Bayonetta
Common Sense says
- PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- $59.99
- 2010
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this game.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this game contains lots of violence, blood, and foul language. With the former, the heroine can perform all kinds of deadly attacks against heaven's angels, using her feet and hands as well as weapons and black magic. She can also summon instruments of torture, such as an iron maiden, or call on demonic beasts to rip apart her enemies. There are also some suggestive sexual imagery as the heroine doesn't wear much clothing and can move her body in sexual ways.
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User Reviews
a female version of dmc
Fun, but difficult; Mature teens and up
I think 14+ is a good age.
What's it about?
If Sega's BAYONETTA is any indication, there will be a lot of sore thumbs in 2010. The first videogame of the year is a stylized action romp, with over-the-top moves and fast-paced combat that requires some serious button mashing in order to succeed. Created by renowned developer Hideki Kamiya (Resident Evil, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, Okami), this Japanese import tells of a beautiful witch who awakens after a 500-year slumber. With little recollection of who she is and why she's battling against hoards of heaven's angels, this femme fatale makes her way to a remote area of Europe for an epic confrontation. Eventually, you'll help unravel the mystery of Bayonetta's identity and purpose. Not unlike the frantic third-person action in Devil May Cry, much of this game fuses gunplay with melee moves (powerful kicks, flips, punches, and slams) and dark magic that lets her summon demons or objects of torture from the underworld (such as guillotines and iron maidens). Environments range from gothic castles and graveyards to small towns and courtyards.
Is it any good?
Yes, Bayonetta is good, but only if you enjoy over-the-top, visceral action. Bayonetta's set of double-barrel guns, which are held in her hands and strapped to both ankles, each have their own name -- Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme -- and as such, are referred to as "Scarborough Fair." Couple this with outrageous acrobatics and you can imagine the devastating attacks on enemies. Other weapons are available, too, such as a glowing katana sword or items left behind by angels, and all are upgradeable. Bayonetta can even use her long hair to call forth creatures, temporarily transform her into beasts, or fly her into the air. Expect plenty of camera angles, slow-motion effects, and over-the-top moves that would even make Quentin Tarantino grin with delight. Be forewarned: your thumbs are in for a serious workout. If you're up for the challenge, Sega's Bayonetta is a good pick for mature players who prefer fast and cinematic action, wild environments, and fantastic moves.
NOTE: The Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of the game are the same.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about whether this game needed the blood and gore. Couldn't Bayonetta defeat the relentless swarm of angels without showing any graphic finishing moves?
Some families might want to discuss how you play as a witch who ascended from below, and now fights againts angels. Is this troubling or is exploring the evil side fascinating?
Game details
- Platforms: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
- Price: $59.99
- Available online? Not available online
- Developer: Sega of America
- Release date: January 5, 2010
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating: M for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
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Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.