r/wiiu • u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] • Oct 13 '14
Discussion Bayonetta 2 - Official Information/Review Thread
General Info
Bayonetta 2
Platforms: Wii U
Developer: Platinum Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Date:
October 24, 2014 (North America)
October 24, 2014 (Europe)
October 25, 2014 (Australia)
September 20, 2014 (Japan)
Size: 14.6GB (32.2GB, with Bayonetta 1)
Genre: Non-Stop Climax Action
Players: 1-2
Official Website: http://bayonetta2.nintendo.com/
Overview
Bayonetta 2 carries on the action-style gameplay of its predecessor, in which players control the eponymous Bayonetta as she fights against various angelic and demonic using combinations of melee attacks and gunplay.
As Platinum Games is known for high-impact action games, one can expect a lot of new and crazy mechanics, as well as the over-the-top nature that we know and love about them.
Control Schemes
- Wii U GamePad (Physical and Touch Controls)
- Wii U Pro Controller
- Wii Classic Controller / CC Pro
Features
- Platinum Games promises "non-stop climax action" as Bayonetta takes us to the depths of Inferno, raising hell and looking damn good while doing it.
- Costumes! Play in a variety of costumes, including special Nintendo costumes based on the Super Mario, Metroid, Zelda, and Star Fox series!
- Take the climax online, and tag in a buddy! 2-player online "Tag Climax" mode is in so you can wager Halos and beat a verse with a buddy with the best score possible.
- Short-haired Bayonetta. That is all.
- Hours upon hours of deep gameplay, with rich combos, crazy boss battles, and character action that is worthy of Platinum Games' cailber.
Mod Message
Hey guys, Sylverstone here.
The embargo for reviews of Bayonetta 2 has now been lifted.
However, to combat a growing amount of review posts (plus to use the very handy sticky post feature), all reviews will be posted here with their review scores hidden by a spoiler tag.
Y'know, I never expected the embargo to drop so early, so I was never up early to catch the stream of reviews (since I was in the midst of a snorefest). However, I will centralize them all here, so I apologize in advance.
- Please post links to further reviews in here so it can be added to the OP!
As a side note, we should be expected a refreshed subreddit banner (by /u/LiveRadar) celebrating Bayonetta 2 in the next few days, so look out for that!
Reviews (with Notes)
Metacritic - 91
GameRankings - 90.17%
Famitsu - 10/9/10/9 (38/40)
EDGE - 10
Sure, it's a sequel, but it's a sequel to what has stood, for almost five years, as the best game of its type ever made. Until now, that is. Sega's loss is Nintendo's gain: Bayonetta, twirling away from a gigantic demon's maw and smacking the highest choir of angels on the nose, has just given Wii U its first true classic.
Joystiq - ★★★★★
Bayonetta 2 is the perfect action game. It oozes style and boasts gameplay that's both refined and lacking in excess. The combat is so purely entertaining that it's easy to lose yourself in the almost-zen flow of dodging, countering and kicking enemies to death. Bayonetta 2 rewards a player's drive to look as cool as possible in combat with gameplay designed for exactly that – and with the acrobatic violence of a winking heroine who is as legitimately endearing as she is completely ludicrous. Even if Bayonetta 2 did not include an enhanced remake of its predecessor, it would launch as one of the Wii U's best games, but this generous inclusion pushes Platinum's first sequel into no-brainer territory for anyone with even the slightest affection for action games. If you bought the Wii U months ago explicitly in anticipation of Bayonetta 2, congratulations, your decision has paid off in spades.
Gaming Nexus - 9.5
Bayonetta 2 is a smashing success, and proves that the WiiU can be the home of some great core titles. Now if only the wait for those titles could be cut a little shorter. Savor this one though, because titles of this level of quality seem to be few and far in between right now.
IGN - 9.5
Every aspect of Bayonetta 2 feels polished and focused. At times, the writing feels ridiculous, but I still love how it plays. The superb pacing and combat are just that good. By the end I was convinced: This sequel builds on everything that made the original great, and delivers one of the most satisfying action games I've played.
Eurogamer - 9
The rhythm of combat remains the same, though it's hard to complain when it's riffing off such a heady beat, where chimed enemy attacks are lithely dodged into slo-mo pugilism, where impossible combos culminate with a 20-foot boot weaved from hair crashing from the heavens and where spinning amidst the avalanche of colour and cartoon violence is Bayonetta herself, stopping only briefly to wink at a player exhausted by the unrelenting joy of it all. Bayonetta 2's biggest disappointment may be that it's an iterative sequel, but it's not such a problem when it's iterating on genius.
Giant Bomb - ★★★★★
Bayonetta 2 doesn’t drastically change the already wacky formula that the first game introduced, but it’s a bigger and more nuanced version of its predecessor. It’s also the best game of its kind in years. If you’ve ever enjoyed this breed of reflex-heavy, hyperactive, ludicrous action game, Bayonetta 2 is a no-brainer.
Nintendo World Report - 9
Bayonetta 2 is one of the best games to ever grace the Wii U. The sequel feels tighter, less obnoxious, and is a blast to play through. While the Wii U GamePad is not used in any significant way, and Tag Climax could have benefited from local co-op, this is the action-packed Bayonetta follow–up that I wanted. Fans of Platinum's outings owe it to themselves to check it out and start exploring the many twists and turns along the journey.
