Bayonetta

Bayonetta

Great over-the-top action game! 

Bayonetta for Xbox 360... A member of an ancient witch clan and possessing powers beyond the comprehension of mere mortals Bayonetta faces-off against countless angelic enemies many reaching epic proportions in a game of 100% pure unadulterated all-out action. Outlandish finishing moves are performed with balletic grace as Bayonetta flows from one fight to another. With magnificent over-the-top action taking place in stages that are a veritable theme park of exciting attractions Bayonetta pushes the limits of the action genre bringing to life its fast-paced dynamic climax combat.

I picked up this game being a fan of the 'Devil May Cry series'. The action is very over the top, and overall plot/dialogue can't be taken too seriously. But the gameplay/cinematics will make up for the overall campy stroy arc.

The plot seems to be very simular to the comic/movie 'Constintine'. An eternal war between paradise and the inferno, the main characters stand between both factions to keep the lines balanced. I'm still very early in the game, but it seems to be stacking cliche plot twists I'm anticipating any moment now. But this really isn't the type of game played for the story-arch.

The gameplay is terribly simular to Devil May Cry, Devil Kings, etc. It is a third person action shooter, with a fairly simple control/fighting scheme. You can string together combos with standard punch, kick, and firearms. Weapons and fighting abilities can be purchased to add more variety in your combos. An amazing feature when aquiring upgrade items is the opportunity to try the attacks before actually purchasing them. It can be frustrating trading in game credits just for an item or weapon you soon realize "yup, I'm never using that." Accomplishing long strings of combos enables more devistating ranged attacks or cinematic "executions". Like holding an enemy while a guilituine or iron maiden appears and you throwing it into the device.

Now the drawbacks. Between stringing attacks and dodging enemies, the rhythm is very fast paced but easy to learn after the opening stages. Even with good timing, the majority of the gameplay can also be accomplished through button mashing, especially fighting standard enemies from one end of the level to the other. It can become VERY repetitive, even with new finishing movies and abilities unlocked. Because of this, you will see the same cinematics over and over again. Because of this most people will either love or hate the game. The gameplay is linear, there is no sandbox enviroment to wander around in. I think games like this are much more entertaining without the free roaming. Not everything has to entitle a GTA like wandering enviroment, but some people have accepted it as some sort of standard. Campaign mode and nothing else. I don't see what else can really be done with a game like this, but the only bonus outside of the story is online leaderboards.

Overall, if you like 3rd person action platformers, this game is definately worth checking out. Be warned, it is repetitive, but the gameplay seems well worth it. It should also be noted that the violence and overt sexual themes are endless. If by chance you're a concerned parent or offended by either, be warned this game never quits with either.

Pros:
Great action
infinate combo strings between weapons/ability upgrades
"Equilibrium" style gunplay
entertaining fight climax/cinematics
looks gorgeous in HD
mindless entertainment is easy and fun

Cons:
REPETITIVE and overall button masher
campaign, leaderboards, and nothing else
cheesy story/bad dialogue all around
mindless entertainment could get old fast