Gameplay Impressions
Gameplay ImpressionsWhat a stunning way to start 2010! Bayonetta has set a benchmark for action games over the coming year and many are going to find it hard to compete with the level of artistry and creativity of the development team at Platinum Games, who have delivered a game of epic proportions.
With its smooth and fluid gameplay mechanics, high production values and suprises and show-stopping moments around every corner, Bayonetta is a a highly entertaining game from beginning to end that sucks you deep into its fantasy world and awakens your senses with its artistry, visuals and soundtrack. In fact, if this was last month I wouldn't have hesistated at all in crowning Bayonetta as my game of the year for 2009.
The creative genius of the development team is apparent almost everywhere you look in Bayonetta. From the wacky and unique storyline, the gripping cinematic cut-scenes and the crazy range of characters and enemies, it’s a game that despite some tried-and-trusted gameplay - seen before in the likes of Devil May Cry - it still feels like a unique and invigorating experience that makes similar games seem so boring in comparision.
It helps immeasurably that Bayonetta is a stunningly detailed and likeable hero; a real character that I’ll certainly not forget in a hurry. Her move set is truly inspired and there’s a lot of depth to it alllowing you to be really creative and create some stunning combos that really come into play during the many intense boss battles, the likes of which really need to be seen to be believed.
From conjuring up beasts with her hair to pulling off the breakdance move, where she does the splits and spins her outstretched legs furiously, or even to summoning up intiricate torture devices, there’s some visually outstanding and outrageous moves that lift Bayonetta way above being a standard button-mashing beat ‘em up .
Rarely does the action feel repetitive either. Every fight that you’ll come across has a build up to it and real purpose. I didn’t feel like I was just fighting against waves of enemies for no reason. The action has great movement and fluidity to it thanks to the tight and responsive control scheme. There’s a depth to the combat that makes it challenging but extremely rewarding when you finally see off your enemy. And your creativity is encouraged because the more varied your combos are the more currency you’ll earn. The reward system compliments the gameplay nicely, encouraging you to try that extra bit harder to see off your enemy quickly and in style.
The likes of 'Witch Time,' which slows down time when you dodge an attack at the last minute has been implemented superbly, giving you further scope to be creative and score big with your combos, as well as providing some stunning eye-candy when you deliver your blows. By hitting Y and B you can conjure up a guillotine, spiked casket or even a pair of huge stone hands to crush your enemies and there's some entertaining combat moments provided by the 'Megatons,',in which you're giving a window of opportunity to pound the X button to deliver a crushing and spectacular finishing move. Despite the huge variety of moves that Bayonetta can pull off, it all still feels so smooth and fluid as you move from one combo to the next.
Though combat is largely what Bayonetta is all about, there's an element of unpredicatabilty around every corner. There are plenty of suprises in store and some amazing boss battles. Indeed, every boss battle in Bayonetta is an epic encounter, full of creativity and artistry, which is yet another reason why Bayonetta stands head and shoulders over similar games in this genre.
Bayonetta is a challenging game that has drained me at times with its intensity, bright visuals and powerful gameplay, but it is the most sexiest and downright coolest game I've played in a long time. I normally lean toward playing first-person shooters, or slower-paced adventure games, but Bayonetta has managed to grab my attention and thrill me with its smooth gameplay and astound me with its creativity. It's just been a real privilege to play.
Final Score - 9.5/10
