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Bayonetta Impressions: What Deadly Hair You Have!
Posted by Michael McWhertor at 11:00 AM on August 22, 2008
It's a shame that Sega hasn't released any screen shots of Bayonetta in action to share with you. Platinum Games' work on the Xbox 360/PlayStation 3 action game really deserves to be seen by more people — this is the best looking game we've seen at Leipzig. It may sound like an odd proposition in print, a raven haired witch battles the forces of "good" with her mystical and impossibly groomed hair — hair that also acts as her clothing — along with a pair of pistol heels, but the style, sex appeal and mind blowing art direction of Bayonetta couldn't be more promising to fans of arse-kicking action.
Only in a game with a female lead could Bayonetta's contributions to the action genre make so much sense. A giant, mystical stiletto heel attack made of Bayonetta's black locks sounds silly in concept, yes, but in practice it's an enjoyable kick in the pants. Same for that flesh-eating dragon made of hair we saw during one boss fight and the balletic split kicks that rain gunfire in 360 degrees — this shit looks cool.
But we kind of knew much of that going in to see Bayonetta for the first time. Fortunately, we learned a hell of a lot more at Sega's behind-closed-doors demo today about the title.
While we were initially led to believe that Bayonetta would rely on her handheld pistols and matching pistol boots to do her thing, Sega announced today that the heroine will also be able to switch, on the fly, to a different weapon set — a katana and a pair of shotgun boots. Honestly, we were just trying to keep up with all the frenetic action on screen, so we didn't really notice much of a difference in her attacks, but Bayonetta's dance moves of death looked good whatever she was wielding.
Players will be able to purchase new weapons (along with new moves) throughout the course of the game, we presume with the halos one collects from fallen foes. That should keep the tedium away, something we don't actually expect much of.
Remember that whole "best looking game we've seen at Leipzig" thing? That really wasn't so apparent until Bayonetta's producer showed us a brand new level, just revealed at GC.
While the initial demo stage takes place in a forgettable setting — yes, I already forgot about it — the new area was jaw-dropping. It takes place on the head of a clock tower, one that happens to be falling from the sky at maximum velocity. Bayonetta casually walks with her signature slink across the face of the clock as she fought off demonic angels. She did so with a mysterious female ally, both of whom were being circled by a massive, ornately decorated sky serpent. On top of the dozens of angels attacking, with clock towere debris falling in tandem and golden halos spilling everywhere, a massive winged mini-boss also attacked. With a body comprised of a decapitated marble statue head and serpentine arms, it wowed us with its artistic and technical achievements.
Seriously, this is a game so packed with visual flair and awesome creative direction that we might just snatch it up for its graphical achievements. It's fanboy spawning stuff. Sadly, we didn't get to go hands-on with Bayonetta, so we can't tell you how well it plays.
We're definitely going to be calling dibs on Tokyo Game Show appointments for the game, though. Just in case Sega gives us the controller at that event. Dibs!
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Reibooi
Posted 11:31 AM 22/8/08
This is why I love new original games and not endless sequels. There is no other way we would get a kick ass game like this otherwise.
Reibooi
Spartan1308™
Posted 11:25 AM 22/8/08
She's got monkey ears and a man-ish face.
Spartan1308™
sqoon
Posted 11:24 AM 22/8/08
it certainly looks interesting.
do you have any details on how her hair factors into combat?
sqoon
madpixelante
Posted 11:23 AM 22/8/08
This game is going to absolutely freaking amazing.
I mean, we're talking about Kamiya here, the director who pretty much invented the modern 3D action game and then went on to make a better Zelda game than Nintendo could. His record is flawless and all of his games are classics. This is the only guy in the entire industry who I will give the benefit of the doubt.
This game will blow your socks off... with your shoes!
madpixelante
suya123
Posted 11:23 AM 22/8/08
Okay, after reading this I might be able to forgive Clover...
suya123
ItsSuperEffective
Posted 11:20 AM 22/8/08
Wow, I really want this now. Think there is any chance at it being rated T?
ItsSuperEffective
DustySword
Posted 11:15 AM 22/8/08
Better looking than Heavy Rain?! INPOSSIBLE!
Anyway, looking forward to this game. That was a nice preview.
DustySword
snakepliskin
Posted 11:15 AM 22/8/08
Wait wait, sega? The sega that makes sonic? Lets just hope they decided to nix the turn her into a werewolf idea.
snakepliskin
SatansBestBuddy
Posted 11:14 AM 22/8/08
Hair... as clothing... no mater how many times I hear it, it just sounds so... odd.
Anyway, already hyped up enough about this game, so I don't really have anything to add.
SatansBestBuddy
Laho
Posted 11:14 AM 22/8/08
Looking good, but her hair makes her head look realy small.