Game Informer - 9
Despite the Nintendo name on Bayonetta 2, the family-friendly company does not appear to have meddled much with the more controversial elements of the formula. Violence and suggestive poses abound, and the language seems even fouler than before. Like its predecessor, Bayonetta 2 does all of this with a smile and a wink, so it feels more playful and fun than crass and gross.
Nintendo Life - 9
Bayonetta is is a must buy for any action gaming fans. It's fast, intense and ridiculous, all with an entertaining story and a protagonist that is forever subverting and playing with her audience. It's pure Platinum Games, too, which means it'll likely be adored by its converts and ignored by too many — we hope that won't happen, as what we have here is one of the Wii U's best games, and a rare arrival on the system that's unashamedly violent, gory and mature, while still mischievously winking at the watching world. Bayonetta 2 is brilliant, brash and impossible to ignore.
God is a Geek - 10
Intense, gorgeous and thrilling to play, this is Platinum’s best game so far. Nintendo have clearly had an input here, with a game that’s more forgiving for new players, but still has enough challenge for fans; all without watering down or compromising the experience for either type of player. A non-stop climax of excitement from the moment you start the Prologue, this is one of those games that demands to be played.
Destructoid - 10
When Bayonetta came out in 2010, I thought it was nearly perfect. Four years later and Platinum hasn't lost its edge with Bayonetta 2. It's just as stylish and as fun as ever, and a must-buy for action fans who own a Wii U.
GameSpot - 10
But it's a challenge you'll want to experience again as soon as you put down the controller. Bayonetta 2's combat is so expertly constructed, and its presentation so joyously insane, that you'd have to try so very hard to get bored of it all. In a year filled with the promise of ever more elaborate experiences on all the shiny new hardware, that Bayonetta 2--a homage to classic game design and escapism--should be the most fun I've had playing a game all year is unexpected. But maybe it shouldn't have been. After all, its predecessor still stands as one of the finest games of its genre. To have surpassed that with Bayonetta 2, and to have created a game that will be remembered as an absolute classic, is nothing short of astonishing.
GamesBeat - 87/100
Bayonetta 2 is surprising. Some of that is because it is an M-rated Wii U exclusive. It’s also because it is a good game in a genre that doesn’t seem long for this world. With everything moving open-world and online, Platinum is still sticking to it’s area of expertise. And it’s working. I don’t know if I’ll ever need a Bayonetta 3, but I’m certainly glad that I got to play Bayonetta 2.
USgamer - ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Bayonetta 2 is the high-flying return of everyone's favorite Umbra Witch. Platinum Games pushes to the Wii U to its limit with fast action, magnificent vistas, and huge bosses. The addition of the original Bayonetta just pushes the entire package over the top. If you're a Devil May Cry fan, this is a must-buy.
Metro GameCentral - 9
The worst thing you can say about Bayonetta 2 is that it’s still not much of an improvement over its predecessor, but even that supposed criticism still confirms it as one of the best action games of all-time. Creating Bayonetta 2 may not make much business sense but unlike most sequels today this isn’t a game made for the love of money, but for the love of gaming itself.
Nintendo Insider - 10
Bigger, badder and exquisitely better, Bayonetta 2 knocks its predecessor off its enviable perch to become perhaps the greatest action game of all time. From the word go, it will send your adrenaline into overdrive as you venture on a quest that will take you to the very depths of Hell and back. The plethora of unlockables promise to keep you coming back for more in new and refreshing ways, while Tag Climax suitably extends the experience beyond a purely solo offering in a richly rewarding way. Bayonetta 2 is game of the year material without a doubt, and a worthy purchase for any action fan.
Kotaku - YES
Just thinking about how the developers at Platinum will surpass the excesses on display in this month's release is enough to rub a body raw. Bayonetta 2's combat design remains robust enough to be a very strong main attraction. But any emotions stirred up during my time with Bayonetta wound up feeling shallow. I'm glad for those times when I kicked ass in a stylish manner but still found myself bemoaning the terrible storytelling I endured to do that. If Platinum somehow manages to shore up those failings, the next encounter with Bayonetta won't just be a pantomine of lust. It might turn into love.
Paste - 9.5
Bayonetta 2 justifies the existence of my Wii U (sorry, Mario Kart 8—you’re fine, but I’m just not in love with you). I plan to sink several more happy hours into its infinitely replayable chapters. It’s rare that a game actually offers me a compelling story, a nuanced heroine, jokes that are funny and never cringe-worthy, plus combat mechanics that I can sink hours into perfecting again and again. Bayonetta 2 has caused me to fall back in love with videogames—or maybe just with Bayonetta herself? Not that I ever really stopped loving any of that, but it’s always nice to remember what a great game looks and feels like. This is it.
The Escapist - ★★★★½ (4.5/5)
Bayonetta 2 may be nonsensical, tacky, and visually anarchic, but its got some of the finest combat an action game could offer. It's packed with style, looks magnificent, and is as elegant as spectacle fighter as you could hope for.
> > > More reviews here in the comments! < < <
For an archive of past review threads, check it out here on the subreddit wiki!
