Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon surprised many Nintendo Switch owners when it was announced just two months after Bayonetta 3. This prequel departs dramatically from the established Bayonetta formula, trading the series’ signature action and leather-clad protagonist for a storybook-inspired adventure starring a young Cereza. While series creator Hideki Kamiya encouraged fans to approach the game with an open mind, the significant shift in genre and style understandably raised eyebrows. However, Bayonetta Origins rewards those willing to embrace its unique charm with a truly unforgettable experience.
The game opens with Cereza, a young Umbra Witch apprentice under the tutelage of Morgana. Haunted by dreams of rescuing her imprisoned mother, Cereza encounters a mysterious boy who reveals a path to saving her: a white wolf within the forbidden Avalon Forest. Defying Morgana’s orders, Cereza ventures into the forest and performs her first demon summoning, albeit with a twist. The demon, Cheshire, becomes tethered to her stuffed toy. Unable to reverse the summoning, Cereza promises Cheshire that Morgana will send him back to Inferno once their quest is complete.
Young Cereza and Cheshire in Bayonetta Origins
Bayonetta Origins‘ core gameplay revolves around the simultaneous control of Cereza and Cheshire. Players use the left stick for Cereza and the right for Cheshire, navigating the forest and solving puzzles by leveraging each character’s unique abilities. While Cheshire can be returned to his stuffed animal form when not needed, the dual-character mechanic is integral to both exploration and combat. The puzzles within Avalon Forest and the otherworldly Tir na nOg are cleverly designed, and the control scheme, while initially unusual, quickly becomes intuitive.
Combat encounters pit Cheshire against faeries, with Cereza supporting him by casting binding spells. Cheshire is invulnerable, but Cereza is not, adding a layer of strategic depth to the battles. Players must prioritize Cereza’s safety while unleashing Cheshire’s claws and teeth. Should Cheshire deplete his magic, he reverts to his doll form, requiring Cereza to hug him and replenish his power. Progression through the game involves destroying Elemental Cores, each granting Cheshire new abilities that enhance combat prowess and unlock new areas to explore.
Cereza and Cheshire in combat against Faeries in Bayonetta Origins
Beyond gameplay mechanics, the relationship between Cereza and Cheshire forms the emotional core of the narrative. In contrast to the confident Bayonetta of the main series, Bayonetta Origins portrays a young Cereza riddled with insecurity. Cheshire, far from being a supportive companion, often berates Cereza, blaming her for his predicament. However, as their journey progresses, Cereza’s confidence blossoms, culminating in a satisfying character arc that adds significant depth to the Bayonetta we know and love. This prequel offers a fresh perspective on the character’s development, making her journey all the more compelling.
Bayonetta Origins boasts a striking visual presentation, with a vibrant, watercolor-inspired world that perfectly complements its storybook aesthetic. While the departure from the series’ established visual style might initially surprise longtime fans, the graphics are captivating and bring the world to life in a way that still images cannot fully convey. The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring several memorable tracks. Angeli Wall delivers a stellar performance as the voice of Cereza, capturing the character’s youthful spirit and setting her apart from previous portrayals.
Cereza searching for the white wolf in Bayonetta Origins
While Bayonetta Origins is not without minor flaws, its strengths significantly outweigh its shortcomings. The game’s opening moments are somewhat slow, but the pacing quickly picks up. Additionally, the relatively low difficulty and abundance of save points might disappoint players seeking a more challenging experience. However, these are minor issues that do little to diminish the overall quality of the game.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a delightful surprise for Nintendo Switch owners. The game’s unique blend of visuals, gameplay, and narrative creates a compelling experience that appeals to both newcomers and longtime fans. Bayonetta Origins showcases PlatinumGames’ ability to innovate within the Bayonetta franchise, and leaves players hoping for a sequel.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon releases March 17th, exclusively for Nintendo Switch. This review was conducted on a Nintendo Switch OLED using a copy provided by the publisher.
