by Peeps
Time for a new “over the top” action game series, but this one has got a few new twists and curves to say the least. Bayonetta is an action game from Sega that has got fast paced combat, loads of combos, and such ludicrous action scenes it becomes a head-spinning rush; yet it remains accessible to even the most casual players.
Graphics. This is one of the best features of Bayonetta. Some of the level designs are so insanely detailed, yet highly destroyable. The designs of many of the angelic foes are excellent, with the usual “pallet swaps” happening later in the game. “Pallet swaps” tidbit aside, many of the characters have designs suitable for their names and how they fight. The damage inflicted on enemies has an impact on their looks and can affect combat as well. The animations are quite fluid for as over the top some of the movements are. The in-game cut scenes are done in a bit of an odd way, but still keep true to the over the top theme.
Sound. The sound has quality, but ultimately seems hit or miss. The voice acting was fairly solid, as well as the voices for some of the enemies. The soundtrack however seems to be the hit or miss aspect of the sound. The soundtrack has a mostly lighter pop sort of feel, while some boss and event music takes a more somber tone. The background noises are nicely done, without taking too much from what is happening at the time.
Gameplay & Control. The gameplay has great variety depending on what weapon combos the player chooses. The combo flows are pretty smooth and do require some pattern memorization in order to use certain combinations effectively. Dodge controls take a bit of practice; this is mostly due to the use of “witch time”, which is extremely helpful in combat. There are also some accessories that can completely change combat, usually in the higher difficulties of the game. There is quite a bit of a leap between normal and hard, but there is also a mode that can allow for even the most casual of players to enjoy the game. There are some issues with gameplay, such as timeframe “hiccups” and occasional “stuck” issues in certain levels.
Overall. Overall this is a frantic over the top game, that can also be hit or miss. The peculiar difficulty curve can be frustrating at times, but there is a variety of difficulty settings available. The over the top violence and sexual theme also adds to the hit or miss factor. The combo possibilities are very high, and there are quite a few spiffy unlockable goodies that encourage replays. This is a solid action game that looks and handles quite well, as well as future sequel probability.
