The Bayonetta series has taken a winding path, initially launching on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 in 2009 to a lukewarm reception. While Sega’s interest waned, Nintendo swooped in to fund and publish two sequels. The latest installment, Bayonetta 3, now graces the Nintendo Switch, offering an action-packed experience that both longtime fans and newcomers can relish.
This third entry introduces Viola, a new playable character. Fear not, this isn’t a Metal Gear Solid 2 scenario where the newcomer completely overshadows the veteran. A universe-threatening entity known as the Singularity is tearing through realities, and Viola, escaping her doomed dimension, warns our Bayonetta of the impending catastrophe. Together, they embark on a quest to thwart the Singularity, encountering familiar faces and forging alliances with new Demon Slaves.
The heart of any action game lies in its combat, and Bayonetta 3 pulsates with frenetic, satisfying battles. As someone with limited prior experience with the franchise, I found the combat system surprisingly accessible yet challenging. The game primarily focuses on Bayonetta, with Viola taking the spotlight in specific sections. Each chapter comprises several verses, awarding players medals based on their performance. I quickly progressed from bronze to gold medals, experiencing a rewarding sense of accomplishment. The game strikes an admirable balance between difficulty and fairness, allowing players to adjust the difficulty before each chapter.
Demon Slaves are integral to combat, allowing Bayonetta to summon and control powerful creatures. Players can equip three Demon Slaves and switch between them at will (Viola has access to only one). Some are level-specific and play a crucial role in puzzle-solving. Strategically channeling a Demon Slave is key, as it depletes Bayonetta and Viola’s magic meter. PlatinumGames has masterfully crafted each Demon Slave with unique controls and feel, catering to diverse playstyles. While I didn’t enjoy using all of them (Wartrain Gouon felt particularly cumbersome), the creature designs are undeniably impressive, mirroring the overall high quality of character design throughout the game.
Despite the Switch’s hardware limitations, Bayonetta 3 boasts stunning visuals. The vibrant environments and detailed character models are a testament to the developers’ artistry. Given the sheer scale of some of Bayonetta’s adversaries, I preferred docked mode, but the game performs admirably in both docked and handheld modes.
The game’s sound design is exceptional. The soundtrack is infectious, perfectly complementing the action with memorable tunes that linger long after the Switch is powered down. The recent recasting of Bayonetta’s voice actress from Hellena Taylor to Jennifer Hale initially sparked controversy. However, Hale delivers a stellar performance, capturing Bayonetta’s wit and playful nature with aplomb. That said, the character’s overt sexuality and humor may not resonate with everyone, potentially dividing newcomers. The over-the-top visuals and innuendos elicited laughter from me, but the humor (and occasional nudity) might not appeal to all tastes.
Bayonetta 3 ignited my curiosity to explore the previous installments, a testament to the captivating world PlatinumGames has crafted. Bayonetta’s distinctive style and humor set the series apart from other action titles, explaining the character’s enduring popularity. While the over-the-top humor and sexual themes might not win over everyone, and some Demon Slaves are less enjoyable to control, Bayonetta 3 is a must-play for series fans and a worthwhile experience for newcomers.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Bayonetta 3 is available now, exclusively on Nintendo Switch. This review was conducted on a Nintendo Switch OLED using a copy provided by the publisher.