Laho
zkotaku
Posted 11:12 AM 22/8/08
:et kick some whoop ass.
zkotaku
lurkingsalt
Posted 11:12 AM 22/8/08
You actually got me MORE interested in the game. Good thing its still a while away till release (can't have anymore titles this year >.< ) I'll wait to hear/see more news.
lurkingsalt
Chunky-MonkeyLOL
Posted 11:11 AM 22/8/08
I've been hyped for this game ever since the teaser trailer way back when. Hell yeah.
Chunky-MonkeyLOL
chaos_isnt_here
Posted 11:11 AM 22/8/08
looks like a sexy librarian...or secretary...or nurse....
....
or perhaps three in one! with a shot of steroids!
chaos_isnt_here
TRT-X
Posted 11:09 AM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur: Now you've done it. Expect a full redesign by tomorrow...
TRT-X
drunkentyger
Posted 11:09 AM 22/8/08
she's lacking something... something.
drunkentyger
Aethyr
Posted 11:08 AM 22/8/08
Shotgun boots. Okay. I'm assuming the next upgrade will involve bazookas (2?).
Aethyr
Aye Mak Sicur
Posted 11:06 AM 22/8/08
Could it be? An action game with a female lead that doesn't smother you with boobies to cover up all the gameplay they forgot to make? Yes, I did just say "Smother you with boobies".
Aye Mak Sicur
hagridore
Posted 11:44 AM 22/8/08
We need video! This looks crazy.
hagridore
sandal-hat17
Posted 11:37 AM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur: Man, I miss getting smothered in boobies. I mean it still happens but it's just not like the olden days.
sandal-hat17
Jnkzm4
Posted 11:37 AM 22/8/08
Devil May Cry meets female persona. Please dont kick me. I really didnt mean saying that. But thats the jist of it. And yet I still want to play this with all the anticipation of the world. Too bad it doesnt come out til this time next year. POOPIE!
Jnkzm4
StrikerGold
Posted 11:32 AM 22/8/08
Somewhere Millia Rage is drinking herself into a depression induced stupor.
StrikerGold
FightingChance
Posted 2:25 PM 22/8/08
Good lord, judging by the scale of her head to her arms and her torso she must be just shy of 7 feet tall.
FightingChance
Snake726
Posted 2:22 PM 22/8/08
I'm diggin' it, I need gameplay footage!
I only hope that the story is good...not the usual strange, esoteric, pseudo-slapstick we get form most Japanese action games.
Snake726
Zodd77
Posted 2:21 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur:
What's wrong with being smothered with boobies? that would make the game even better ;)
Zodd77
EmeraldCockroach
Posted 2:21 PM 22/8/08
That clock tower level sounds immense, fully anticipating this title now. Any idea where the clock tower is falling from ? o_O
EmeraldCockroach
Br00klyn-Grenade
Posted 1:48 PM 22/8/08
I read the interview/preview in the Sept. issue of EGM. I am highly anticipating this game, looks like it's gonna blow DMC out the water.
Br00klyn-Grenade
Rctdaemon
Posted 1:34 PM 22/8/08
Shotgun and pistol boots. A katana. Hair that wraps around her body like clothing along with being a weapon. A healthy dose of magic and blood.
Somehow, people say that Japanese studios aren't very creative; but, then again, Platinum Games isn't most Japanese studios.
Rctdaemon
Rajolae
Posted 1:26 PM 22/8/08
Shotgun boots? Im fucking there, more so than I already was with gunshoes.
Rajolae
DarkGeneral
Posted 1:24 PM 22/8/08
Sounds like Bayonetta is everything i expected to get in Devil May Cry 4 and then some.
DarkGeneral
Cultivar
Posted 1:23 PM 22/8/08
Shotgun. Boots. Sold.
Cultivar
Kia
Posted 1:19 PM 22/8/08
I really...really...REALLY hate her design.
That being said, this game looks absolutely amazing and epic in every possible way and I cannot even wait for it to come out. Even a demo.
Kia
ob1ivion
Posted 1:14 PM 22/8/08
Hmmm...
Here's to hoping that there aren't any in-game shampoo/conditioner advertising!
Nooo Bayonetta, Noooooooooo!!!
p.s. Always read the fine print. :P
ob1ivion
0rin
Posted 1:11 PM 22/8/08
Wow, that is a really bad picture. She's actually pretty hot in the other pictures i've seen. Anyway, cool. I was kinda curious about how that was going to be. I read the article in this months EGM about it. Sounds kinda interesting. Cool that its turning out well.
0rin
60Hz
Posted 1:02 PM 22/8/08
here's to creativity... may it never leave our industry, i mean how many army games do we really need???
60Hz
Placentasaurus
Posted 12:57 PM 22/8/08
This game sounds like it's probably the best fucking thing ever.
Placentasaurus
DissmalScientist
Posted 12:44 PM 22/8/08
@Shockadin:
It's magic. She's a witch.
