Parents' Guide to

Bayonetta

By Marc Saltzman, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 18+

Mature, graphic brawler about a witch fighting angels.

Game PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 2010
Bayonetta Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Bayonetta Game: Screenshot #1
  • Bayonetta Game: Screenshot #2
  • Bayonetta Game: Screenshot #3

Community Reviews

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age 14+

Based on 13 parent reviews

James D.
James D. Parent of 14-year-old
August 17, 2022
age 2+

Appropriate for emotionally mature people

This game is very high quality, even though it released nearly 15 years ago. Me and my son often play it together, and its a very fun time. This game may have some mature elements, however, let me explain them. When Bayonetta uses attacks, it takes away some of her clothing, but nothing explicit is ever shown. As for language, Bayonetta will say 'flock off' instead of the stronger word, which is clever. Violence is a key part of gameplay, but it is not against humans but against evil creatures who are trying to kill Bayonetta. Its definitely a very fun game, and if your kids are emotionally mature enough and can handle things like this, you should let them play.
1 person found this helpful.
Sauradip
Sauradip Adult
March 16, 2023
age 18+
Don't even think about playing this game is disg*sting once you think of it, you are going to be sexually attracted to them. It causes rumination of pornography. Even if you grow up over 21 , Don't play. No charm at all. Even in naive angel mode bayonetta is Too sexy. So it's true

This title has:

Too much violence
Too much sex
Too much swearing
See all 13 parent reviews

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?

Our review:
Parents say (13):
Kids say (20):

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
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: 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
  • Last updated: February 11, 2021

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