We’re combining our Bayonetta 1 and 2 Nintendo Switch review into one.
Bayonetta and its sequel are cut from the exact same cloth. Bayonetta 2 is an iterative sequel, but one of the highest and best quality.
Most times ‘iterative sequel’ is used pejoratively, but for Bayonetta 1 and 2, it’s a compliment.
The first game, released way back when for PS3 and Xbox 360 was a natural extension for Hideki Kamiya and the gameplay he’d first devised with Devil May Cry
It was slick, stylish, fast fun and hard. And it still is.
It was hampered by the technology of the day though. Not that that makes the experience any less, it simply informs as to why Bayonetta 2 exceeds its elder.
Stylish Hard Action
When I first booted up Bayonetta on my Switch, I was surprised by how well it held up visually. It was by no means the gorgeous game it once was in its day. But neither was it overbearingly ugly.
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Sure there are a few jagged edges, a few flat textures and some hinky clipping issues, but you’ll barely notice.
If you even do at all.
The reason you’re not likely to notice is that playing Bayonetta is a dream. Everything about the combat holds up. DmC: Devil May Cry was often held up as one of the better action games of the past generation.
I’d say that Bayonetta is far superior.
The Best of the Best
Which makes Bayonetta 2 light years ahead.
There’s not that large a gulf between Bayonetta 1 and 2, but after playing both extensively and switching back and forth between them, I noticed a few things. Bayonetta 2 is much smoother and it flows far better. It’s easier to see and understand the action and there’s a greater emphasis on colour.
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This final point really helped me while I played. Being colourblind, Bayonetta 1’s murky, brownish visuals tended to blur together, making it a little harder to keep track of Bayonetta. Not the case in Bayonetta 2.
Controlling Bayonetta is the most important part of the experience and thankfully the Switch delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re playing in handheld mode, docked with the Pro Controller or Joy-Cons, Bayonetta 1 and 2 feel flawless.
Smashing on the go
By far the best part about Bayonetta 1 and 2 being released for Switch is the ability to play these games on the go. No longer do you need to plonk yourself down on the couch and dedicate hours to a session.
Now, you can simply take your Switch with you, play as you travel and come back to it anytime you feel like it. Best of all, both Bayonetta 1 and 2‘s relatively short chapters make it the perfect companion game for short trips.
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If you’ve further to travel, well, it’ll also definitely tide you over.
If you’ve not played Bayonetta before and you own a Switch, now is the time. The release of both Bayonetta 1 and 2 on Switch is an absolute boon. If you purchase Bayonetta 2 you’ll get the original for free. You can purchase Bayonetta by itself, but you’re doing yourself a disservice if you do.
These releases are the definitive and best ways to play both Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2. Held-held play, amiibo support, a brand-new local Tag Climax Mode and some of the best action gaming you’ll ever find.
These may be old games, but they’re incredible and you should be playing them as soon as humanly possible.
Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 were reviewed on Nintendo Switch using digital codes provided to PowerUp! by Nintendo.
PowerUp! Reviews
Game Title: Bayonetta 1 & 2
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The most stupidly good games on Switch - 9/109/10
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Over-the-top action, action, action - 9.5/109.5/10
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Portable Bayonetta - 10/1010/10
