Common Sense Media Review
By Marc Saltzman
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature, graphic brawler about a witch fighting angels.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Play
Videos and Photos
Bayonetta
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 9 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say that the game is fine for mature young teens, despite having significant violence and sexual themes, which they believe can be manageable for those with common sense. Many reviewers highlight the enjoyable gameplay, diverse character cast, and epic story, though they caution that it's not suitable for younger children, especially those under 14, due to its mature content.
- age appropriateness
- enjoyable gameplay
- significant violence
- mature themes
- diverse characters
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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
- Pricing structure :
- Available online? : Not available online
- Publisher : Sega of America
- Release date : January 5, 2010
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- ESRB rating :
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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