Bayonetta 3 Review
Bayonetta 3 brings its own charming twists to the action hack n' slash genre, my full review.
Bayonetta 3 is the latest in the over-the-top action series from PlatinumGames, and it's a true spectacle. The first two games were excellent, but the third installment takes things to another level with its unique combat system and gorgeous visuals. The development cycle was a long 5 years, but it was definitely worth the wait. The angel-hunting witch returns, confronting manmade bioweapons called Homunculi, as well as an unknown entity which threatens to destroy the multiverse and Bayonetta's reality.
The combat system is as fluid and stylish as ever, with a few new twists that keep things fresh. The game is also incredibly challenging, which is something I always appreciate in an action game. The visuals are stunning, and the soundtrack is fantastic. Overall, Bayonetta 3 is an incredible package that action fans will love, let's dive into the Umbra Witch's latest adventure on the Nintendo Switch.
Bayonetta 3 Details
Platform(s): Nintendo Switch
Developer(s): PlatinumGames Inc.
Publisher(s): Nintendo
Genre: Action-adventure
Mode(s): Single-player
ESRB Rating: M (Mature 17+)
Bayonetta 3's Story
If you're not familiar with the series, Bayonetta is a witch who uses guns and magic to fight angels and demons. Bayonetta must fight against "Singularity" to save her world from destruction. The story is a little convoluted, but it's told in a non-linear fashion that can be confusing at times. This time around, Bayonetta finds herself fighting against Homunculi, which are bioweapons created by humans. To help aid her battles on multiple fronts players have access to new abilities like Demon Masquerade, which channels the demon linked to her weapon allowing for increased power.
Along your journey, you'll join up with different Bayonettas fighting your way through the streets of Tokyo, the mountains of China, and other settings. On your journey, you'll build an arcane alliance to help save your reality. The cutscenes are gorgeous, and the voice acting is top-notch. However, I did find the humour to be hit-or-miss. Overall, the story is solid, but it's not the focus of the game, it comes down to the addictive gameplay which really steals the show.
Bayonetta 3 Gameplay
The combat in Bayonetta 3 is extremely satisfying, it's fast-paced and combo heavy, with a great mix of melee and ranged attacks. The enemies are also well-designed, providing a good challenge and plenty of variety. If you've played the previous games, then you'll be right at home with Bayonetta 3. It offers plenty of new mechanics while still staying true to the series' roots.
One of the biggest new additions is the "Witch Time" mechanic, which allows you to slow down time if you dodge an attack at the right moment. This can be used to unleash massive combos on your enemies. There are a few other new additions the "Demon Slave" and "Demon Masquerade" mechanics add a new dimension to enemy encounters. The aforementioned Demon Slave technique, allows Bayonetta to control and use her Infernal Demons in battle. Whereas Demon Masquerade not only lets Bayonetta fuse with an Infernal Demon, but also allows her to wield even more magical power.
During your adventures, you'll also get to play as a new witch in training, Viola. She fights with a samurai sword and a feline demon companion, Cheshire. She is more of a punk rock take on a Bayonetta, but offers more variety in combat and some of her own memorable moments.
Bayonetta 3's Graphics and Audio
The graphics in Bayonetta 3 are some of the best I've seen on the Nintendo Switch. The character models and larger than life weapons are top-notch. Unfortunately, the environments leave a lot to be desired with muddy textures. The framerate also takes dips when the action gets hectic with a lot happening on-screen. The soundtrack for Bayonetta 3 is excellent, with a mix of fast-paced electronic music and slower, more atmospheric tracks. The voice acting is also great, with everyone delivering their lines with gusto.
Final Thoughts on Bayonetta 3
Bayonetta 3 is an excellent addition to the Switch's library and action fans will love it. The story could be better, but that's not what this type of game is about. It's all about the gameplay, and Bayonetta 3 delivers in spades. The fast and fluid combat is a joy to play, and the new mechanics add even more depth. It's also one of the best-looking games on the Switch, with great visuals and audio. If you're looking for an action game to sink your teeth into then Bayonetta 3 is definitely worth checking out.
Bayonetta 3 PROS
+Stellar combat system
+The art design is beautiful
+Viola is a welcome addition to the playable cast of characters
Bayonetta 3 CONS
-Performance issues like dropped frames
-Camera angles can create frustration
Gameplay: 9.5/10
Graphics: 7.5/10
Sound: 9/10
Replayability: 8.5/10
Overall Rating: 34.5/40 (86%)
A copy of the game was provided by Nintendo for the purpose of this review.
About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina
Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on twitter, Instagram and join in on the fun!
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