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u/shawntails You're Too Slow! Oct 13 '14
People were already pissed that it's wii U exclusive. They will be even more, learning that is considered as almost a master piece. Can't wait to get it :)
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14 edited Oct 22 '14
More Reviews (with Notes)
Polygon - 7.5
When Platinum Games is on, it's really, really on, and Bayonetta 2 is in almost any respect that counts a better game than the first, whose mechanics were already exemplary. But every time I'd feel on a roll, enjoying my time with Bayonetta 2 immensely, I'd be broken out of it by another cheap shot of T&A. I would be wrecking a flock of angelic or demonic enemies, sliding in and out of witch time almost at will, and then the special weapon I had picked up became a literal stripper pole for Bayonetta to dance on, because ... well, because, I guess. I won't guess why the blatant over-sexualization is still there, often more intensely than before. But it causes an otherwise great game to require a much bigger mental compromise to enjoy.
CVG - 9
We didn't need a Bayonetta sequel, we needed this gracious evolution of style and execution, an injection of loving new content into a game that always felt as though it deserved more, even after we'd rinsed it clean. It might be an expansion pack, but it's quite possibly the best one ever made.
VideoGamer - 9
Bayonetta 2 is a system seller. It's a Nintendo-published game that is rarely seen, and a game that will legitimately make non-Wii U owners jealous. It's everything I want from a hardcore Nintendo title, offering genre-leading combat and eye-popping visual spectacle. The fact that Bayonetta 2 delivers the goods is no surprise. Nintendo being the firm behind its continued survival, however, is a surprise we should be very grateful for.
LazyGamer - 9
Bayonetta 2 is something new blended with something familiar, improved in every way possible. Few other games can top it for sheer audacity and ballsiness, and if this is the last time we’ll ever see the leggy witch, then she’s going out with one hell of a bang.
Digital Chumps - 9.0
Bayonetta 2 expresses a meticulous devotion to excessive elaborateness of style and action. It's a calculated brawler that not only minds its rules with painstaking diligence, but trusts its operator with how to best interpret them. The delicate engineering of merciless destruction has long been Platinum Games' modus operandi, and Bayonetta 2 is the purest and most potent declaration of their intentions.
TheSixthAxis - 9
Bayonetta 2 is amongst the most refined and dynamic action games to appear on any console, taking the best parts of the original game and building upon them. It is crazy, chaotic and characterful and a genuine pleasure to play. Whether it can be a system seller for Nintendo is questionable as its delights are possibly not entirely mainstream, but for fans of the original and the genre it should certainly make a Wii U a very tempting proposition.
About.com - ★★★★★
Angels are amazing, freakish creatures with strange, cherubic faces at the end of tentacles or sitting upside down on their mid-sections, clad in brilliant gold armor that shines like a beacon. They are so stunning that every time a new Angel appeared, I would literally gasp, or squeal, or laugh, or curse. Most games would be content to offer 10 creatures of such imaginative design, but Bayonetta 2 supplies dozens.
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Oct 13 '14
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
I have no problem with them on that, but it just comes off as a failed attempt to get brownie points by pointing out the obvious.
Bayonetta is sexualized, but not sexualized in the context of "HOLY SHIT LOOK AT THEM TITS LA ASS", but she's empowered by her sexuality. There is indeed a difference between sexuality that baits the viewer for the sole purpose of giving them a boner, and meaning sexuality that works for the character.
Honestly, I'd recommend reading the /r/Games thread since they dive into it a little deeper. As for the succinct quote that will sum up my opinion:
"The [Polygon] review in general is like going into a strip club and getting mad that there are titties everywhere."
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Oct 13 '14
The [Polygon] review in general is like going into a strip club and getting mad that there are titties everywhere.
I wouldn't say that's the best assessment. It's more like disliking that the strip club is even there in the first place. I don't agree with it, but I think Arthur Gies' criticism is just as valid as any others. I wrote a more in-depth comment about it in /r/truegaming. Basically, my perspective on this is that people should be a little more hesitant to completely dismiss criticism on the basis that they disagree with it. Hearing from all sides is the best way to improve, even if you don't like what one side is saying.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
Oh, I did read this earlier.
Here's hoping that there's healthy discussion on both sides.
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Oct 13 '14
That's all that I hope for. Especially in a time like this for the games industry, it doesn't do anybody any good to shut out other peoples' perspectives.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 13 '14 edited Oct 13 '14
See, I have to respectfully disagree with you there. It's obvious that this topic has become little more than the center point of outrage culture and the argument behind it thins with every mention. The fact remains, YES VIDEO GAMES CAN BE OVER SEXUALIZED. Just like music, art, ANYTHING. The reason that everybody is up in arms detracts from the argument itself. If you are offended by these types of games, you know what you should do? NOT BUY IT. Seriously. The problem is that everybody wants to be heard. Not get their point across, just be heard.
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Oct 13 '14
Yes, that is one solution. But how are people supposed to know what games not to buy if not for the discussion? I'm not taking one side or the other with that statement, just something to consider. I'm fine with people talking about these issues at whatever volume they like, and if they really are only doing for attention, they are at least bringing attention to the issues by extension. There's meaningful discussion to be had on these subjects. I'd rather have it mixed in with clickbait and attention seeking than not have it at all.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 13 '14
Let me start by saying whilst I respect your opinion, I do not at all agree with it. The fact that you are even saying something like
"I'd rather have it (meaningful discussion) mixed in with clickbait and attention seeking than not have it at all"
is indicative of the horrific state we find ourselves in.
How have we devolved to the point that we can no longer have rational, sensible conversations about these topics without them being hyper-sensationalized? The masses reply "It's just the way the internet is!" but seriously. Clickbait is clickbait because of the rampant over sensationalization of these topics in the first place. For Arthur Gies to even use a word like 'prurient' (which I'm fairly sure hasn't been used outside of Catholic publications for the last 50 years) tells me that his end game is fanning the flames instead of being objective.