DissmalScientist
Shockadin
Posted 12:41 PM 22/8/08
Hair tied to her arms?! Wouldn't that just yank it out, especially since she chooses to use a sword, which takes constant arm movement all over the place, just begging to yank the hair out, instead of a gun, which would be more gentle yet no matter what it still hurts lol. or wait, is that entire outfit made of hair? O_O
Shockadin
ChibiKyKiske
Posted 12:39 PM 22/8/08
can't wait for this... it's like read my mind and made a game out of it.
ChibiKyKiske
Thorax
Posted 12:33 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur: Apparently she's supposed to be embodiment of the sexy video character, according to an interview from EGM. In fact, the more powerful attacks use more hair, leaving her nearly naked.
Now that, combined with a ridiculously awesome combat system, leaves me wondering if I could possibly travel into the future and play this game.
Thorax
CSanjuro
Posted 12:27 PM 22/8/08
@Emperor_Guam:
Platinum games is doing it
CSanjuro
hobo-1
Posted 12:25 PM 22/8/08
I hope at TGS they at least show actual in game footage. I'm getting tired of all the promo art stuff that barely tells you anything about the game other than it looks a lot like DMC4 aesthetically.
hobo-1
AntiheroKing
Posted 12:22 PM 22/8/08
@StrikerGold: Bayonetta Rage, her sister, always got all the boys. :3
I'm pretty interested in this game, but I just don't know what to think about Bayonetta herself. I can see there was a lot of time and effort put into her design to make her stand out, but I can't help but think her hair looks pretty retarded. I dunno, it's a little gripe, but it does irk me.
AntiheroKing
Ubersoldat19
Posted 12:22 PM 22/8/08
Stop hiding this behind close doors already! I keep hearing how awesome this game is, but no video's and no in game screens. I say full speed ahead on the hype train!
Ubersoldat19
karateka
Posted 12:20 PM 22/8/08
Those are some manly looking arms.
karateka
Emperor_Guam
Posted 12:11 PM 22/8/08
Did this happen to be made by overworks the people who make Shinobi for PS2? If so then this is a must have for me.
Emperor_Guam
NexusSIX
Posted 12:04 PM 22/8/08
sounds awesome I can't wait!
NexusSIX
OddyKnocky
Posted 12:02 PM 22/8/08
I'm seriously looking forward to this game... let's hope it plays half as well as it apparently looks. Half will do me fine. But just as well, or better would be great.
OddyKnocky
Fyrinn
Posted 12:01 PM 22/8/08
She'd make a really gross housewife. There'd be hair in all my meals. Eww.
Fyrinn
subnet6
Posted 12:00 PM 22/8/08
bayonetta + madworld = crazy delicious
subnet6
SolidOni
Posted 11:59 AM 22/8/08
Looked fucking awesome from the teaser, but every article about this I read makes me want it more. CANNOT WAIT!
SolidOni
Miksho
Posted 11:59 AM 22/8/08
Wait, wait.
The hair is not only her weapons, but her clothes?
This will inevitably lead to the strongest attacks leaving her scantily clad. That's....so...awesome.
Miksho
Roto13
Posted 2:42 PM 22/8/08
Also, her guns are named Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. Together, they're called Scarborough Fair. What could be better?
Roto13
Psudonym
Posted 2:40 PM 22/8/08
Oh my. Curious, sounds like that team's really pulling all stops again in the crazy department. While it might not win any awards for subtlety, there is definitely a beauty to such overwrought splendor. Bring it on!
Psudonym
Roto13
Posted 2:40 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur: Her clothes come off as she uses special attacks. :P
It's a Clover game, so it's like an instabuy for me. It sounds absolutely fantastic. This and Mad World make me happy to be a gamer.
Roto13
NeonLight
Posted 2:38 PM 22/8/08
Dante? Kratos? No one will care about them when you can have four guns and hair.
Already looks and sounds like a great blend of action and art.
NeonLight
zanzibarlegend
Posted 3:39 PM 22/8/08
"best looking game?"
you have my attention Michael.
zanzibarlegend
Blah8
Posted 4:06 PM 22/8/08
I had a vision of myself in the future and I saw that I had bought this game...
>_>
But anyway, every single detail I've heard from this game has been beyond my expectations. Everything from the already incredible team that is PlatinumGames to the screenshots to the perfectly short teaser trailer and the gameplay options. I'm pre-ordering this as soon as possible.
@snakepliskin:
It's pubished by Sega, yes, but the game isn't developed by them. It's being developed by PlatinumGames, the developer that is the reincarnation of Clover Studios who made Viewtiful Joe, Okami and God Hand.
PlatinumGames has Shuji Mikami of Resident Evil fame, Hideki Kamiya of Devil May Cry fame, and Atsushi Inaba of Okami fame. A lot of fame... and potential.
