewarded with sales and gave the financing to keep making games.
That is exactly how I feel about it as well. That aspect of this game coupled with the looming "Darksiders" are the two main reasons I hesitate to place an order on this game. I think I just may wait until I've played "Darksiders" before springing for "Bayonetta"; it does look lovely although the background music in the clip above was pretty hokey IMO.
>wiikii007 It seems to me that you had made your mind up about this comment before you actually played the demo! I have not played it yet (mentioned before that I had heard of this game's development ages ago - and kept a close eye on it) but can you now please explain yourself and justify as to WHY it 'sucks' and is over rated? Perhaps your comment will then be taken a tad more seriously...
It was a little uncomfortable killing 'angels' (regardless of how ugly and aggressive they were)
That is exactly how I feel about it as well. That aspect of this game coupled with the looming "Darksiders" are the two main reasons I hesitate to place an order on this game. I think I just may wait until I've played "Darksiders" before springing for "Bayonetta"; it does look lovely although the background music in the clip above was pretty hokey IMO.
I think you're both being a little oversensitive. The religious references are hardly to be taken seriously, bombastic as the entire game and its premise are. If you are both so sensitive to this (I'm assuming the bold of Jez7's post is the part you agree with, The_KFD_Case), then I am surprised you're so eagerly awaiting Darksiders in which you play as one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (and also kill angels), the religious connotations of which far exceed that of Bayonetta, as far as I can see.
It was a little uncomfortable killing 'angels' (regardless of how ugly and aggressive they were)
That is exactly how I feel about it as well. That aspect of this game coupled with the looming "Darksiders" are the two main reasons I hesitate to place an order on this game. I think I just may wait until I've played "Darksiders" before springing for "Bayonetta"; it does look lovely although the background music in the clip above was pretty hokey IMO.
I think you're both being a little oversensitive. The religious references are hardly to be taken seriously, bombastic as the entire game and its premise are. If you are both so sensitive to this (I'm assuming the bold of Jez7's post is the part you agree with, The_KFD_Case), then I am surprised you're so eagerly awaiting Darksiders in which you play as one of the four horsemen of the apocalypse (and also kill angels), the religious connotations of which far exceed that of Bayonetta, as far as I can see.
Oversensitive? I disagree. For me it has very little to do with overtly religious persuasions; I care little for organized religion - indeed, I consider it an often abused tool of control and brainwashing of certain denominations. While you are correct in pointing out that "War" in "Darksiders" will be fighting both angels and demons at least he is doing it in the context of putting to right the wrong that was done to him and the world. In other words: a reckoning - the righting of wrongs. Bayonetta however (and admittedly I know next to nothing about the plot at this point in time,) appears to be nothing more than some catty witch working on behalf of the forces of evil. That's generally not the type of protagonist I like to bat for; it's the same reason I was put off from buying and playing "Prototype".
I do find certain types of anti-heroes appealing, yet they usually tend to be complex characters whom exhibit traits of both profound devious intellect and culture, while also possessing that flair of sleek, suave "badass-ness". Certain Sith characters in "Star Wars" fit this bill and I think one the main reasons I find some Sith characters so appealing are when they show that they are more than just a two dimensional character; where you get to witness that there are multiple sides to them and the hope of redemption is not something completely out of their reach. Perhaps "Bayonetta" possesses this but I have my doubts that the developers took the time to flesh out the character to that extent.
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