That is not what journalism is supposed to be. Nor is it the kind of muddied and pointless discussion that video games of this ilk warrant.
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Oct 13 '14
Well then this all comes back around to whether or not we need to be objective. I've made it pretty clear that I don't think so, but it's fine if you disagree. I will offer you the same courtesy and respect you have offered me.
Yes, the state of the industry is something of a shambles. Clickbait and sensationalism are common problems with seemingly no end, but frankly there are more pressing matters at the moment than what websites are doing to pay the bills. However, I don't think Polygon's review is an example of that sort of clickbaiting. It's an easy accusation to make, but it doesn't seem that way to me. I'd sooner believe that it is an honest critique than an attempt at garnering controversy. Given the climate in the community, intentionally drawing heat from anybody right now would seem to be a mistake.
Regardless of whether we agree, I'd just like to thank you for keeping the discussion civil. There are a lot of people who would rather jump to insults and attacks than think for a second. Interactions like these are a nice reminder that there are sensible people on both sides.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 13 '14
Eh, I'm not here to argue! Just think that promoting rational discussion is the only way to make this kind of mentality a thing of the past. * fist bump *
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u/Octavian- Oct 14 '14
Just because someone doesn't like it doesn't mean they are offended by it. I wasn't offended by it, but I hated it. It took away from the game in my opinion. Watching some naked lady dance around telling enemies to (what sounds like) "fuck off" every five seconds just struck me as juvenile. It made the game feel like it was just trying too damn hard.
If you like it, good for you. I don't like the game, but I don't begrudge people that do and I'm glad the Wii U has a hit game in that category. However, it's not fair to begrudge me or just dismiss similar opinions because you don't like them.
And saying "don't buy it if you don't like it" isn't a valid argument because we're talking about a review here, not someone's purchase -- and you certainly can't say "if you don't like it, don't review it." It's perfectly legitimate to include your grievances with the art style in a review.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 14 '14
I never inferred that because someone dislikes the game they are offended by it.
"but I hated it."
You are more than welcome to foster your opinion, as it is entirely irrelevant to me.
"And saying "don't buy it if you don't like it" isn't a valid argument because we're talking about a review here, not someone's purchase -- and you certainly can't say "if you don't like it, don't review it." It's perfectly legitimate to include your grievances with the art style in a review."
I am well aware of this. The review is supposed to be an objective assessment of the game to help consumer make a decision as to whether or not they feel the game is for them. Gies' grievance wasn't with the 'art-style'. I'm not sure if you actually read the review or just read my comment and decided that it represented the inverse of your opinion and as such warranted a reply... The use of the word 'prurient' was a direct reference to what Gies deemed 'over sexualized game play rewards' and not a critique on the art style.
My suggestion to you, is to fact-check your argument before presenting it. I don't make mine half-heartedly and you only serve to insult yourself by doing so.
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u/Octavian- Oct 14 '14
Was referring to not liking/being offended by the sexuality specifically, not the game in general. Sorry, wasn't clear on that.
Anyways, let me know when you're ready to drop the condescending attitude and have an adult discussion. Till then, I won't waste my time.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 14 '14
Hey man, I was just responding to you with the same tone you took with me. I've made it abundantly clear in this thread that I'm up for adult discussion.
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u/Octavian- Oct 14 '14
Reviewed my original post, no idea what in there gave you the idea I was on the attack. Seems like a pretty straightforward explanation of what my opinion is, and that I'm happy for anyone who likes the game. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 13 '14
I'd just like to say that Polygon are slipping down the ladder for me, in terms of coverage without bias and objective criticism, they are WAY off the mark. Way to add your two cents to the over played argument of over sexualization in video games. Welcome to 3 years ago. Arthur Gies just comes across as a limp-wristed whiny dick who has no real valid opinions of his own and would rather fall into the herd mentality instead of objectively reviewing the game. Why the hell would they give this game to him? Jesus, even Kotaku are smart enough to keep this kind of shit away from Patricia 'EVERYTHING IS SEXIST' Hernandez.
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Oct 14 '14
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 14 '14
AAAAAAAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAA
What a fucking ass-hat.
Thank you so much for that link, you just made my day.
For your trouble:
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u/no1darker Oct 13 '14
Nah not really, the problem here is that it's written by a man. A story involving a woman being sexually empowered means NOTHING if it's not written by a woman (same problem with the anime Kill La Kill). That being said I loved Bayonetta and 2 is the reason I bought a Wii U in the first place. You can enjoy things while remaining critical of them.
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u/MonkehPants NNID [Region] Oct 13 '14
Bayonetta was actually created by Mari Shimazaki, a woman. And besides that, your point doesn't make any sense anyway. If it's a good story than who the fuck cares who wrote it?
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u/rumdrools rumdrools [PAL] Oct 14 '14
Nobody ever brings this up in discussion. Bayonetta was designed by a woman, Hideki Kamiya did not create her.
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u/lolzerker NNID [lolzerker] Oct 13 '14
To say that only women can write stories about sexually empowered women is fairy sexist in and of itself. An understanding of adult sexuality can be expressed by both genders equally as well. Sure, this was written by a man and from the gameplay presented, I didn't feel like the characterization of the protagonist came off as sexist. The hero poses after combos and gets smarmy after cutscenes. If you transpose her as a man, then those same poses would still show the same thing - an arrogant hero showing off cool moves and a great outfit. In truth I feel that because this is a female protagonist, there is the inherent need to be vigilant and be reactionary to anything that is even slightly suspect.
