Bayonetta

Bayonetta is a fast-paced single-player action game by PlatinumGames. An Umbra Witch fights angelic beings with guns, melee attacks and supernatural powers. The focus is on fluid attack combinations as smooth as possible and precisely dodging enemy attacks.

The first Bayonetta was released in Japan in 2009. The later releases for PC and other consoles brought the original adventure to new platforms.

Bayonetta was first released in 2009 in Japan for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. Europe followed in January 2010. The Wii U version came out on Oct 24, 2014, the PC version on Apr 11, 2017 and the Switch version on Feb 16, 2018. In February 2020, native versions for PS4 and Xbox One were released.

The later versions bring the same original adventure to other systems. They should not be confused with Bayonetta 2 or Bayonetta 3.

Bayonetta was released natively for PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U, PC, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One. The PS4 version is also playable on PS5 via backward compatibility. This does not create a separate PS5 version.

Stores differ depending on the platform: SEGA published the PC and PlayStation versions, among others, while Nintendo published the Wii U and Switch versions.

Bayonetta combines punches, kicks and gunfire into long combinations. Weapons on hands and feet can be used in different ways, while larger enemies demand precise dodging maneuvers and taking advantage of short attack windows.

Especially effective attacks reward players who switch between offense and defense, instead of only dealing with enemies using a single maneuver.

On PC, Bayonetta requires at least an Intel Core i3-3220, 4 GB RAM, a Radeon HD 6950 or GeForce GTX 570, and around 20 GB of free storage space. Recommended are an Intel Core i5-4460, 8 GB RAM and a GeForce GTX 760 or Radeon HD 7870.

The older Windows versions listed on Steam refer to the original port. The current Steam client requires Windows 10 or newer.

Whoever escapes an attack at the last moment activates Witch Time. Enemies then move noticeably slower for a short time, while Bayonetta can land further hits undisturbed.

The system makes dodging the most important tool in combat and opens up time for especially long attack chains.

At the start, Bayonetta fights with four pistols called Scarborough Fair. Later, the sword Shuraba and other special weapons are added, among others. Weapons can be used on arms and legs, which changes the possible attack combinations.

Bullet Arts combine melee hits with shots and are a central part of the fighting style.

Bayonetta's magical powers complement her regular weapons. With Wicked Weaves, she summons powerful demonic attacks. Elaborate torture attacks can be used against weakened enemies.

Animal transformations help with getting around and make additional maneuvers possible.

Bayonetta wakes after around 500 years with no memory of her past. While searching for her origins, she gets caught in a conflict between witches, angelic beings and other supernatural powers.

The plot moves through changing locations and combines fights against ordinary enemies with large-scale boss battles.

Bayonetta is designed for one player. The combat system rewards practising combinations, precise timing of Witch Time and handling different weapons. Online co-op or a shared story mode are not part of the original game.

The PC version from April 11, 2017 supports higher resolutions up to 4K, flexible graphics settings and display at up to 60 frames per second. Mouse and keyboard controls are possible. PlatinumGames recommends using a controller for the action as well.

On Steam, cloud saves and achievements are also available.

The PC and PS4 versions offer English and Japanese voice acting. German on-screen text is available. French, Italian and Spanish are also available for menus and subtitles.

Bayonetta has not been available on the Wii U eShop since September 18, 2019. Nintendo ended sales of the Wii U version together with Bayonetta 2. For Nintendo Switch, the first Bayonetta already came out in 2018 as a standalone download version.

Ending Wii U sales does not mean that all versions of the game have disappeared.