Blah8
Uzumaki_Kiba
Posted 4:20 PM 22/8/08
There's really no way that I can think to innovate this genre, but Kamiya's really going for it. I trust him, and I have incredibly high hopes for this game. Oh, man, I hope it comes with awesome pre-order schwag. What better way to say "I'm cooler than you," than with a Bayonetta t-shirt?
Hehe.. Cooler or nerdier, I always get those two confused. In any case, I want it.. A lot.
Uzumaki_Kiba
00000000
Posted 4:51 PM 22/8/08
With so much emphasis on her hair and the fact that it makes her outfit and weapons; I seriously hope that there are a ton (none less) of unlockable outfits (or outfit changes per chapter/mission/arc. <3
00000000
maraxusofk
Posted 4:41 PM 22/8/08
wow this action game is gonna be hype as hell. i defintiely still want it though.
maraxusofk
SaanZ
Posted 4:34 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur:
If you had to choose which would you pick friend?
SaanZ
willyolio
Posted 5:11 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur:
kids these days! when i was your age, i got smothered in boobies all the time, and i liked it. you young'uns don't know how good you have it.
willyolio
cowondinosaur
Posted 6:10 PM 22/8/08
@FightingChance: Yeah... no. I never got where comments on height like this come from. It's like saying the moon must be bigger than the sun. There is no point of reference, big guy. Proportions are proportional, not absolute measurements. You can vaguely estimate some things based on average human measurements but there is such a large margin for that that it is meaningless.
cowondinosaur
Dirame
Posted 6:33 PM 22/8/08
@drunkentyger: Boobs?
Her arms in that pic look like they are packing a heck load of muscle.
Dirame
Xiedo
Posted 6:30 PM 22/8/08
I have my doubts it's any kind of evolution over DMC1. Could be the same old, same old with the next-gen paint job.
But fuck if I wouldn't love another DMC1 anyway.
Xiedo
JakeDunn
Posted 7:00 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur:
Hmm, motorboat
JakeDunn
scuba2steve
Posted 9:43 PM 22/8/08
hmm can't wait to see a vid of this...
scuba2steve
zetopazio
Posted 11:00 PM 22/8/08
Im seeing lots of people dissing this game because of the SEGA name, but people, SEGA is ONLY the publisher, this is from the people that gave us Devil May Cry, Resident Evil, Okami, Viewtiful Joe, God Hand and maybe others that i dont remember now!
zetopazio
excaliburps
Posted 11:21 PM 22/8/08
@Aye Mak Sicur: Maybe this game along with Velvet Assassin with make developers realize tits shouldn't be the main focus when designing a female protagonist.
And I can't believe of all the publishers there that SEGA finally has something that a lot of people want to play. Yay! Go SEGA! Don't you butcher Golden Axe now ok?!
excaliburps
Prism Ra
Posted 1:23 AM 23/8/08
Platinum games will save Sega and bring back the quality not seen since the days of the Dreamcast.
And so it was foretold.
Prism Ra
LostSocks
Posted 12:30 PM 22/8/08
If it's that good to watch it's bound to be satisfying to kill shit and whatnot--something people don't always realize the importance of.
Also, has anyone else noticed the beastly camel toe?
LostSocks
gencid
Posted 1:40 AM 23/8/08
If Bayonetta matches at least original Devil May Cry gameplay, I'm sold. (Who am I kidding, I am already sold by its credentials and EGM feature alone).
gencid
Mr Butterscotch
Posted 4:08 AM 23/8/08
Is that Amy Winehouse?
Mr Butterscotch
.em.
Posted 4:03 AM 23/8/08
It's nice seeing a sexy girl with glasses.
(I say this because I'm a girl with glasses...)
Nice to hear that it's looking great!
.em.
banana_ridah
Posted 4:26 AM 23/8/08
Yeah, this game looks pretty hot(pun definitely intended). Let's hope it doesn't degenerate into Devil May Cry with chicks.
banana_ridah
Grandreaper999
Posted 4:14 PM 23/8/08
Dante--- in a gunslinging-Sindel outfit?
Sounds crazzzaay
Grandreaper999
Kratosshadow
Posted 11:05 AM 24/8/08
Art style: Bayonetta>Heavy joke
Kratosshadow
Kratosshadow
Posted 11:04 AM 24/8/08
Gameplay Bayonetta>Heavy flop.
Kratosshadow
Kratosshadow
Posted 11:03 AM 24/8/08
Yeah bayonetta will rape heavy rain.
Kratosshadow
TheIrishNinja
Posted 3:18 PM 25/8/08
@Kratosshadow: please stop trolling. you're not even comparing games (which we havent yet played) right, while we're at it.
TheIrishNinja
HitokiriX
Posted 6:53 PM 22/8/08
@Xiedo:
That would kick soooo much ass bring back the dante love!!!!
HitokiriX