Do you remember the original Bayonetta, released on Xbox 360 and PS3? It’s possible you might not, as despite critical acclaim, Hideki Kamiya’s action adventure title didn’t achieve widespread commercial success. While lauded for its tight controls and arcade-style gameplay, the game’s eccentric narrative, extensive cutscenes, and occasionally questionable writing proved divisive among players. We’ll admit, we were among those who found it challenging to fully embrace, especially considering the abundance of competing titles and Bayonetta’s distinct, anime-influenced aesthetic.
Platinum Games, the developers behind Bayonetta, are widely regarded as a studio possessing exceptional technical skill and creative vision, evidenced by titles such as the often overlooked Wonderful 101. Their meticulous approach to design, coupled with a willingness to embrace unconventional ideas, positions them as both innovators and uniquely imaginative developers. Recognizing the demand for a new Bayonetta title, Nintendo stepped in to financially support the project, securing it as a Wii U exclusive. Was this investment in Bayonetta 2 a worthwhile endeavor? Read on to find out.
The narrative of Bayonetta – and we’ll strive for clarity here – centers on Bayonetta, a skilled witch with the ability to shapeshift and wield an array of imaginative weapons and magical abilities, including the manipulation of her own hair to summon powerful demons. After a 500-year slumber, she awakens to find herself embroiled in a conflict between the Umbra Witches, followers of darkness, and the Lumen Sages, the knights of light. The first game incorporated elements of a detective story, with Bayonetta uncovering the reasons behind her fight against the forces of “light” and the circumstances of her predicament. Bayonetta 2 continues this pursuit of truth, alongside familiar supporting characters such as her rival Jeanne, the demon broker Rodin, and the perpetually stressed Enzo.
For those unfamiliar with the original Bayonetta, several editions of Bayonetta 2 include a remastered HD version of the first game, which is a welcome addition. While a worthwhile bonus, prior experience with Bayonetta (1) is not essential to enjoying Bayonetta 2. The story remains one of the game’s weaker aspects, and the accessible, yet surprisingly deep, combat system is well-represented in the sequel.
Fans of the Devil May Cry series will find familiar elements within Bayonetta. Similar to Dante, Bayonetta utilizes multiple pistols – four in total, incorporated into both her hands and her signature high heels. Bayonetta herself is a striking figure, sporting a distinctive hairstyle, glasses, and a form-fitting leather suit. Viewers should be aware that the camera frequently focuses on Bayonetta’s figure, and her attire may be damaged during combat. The HD remake of the first game adds the option for Bayonetta to wear costumes based on Link, Peach, and Samus, which is certainly a unique design choice. As previously stated, this is a distinctly Japanese game, reflecting cultural sensibilities that may differ from Western norms. While objectification is a valid concern, it’s important to assess Bayonetta 2 holistically, as it offers a compelling action game experience.
A core strength of Bayonetta 2 lies in its rewarding combat system. Utilizing three primary buttons, players can execute a wide range of attacks and combinations. The dodge maneuver (ZR) allows players to trigger “Witch Time” when timed correctly, creating a slow-motion effect that enables spectacular attacks. The special attacks and finishing moves, referred to as “climax,” are often over-the-top, with boss battles and levels of destruction that rival even those found in God of War. While maintaining these adrenaline-fueled moments, the developers have reduced the frequency of the less impactful cutscenes. While they persist to some extent, and the dialogue remains generally lighthearted, their pacing has improved slightly, and they can be skipped at will.
Beyond the superfluous elements, Bayonetta 2 offers a robust action game that surpasses its predecessor. The levels are varied, imaginative, and well-paced. The game features unforgettable sequences, such as battles atop a crashing fighter jet, intense subway fights against massive bosses, and aerial combat against colossal dragons. The unpredictable nature of Bayonetta 2 makes it consistently engaging.
Platinum Games has optimized Bayonetta 2 for the Wii U, delivering a fluid experience, potentially running at 60fps. It is arguably the most visually impressive game on the platform, with detailed environments, lighting effects, and large-scale enemies demonstrating the Wii U’s capabilities. The sound design is also well-executed, with improved dialogue quality compared to the first game. The soundtrack even incorporates unconventional j-pop renditions of Moon River and Wilhelm Tell. A collector system allows players to purchase weapons, attacks, and accessories using in-game currency earned by defeating angels and demons. Bayonetta 2 also features an online co-op mode, enabling players to team up for the adventure (local co-op is not supported). Loading times are present, and purchasing the game via the eShop for installation on an external HDD is recommended, as Bayonetta 2 requires 15 GB of storage space.
The refined and responsive controls work well on the Gamepad, and even better with the Wii U Controller Pro. A touch-based control scheme is also available, though it simplifies the experience and may detract from the core gameplay. The game offers three difficulty levels, with “easy” being very accessible and “medium” suitable for most players.
We thoroughly enjoyed Bayonetta 2, finding ourselves captivated by its over-the-top battles and responsive controls. The combination of Platinum Games’ high standards and Nintendo’s quality assurance has resulted in a polished and engaging game. Its mature themes, violence, and protagonist make it a unique title on the Wii U. We hope that more players will discover the ingenuity of Bayonetta 2 and the capabilities of the Wii U as a gaming platform. Both deserve a wider audience.
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