If style was measureable in pounds, then both of Platinum Game’s titles would deliver it in truckloads. Bayonetta, directed by Devil May Cry founder Hideki Kamiya, oozed more style and substance in its four minute demo than some games do throughout their entire play time. Clearly showing its DMC roots, Bayonetta’s sexy heroine was pulverizing the snot out of rogue angels and other ethereal beings through a combination of melee and projectile attacks. She can also dodge attacks using Witch Time which, as you can probably assume, is yet another iteration of the bullet-time effect of slowing everything down.
One rather amusing combat mechanic is delivered solely through the Bayonetta’s hair. Called Torture Attacks, these contextually sensitive maneuvers always result in insanely ridiculous combos. These include transforming her hair into a screen filling boot and kicking the enemy across the screen, summoning a spike coffin and kicking someone into it, and, finally, constructing a guillotine out of nothing and taking full advantage of its glorious purpose. Without question it’s all hilariously over the top and, thankfully, completely aware of that fact
What it steals in substance it makes up for in style. The goofy Torture Attacks added senses of brevity to a game with a very ethereal art style. Halo collection (be it from scattered pickups or torn right off rogue angels) and a clear good versus evil context (you are a witch) surely lead into an epic narrative and unconditionally awesome atmosphere. This begs to ask what gamers consider more important in their experience. A perfect reinvention of an action game, or mechanically standard yet perfectly competent and engaging gameplay? By the numbers graphics and hackneyed characters or an inspired art design and drop dead gorgeous visuals? While I wouldn’t mind a true reinvention, I’ll certainly accept Bayonetta for what it might be; the true evolution of the DMC series and potentially the next legendary brawler.