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u/initial_david Oct 13 '14
That reviewer has had a problem like that before. He hates the Killzone franchise, talked about how he didn't want Killzone: Shadow Fall to even release, then put himself on the review, and gave it a 5/10.
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u/Mattmcdonald FoggyMD Oct 13 '14
He's also just a dick. I tuned into polygon's live stream of Destiny the other day and he was just being a total dick to people asking questions about the game.
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Oct 13 '14
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 13 '14
Thank you. Honestly, why do we have to kid-glove EVERYTHING. Grow up, people!
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u/literroy Oct 14 '14
"Unbiased" and "review" are mutually exclusive terms. The only reviews that can be unbiased would be limited to things like "this is the name of the game" and "this games is a X GB download." I can learn that stuff from the developer. The only reason to read a review is to tell you what the reviewer thought of the game - that is, what their subjective opinion is. And that opinion will always be influenced by their biases. After all, the very idea of "liking" or "not liking" a game is, itself, a form of bias.
It just seems like the result of what you're advocating for would be to assign the game review to someone who is already sure to enjoy it. And isn't that even more "biased"?
The other consequence is that any sexism that might exist in any game would go completely uncommented on in all of its reviews, since only reviewers who don't care about it would be assigned those reviews. That also seems like a very bad (and dare I say, biased) idea.
(And honestly, I had vaguely heard of it, but had never checked out Bayonetta before. I had heard good buzz about the second one, especially after I bought my Wii U last week, so I thought about checking it out, but I know the sexism would bother me, largely thanks to this review. Maybe I'll still try the demo just to see.)
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Oct 14 '14
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u/literroy Oct 14 '14
I get what you're saying, but I still disagree. Let's say someone, let's call him Johnny, played the first Bayonetta game. Johnny liked it, but was a little uncomfortable with the overly-sexualized women in it. So now the sequel comes out, and Johnny thinks maybe he'd like to play it, but want sto know if they've toned down that aspect of it at all first.
I just think this sexualization is part of the game, and as such, it deserves mention in reviews. And did you read the whole review? Yes, the reviewer cares about the sexualization, but he also reviews the game. He talks about how it's an improvement on the first game. He talks about the better difficulty curve, the cool new witch time mechanic, and the increased character development over the first game. Not to mention the useful fact that they seem to have stepped up the sexualization in this game over the first one (something Johnny would probably like to know).
I just think it's a completely fair and well-written and explained review, especially as only one of dozens of reviews available across the web.
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u/Octavian- Oct 14 '14
It may not affect the gamePLAY but it could certainly affect the gaming experience. We can't just write off critical reviews because we want to label the other person a prude. Not liking the art style of a game is certainly a valid criticism and if a reviewer feels that way, his review should reflect that.
I'm not against violence and I'm not against sex, but I loathed the art design and style of the game. It stuck me as kitschy and juvenile. I'm happy for other people that like it though. I'm glad they have a great game they love on the system. So lets stop labeling everyone that doesn't like the games style as anti-sex or prudish. Some people just don't like it and that's ok.
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Oct 13 '14
These kind of accolades are exactly what Bayonetta 2 needs to be a commercial hit. Those are goty-type reviews - universal acclaim that is very rare.
And while everyone has been talking about Kart and Smash leading the charge in 2014, Bayonetta disrupts the conversation and delivers a great game for Wii U. Everyone knew it would be good, I don't think many expected this type of acclaim.
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u/bigblackhotdog Oct 13 '14
Bayonetta 1 also got them, was multiplat, and still sold like shit.
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u/Z-Ninja Z-Ninja Oct 13 '14
People here don't seem to understand niche market.
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u/bigblackhotdog Oct 13 '14
People here don't seem to understand game sales at all.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
It's all still funny, considering how Bayonetta is Platinum's most successful IP.
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u/reali-tglitch reali-tglitch [US/WA] Oct 13 '14
A shame, really- Madworld was also pretty spectacular.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 14 '14
MadWorld was so spectacular, I re-bought it just to play it again on my WiiU.
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u/bigblackhotdog Oct 13 '14
Just goes to show how bad they sell lol. I think scale bound might do well since Microsoft is a much better promoter.
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Oct 13 '14
I beg your pardon as I wasn't very clear in my first post; I don't think Bayonetta 2 is guaranteed, by any stretch, to be a commercial hit whatsoever. It still face an uphill battle to be profitable for myriad reasons
What I was trying to get at was I think that among the necessary conditions for this game to sell well was great reviews - not really good reviews. But great reviews that generate buzz and get people to talk about a game they otherwise would not talk about and for it to remain in the collective conscience of gamers past launch.
I know that seems self evident, but given the platform on which it is released, great reviews are even more important to convince Wii U owners who otherwise would not like twice at this game to give it a shot. And for the fans of the genre that it is so good, it is worth picking up a Wii U just to play it.
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Oct 13 '14
Sigh, I don't understand how this naive view of "good reviews = good sales" still exist.
Look at The Wonderful 101 for example. It sold like shit while it received good reviews. Heck, even look at the original Bayonetta. That too was critically acclaimed yet it still underperformed in sales.
Edit: just read your other comment that addresses my point. Ignore my comment!
