Bayonetta - my thoughts

This new action/shooting adventure game puts players in control of Bayonetta, a woman who, apparently in her 30’s, has been asleep for a long time (like 500 years) currently on a quest to find out about her past and destroy some angels along the way.
During the game the player discovers an old war between the Lumen Sages and the Umbra Witches, both of which hold one of two ‘eyes’ that when put together will end the current universe and begin a new one, not that this is a good thing of course.

Initial impressions of this game are very impressive, a stylish introduction followed by some continuously intense shooting and sword-slaying action, a lot of the gameplay is similar to Devil May Cry, not surprising since the very same Hideki Kamiya is behind this one too, however unlike DMC this game goes where DMC couldn’t or didn’t dare often making a pretty wicked experience, the action rarely ceases to be intense as the player fights various well detailed angelic beings in a range of settings including platforms being lifted by one and waved around in the air, a plane and the middle of a sea, even the loading screen gives you a chance to practice your kung fu between verses and chapters. The graphics are good throughout, looking especially cool in the ‘witch mode’ in which the player can ‘move within a single moment’. The game has a great pick-up-and-play element with easy controls and a range of moves at the player’s disposal.
More weapons, techniques, accessories and items are available to buy with halos obtained from the dead angels in Bayonetta’s wake, prices are expensive and supply is limited, however there’s a relief in the fact that ingredients can be found by smashing dustbins, benches and potted plants, that can later be used to make items to raise your attack power, restore your health, repel angels and some other things that are all fairly useful.
During the course of the game you get to drive a motorbike while still able to shoot and a missile (yes, I did say drive a missile), both of which are fairly easy to steer and certainly add more flavour to the game.
One more nice touch is that, once you’ve finished the game, you can carry all your techniques and items through to play it again.

Unfortunately the very impressive impressions do not last too long, there are one too many cut scenes floating around, some of which are rather lengthy and some confusing (although they can be skipped with the ‘Start’ button) and you visit the same place more than once. The same bosses turning up again and again doesn’t do much for interest either not to mention the fact then when you’re fighting a bunch of angels, you can’t leave the scene until every last one is defeated, which does make the game drag on a little. It seems, due to the prices involved, one has to complete the game several times over in order to obtain the best guns and the like, which is somewhat tedious. It takes about 10-12 hours to play once through the game with other difficulty levels available, with less repetition of places and bosses this does seem a bit too short considering the full retail price tag.

The mini-game Angel Attack is a great addition, unfortunately can’t be played at will, it pops up between each chapter (chapters are made of a number of verses) giving you a chance to earn points, that although can’t be carried through, can be used to purchase handy items or exchange for halos.

Overall Bayonetta is a surreal and stylish game, it’s a bit flirtatious, a bit cheeky in places (especially that dance sequence), its got some awesome action and great kung fu, unfortunately it gets points down for repeating places and bosses and a bit much in the way of cut scenes. I personally would say that if you like this type of game wait until the price drops a bit then go for it but it’s not really worth the full price tag.

Overall rating (10 being the best): 8 out of 10.