Bayonetta 3: A Witchin’ Good Time

It has been too long since I have written anything. Unfortunately working retail means that this time of year gets crazy for me. I played quite a few spooky games this year, some of which I was able to write pieces for, others slipped away into the void. However I wanted to take the time to at least write about Bayonetta 3 which actually ended my spooky season this year. The time I had with this game was just extraordinary and it honestly exceeded all of my expectations.

A New Direction For An Incredible Series

The first two Bayonetta games were excellent titles. Platinum Games always knows how to get the combat and gameplay elements spot on. Controlling Bayonetta is always a dream and each weapon she can equip comes with its very own move set to master.

While those statements remain true for the series’ third entry, Bayonetta 3 also mixes things up almost entirely. Introducing a new playable character, a fresh set of weapons to choose from and a new gameplay mechanic that allows you to summon large demons, Bayonetta 3 literally propels the series into completely new heights. For me, Bayonetta 3 is the very best of the series.

Throughout the first two games, Bayonetta was always able to summon large demons to finish off bosses that stood in her way. However, Bayonetta 3 gives the player their first opportunity to actually control those demons for themselves. This mixed up combat in a new way, allowing me to decide when to use these huge summons. Not only that but I really found that this helped ground the series more in the lore and what all Bayonetta is truly capable of. It felt like her magic gauge had a purpose in this entry and I used it frequently.

Her new guns, Color My World, instantly clicked with me and became my favorite move set in the series. For the first time in a Bayonetta game, I found myself earning Gold and Platinum trophies consistently. Combat just felt more fluid and satisfying for me this time around. Don’t worry though, her old guns are present here as well if one of those sets are your favorite. You can change her outfits, too and for the first time in the series her hair color.

Tell Me A Story, Cheshire

Bayonetta 3 easily has the most complex and well-written story of the series, leaving me on the edge of my seat the entire time. At times, this game didn’t even feel like a Bayonetta game, but I mean that in a good way. I believe the series needed a bit of a revamp and they did a fantastic job doing just that. The story presented here is fresh. unique and honestly completely separate from the first two games. While playing the first two titles will give you more appreciation into the characters and world, this game could be your first Bayonetta game if you wanted it to be.

There’s a lot to potentially spoil here, but the introduction of Viola gives Platinum Games a lot of options on where they want to take this series. As much as I adore playing as Bayonetta, Viola’s missions broke up the game well and provided a fresh take on the story. She also mixed things up a bit since triggering her Witch Time is tied to parrying, not dodging.

I was hooked from start to finish with this game and even as I sit here writing about it, I already want to replay it. It has definitely left its mark on me and I’m extremely excited to see where the series goes from here.

Combos, Cutscenes, and Chaos

As I mentioned above, I absolutely adored the combat in this entry. Something about it flowed better for me this time around and it was easily the most fun I’ve had with a Bayonetta title. I loved mixing in the new Demon Slave feature into my combos, pulling off devastating finishing blows. I found myself replaying chapters to try for a better score and just to jump back into the action.

Of course the game had its fair share of quick time events, spicy cutscenes, and plenty of dance offs. None of these things took me out of the experience, though. Instead they only enhanced my time with the title. Bayonetta games are always full of wackiness, and Bayonetta 3 is no exception. You can expect the same tried and true formula for this entry, just in a different setting.

Towards the end of the game I was in shock at how much I had already done. This game has a lot to offer and I suggest you take advantage of that. Once you beat the game you unlock an endless battling mode which I just absolutely loved. Plenty of opportunity to try to weapon and demon combinations or go in with you favorites guns blazing.

Fly Me to the Moon

Bayonetta 3 was well worth the wait. From stylish combat to Bayonetta herself serving, this game satisfied my every need. Naturally I wanted even more, but that is what sequels are for. There’s a reason this series is still around, despite it not being as popular as some of the other games in the genre. It delivers an amount of fun only an action game can provide, mixes in humor and spicy moments to engage the player more and ultimately molds into the perfect combination.

My time with this series and this entry in particular is some of the best I’ve had with video games. While it didn’t quite become my favorite game I’ve played this year, it is certainly in the top 10. I’m so excited for the future of this series and to get my hands on more entries as they come out. I’ll be a Bayonetta fan for life.