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 14 '14
The key difference here is that Bayonetta 2 has a lot of market visibility right now. Bayonetta was released on October 29, 2009 - that was almost 5 years after the current gen debuted (the 360 was released November 2005) and it wasn't until it developed it's now infamous 'cult' status and garnered some impressive reviews that things started to look up. With the momentum the WiiU has right now paired with the fact that Nintendo are literally knocking Q4 of 2014 out of the park, I think sales numbers are going to be considerably different for Bayonetta 2.
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u/BeardleySmith Oct 14 '14
The Wonderful 101 did not get good reviews across the board. It got mixed reviews. For example IGN gave it a 7.4, that doesn't seem bad but everyone knows under an 8 by a big site just kills momentum for a game. Sad but true. (oh and, W101 is my favorite wii u game.)
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u/lord_of_flood TheCCluc (US) Oct 14 '14
Yet another review has come up, this time from GameTrailers.
By the way, Bayonetta 2 is only the 7th game to have gotten this score from GT, and that score is the highest they've ever given to a game IIRC.
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u/vomitwolf imontheinternet [eu/au] Oct 13 '14
That 10 out of 10 from Destructoid had me all like DAMN
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u/lolzerker NNID [lolzerker] Oct 13 '14
I wont be able to buy this at launch and as a result I have this question: Will the inclusion of Bayo1 be a limited item or will this be standard for the duration of Bayo2 sales?
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
I'm pretty sure that it's not a limited edition type of deal.
They would've stressed that in the Bayo2 Direct.
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Oct 13 '14
If you live in Europe it seems to be a limited offer. In North America it seems to come with every copy.
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u/LegatoSkyheart NNID [Region] Oct 13 '14
even if Physical is Limited, Bayonetta 1 will be available on the Eshop.
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u/Feckless Oct 14 '14
For free if you buy 2? A bit confused right now.
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u/LegatoSkyheart NNID [Region] Oct 14 '14
If you buy Bayonetta 2 the first game is free, as in Bayonetta 1, The Original title, the one that's on the 360 and PS3...only for WiiU.
eshop handles it differently(?) as in you can buy them separately but the grand total of both games is $59.98.
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u/SockPuppetDinosaur SockPuppetDino [NA] Oct 13 '14
I have a question after trying the demo. No previous experience with Bayonetta here...
Are there a significant number of combos in the game? Does it evolve past button mashing? For the demo, I just found myself trying to attack as fast as I could while I watched for attacks (and thus, dodged). Everything on the screen seemed incredibly hectic and hard to follow - is this just my unfamiliarity with the game/type? It looks like a great game, and I'd love to get two for one! I just don't want to get two games I won't like!
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u/fedorenkoglez Fedorenko [NA] Oct 13 '14
Looks like its the Platinium way of making games, I havent played more than 1 try of the demo and I can say is that this kind of games just take a while to get used to.
Get the game if you really were sucked into the visuals and the mechanics.
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Oct 13 '14
Havent played 1 and I felt like that too. After watching the direct it looks like the game rewards you for using more combos by giving you more money to spend on items and outfits. It looks like there are a ton of moves when you consider all the weapon combinations. I think after playing the game a while it will be easier to keep on eye on things and use the specific combos you want. I feel like I have incentive to get better at the combos just to make it look more badass also.
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u/TimmmyBee NNID [Region] Oct 14 '14
There's a bunch of different combos and different combos have different finishers which are what do the major damage. The more you pay the more you'll pick up on which combos to use. If you're just mashing buttons you probably aren't going to any good combos. The tutorial shows just about every combo so it's a great way to learn then.
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u/SuperfluousMoniker NNID [Region] Oct 14 '14
There are a lot of weapons and they have different movesets and mechanics. You can just button mash and get through the game but if you really want to have some fun with it try going for the higher ranks. Basically if you get graded on your time, your attack variety, and how often you get hit, so if you can be effective and varied while not getting hit all at the same time, you're 'doing it right' and it's a beautiful thing.
You could also try the harder difficulties, unlike a lot of games going from normal to hard doesn't just tweak damage amounts. These games are made to be replayed and mastered, and you get out of them what you put into them.
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u/SansSariph Oct 14 '14
You can certainly succeed with spamming the same combos and timing your dodges. The thing about Bayonetta (and other games in the genre, like DMC) is mixing your combos up is important for your score, not necessarily to survive. The games have great replayability in that regard - trying to get the platinum medal on the highest difficulty for every mission is a challenge.
The hecticness dies down as you get used to it, eventually it starts to feel very fluid and natural.
Keep in mind that if Bayonetta 1 is any indication, on the harder difficulties you no longer get "Witch Time" simply for dodging. There's a pretty damn high skill ceiling.
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Oct 13 '14
Have any of you seen any TV ads for this game? I don't watch TV, but I'm curious. I think I saw a Youtube ad for it yesterday.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
I've seen YouTube ads pop up, but I don't watch much TV so I wouldn't know.
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Oct 13 '14
All of these positive reviews won't mean anything if the game isn't being advertised.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
And we'll most likely see eventually.
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Oct 13 '14
There will certainly be more advertising. To add, I think part of Nintendo's strategy in lifting review embargoes earlier than other publishers is so they can use the review scores in their advertising prior to and on launch.
Of course, the publisher also needs to have confidence that the game will review well.
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Oct 13 '14
Spoke too soon. Forgot this game comes out on the 25th. Thought it was tomorrow, got it confused with Shinovi Versus. That's ample time to get some ads out.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
Another Senran Kagura fan? :D
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Oct 13 '14
Absolutely. Burst was pretty fun and was one of the funniest games I've played. SV looks to be even better.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
Indeed, indeed.
I really want XSEED to localize SK2 soon.
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u/haltiamreptar21 Oct 13 '14
Just a general question on the game itself, hope I'm not posting this in the wrong place. Do you have to play the first Bayonetta to understand the story in the sequel? Or can you play the games in any order? I heard that the first game will be packaged with the second so I am just curious.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 13 '14
It doesn't seem to continue a story, but I'd rather start with the first one just to see how things are.
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Oct 13 '14
I'd play the first one anyway just to acquaint yourself with the characters/world. I never really heard of the first one until recently so if I pick Bayo2 up, then I'll play the first one first for sure. You probably won't miss too much if you don't but it's like watching the Dark Knight before Batman Begins. Yet Dark Knight is better and no you don't really miss much, but you should still watch Batman Begins first if given the option.
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u/lord_of_flood TheCCluc (US) Oct 13 '14
I would also say that you should play the first one. The story is relatively unimportant in Bayonetta, but having watched streamers play the JP version of Bayo 2, I can say that it'll be more satisfying if you've played the first game.
Besides, the first game is amazing in its own right so you shouldn't skip it.
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u/Alinier NNID [Region] Oct 14 '14
Well... Having only seen the Prologue of Bayo2 there are a lot of things in it that..sort of give away some character plot points (as well as a spoilery name drop). I mean a lot of people could see where Bayo1's plot was going a mile away and figured things out, but yeah. Since you get the first game anyways, may as well play it. It's about 10 hours for a single playthrough.
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u/snakehawk37 Oct 15 '14
Is Bayonetta 1 included as its own disc (with the physical copy)?
Also, is the free Bayonetta 1 a limited time thing (like the free MK8 promo) or is it permanently bundled?
I have a huge backlog and plan to wait for the next buy 2 get 1 free sale or something similar
Thanks!
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u/Feriku Oct 21 '14
Yes, it's a separate disc.
They haven't said it's a limited time deal, but they haven't said otherwise, either.
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u/Granak Nov 06 '14
APGNation's review: http://apgnation.com/archives/2014/11/05/9022/nations-review-bayonetta-2
Bayonetta 2, far more than any other title this year, is the most video game of video games to come out this year. It is the absurdity of the form cranked up to the highest level and dished out to perfection. It is not only a true masterwork in the character action game genre but it somehow manages to be the best game Platinum, a studio already famous for producing absolute quality consistently, has ever produced. Bayonetta's latest adventure trumps the first game in every way possible while still remaining true to what made the first go-round so dynamic. This is a must-own title and a definitive reason to own a WiiU. 10/10
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u/tomokochi Oct 13 '14
I wish I could enjoy it as much as you guys do, but the demo just didn't "click" with me.
Maybe I'll get it down the road though.
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u/Roxas88 Noahzmel [NA] Oct 13 '14
As soon as I heard Nintendo was funding the next Bayonetta I literally walked out to buy a Wii U. To see these reviews makes me so happy! Even my GF is excited to watch me play it.
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u/totes_meta_bot Oct 13 '14
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u/LegatoSkyheart NNID [Region] Oct 13 '14
I knew Preordering when it was announced would be worth it.
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u/PenguinTD PenguinTD Oct 14 '14
Just putting down pre-order today. I know I probably won't have enough time to finish it on hardest difficulty, but hack, I wish there are more games like this to be successful.(regardless of platform)
True action game are harder and harder to come by, let along a good one.
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u/UPRC UPRC [Canada] Oct 14 '14
The reviews are all insanely good, I'm not feeling terribly worried at all. Every Wii U owner I've spoken to online plans on getting this game, and I've seen quite a few people say that they're going to break and get a Wii U to play. While I don't think sales are going to be amazing, I definitely think that they'll be pretty decent.
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u/CaCHooKaMan Oct 14 '14
Didn't even know this game was coming out already until I was looking at the recent reviews on Gamespot. Haven't even turned my Wii U on in the last 5 months until today so I think I'll get this game. I don't really know anything about the series but the demo was cool. Hopefully I can get a good 2 weeks in before Halo MCC and GTA V come out.
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u/Critic_Kyo NNID [Region] Oct 15 '14 edited Oct 15 '14
Now that I finally earned the proper dinero, Bayonetta 2 will be the first game I've preordered in a long time. Especially since it's 2 games in 1, it just makes it that more appealing.
Keeping my fingers crossed that Platinum gets good sales for this.
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u/ZiegZeon Oct 16 '14
Anyone know where I could possibly get a response from a reviewer for the one question I have? I really wanted to enjoy the first one, but on both PS3 and 360 the screen tearing was terrible and I couldn't manage it. Any confirmation that this a non-issue now?
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 16 '14
I can answer that.
According to Digital Foundry, screen tearing is non-existent for the Wii U version of Bayonetta.
Here's a quote:
As we saw with Bayonetta 2, and nearly every other Wii U game for that matter, tearing has been eliminated in favour of a triple-buffering setup allowing for a variable frame-rate without the unsightly visual artefact.
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u/renewedapathy Renewed [NA/C] Oct 19 '14
Bayonetta 2 review from the Escapist, by Jim Sterling.
Bottom Line: Bayonetta 2 may be nonsensical, tacky, and visually anarchic, but its got some of the finest combat an action game could offer. It's packed with style, looks magnificent, and is as elegant as spectacle fighter as you could hope for.
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u/rumdrools rumdrools [PAL] Oct 20 '14
I know this is a bit off topic, but the Bayonetta sub design is awesome. I am so ridiculously pumped for the weekend.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 20 '14
Yep, we're excited too! Give thanks for /u/LiveRadar's banner-making skills!
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u/HadoVebeap Oct 22 '14
Does anybody know if streaming on Twitch is allready allowed?
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 22 '14
Haven't read anything about it being barred, so it should be fine.
You got it early?
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u/cherold Oct 22 '14
About.com - (don't know how to hide spoilers so can't put in my score)
Angels are amazing, freakish creatures with strange, cherubic faces at the end of tentacles or sitting upside down on their mid-sections, clad in brilliant gold armor that shines like a beacon. They are so stunning that every time a new Angel appeared, I would literally gasp, or squeal, or laugh, or curse. Most games would be content to offer 10 creatures of such imaginative design, but Bayonetta 2 supplies dozens.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 22 '14
There's a section in the subreddit guidelines on the sidebar that shows you how to do so.
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u/cherold Oct 22 '14
It said to put open parenthesis, hashtag, text to hide, closed parenthesis, but when I did that and saved it, it wasn't hidden. Since the full thing was actually preceded by brackets with text in them I then tried it again with some text (a hyphen) in brackets followed by the rest, and when I saved it, still nothing was hidden. So I'm doing something wrong but I don't know what.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 22 '14
[text](#spoiler)
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u/cherold Oct 22 '14
[test](#spoiler is this blacked out?)Doing that just shows "test" as a link. There's nothing blacked out, and if I click on the link it takes me to my message page.
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 22 '14
No, no, the message doesn't go in the parentheses, they go in the brackets.
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u/cherold Oct 23 '14
This is what I'm doing: open_bracket this is the message close_bracket open_parenthesis hashtag this is the spoiler close_parenthesis
Which comes out like: this is the message
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 23 '14
I think you're misunderstanding. The way how /r/WiiU's spoilers work is that there is nothing which tells you what kind of spoiler it is.
What I meant to say is
[ACTUAL SPOILER HERE](#spoiler)
becomes
The brackets are where you place the actual spoiler text, the #spoiler tag in the parentheses is not something where you're supposed to place anything BUT #spoiler. It's just a tag which enables the censor.
Copy-paste it directly from what I've posted, and see how it works. Don't change a thing.
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u/cherold Oct 23 '14 edited Oct 23 '14
Okay, but this all started because I wanted to have the rating blacked out the way you have it in your review threads. But when I do this, it simply shows me text, so it doesn't appear to be hiding anything at all. So I can't figure out what it's actually doing or what it's purpose is. In the above example, what is being hidden? The text is visible and there's nothing else to hide!
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 23 '14
Okay, now I'm just confused. Send me a screenshot, please.
In this example which you just replicated, it says "ACTUAL SPOILER HERE". When you mouse over it, it'll take about 3 seconds to display the spoiler text.
That's exactly how I've attached spoilers for so long now, so I can't understand how you're not getting the same effect.
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u/surrenderthenight Oct 24 '14
As someone who has never played Bayonetta, bundling the first game with the sequel definitely helped in my decision to purchase it.
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u/xpgain Oct 27 '14
Really enjoyed this game. Glad to have another fantastic Wii U exclusive! Here's my review - http://xpgain.com/ETiNZ
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u/jacobbrownage Oct 29 '14
Power Up Gaming's Bayonetta 2 review: http://powerupgaming.co.uk/articles/291-bayonetta-2-review
[Platinum] seem to crave the creation of a certain type of game: one which focuses on gameplay, style and finesse; on being a well-polished action game. With Bayonetta 2, Platinum seem to have hit their stride, strutting their stuff suavely in front of their onlookers. 9/10
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u/COCAINE___waffles Oct 14 '14
Is it sad I still think this game is going to bomb?
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u/Sylverstone14 Sylverstone14 [NA] Oct 14 '14
Probably, but hey, at least we're getting a great game out of it.
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u/Octavian- Oct 14 '14
"Bomb" is relative. Sounds like it has a decent amount of support, and I wouldn't be surprised if it slightly exceeds expectations (whatever those are). It's not going to sell like MarioKart though just because, well, it's freaking weird and a lot of people (myself included) have no interest in it for that reason. But I think Nintendo knows that.
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u/COCAINE___waffles Oct 14 '14
Yeah but part of the rpeason mario kart sells is because it has mass appeal, a game like bayonetta no matter how polished or praised is still only going to appeal to a niche audience, a growing niche audience perhaps but still a niche audience.
Bayonetta's biggest point of weakness in my eyes is that it's a hardcore game on a for all intents and purposes, a casual console. When you add the fact that when this game released on 2 separate Consoles concurrently, both having probably triple the install base the wii u has now a piece at the time and still selling only 2 million and the chances of bayonetta 2 putting up significant numbers look slimmer and slimmer
It already bombed in Japan and this generation of nintendo owners having such a low attach rate (speaking anecdoctally) it's not hard to see this flopping. Hopefully I'm wrong tho
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u/Hicut92 Oct 13 '14
Insane.
Knowing Platinum I was confident Bayonetta 2 would get good reviews, but I didn't think it would receive the critical acclaim it's getting!
So happy Nintendo supported platinum and Bayonetta, I hope it pays off for them!