It’s standard fare for a massive game to have a bit of hype around it, but few have had the level of controversy that Bayonetta 3 attracted pre-launch. This is a true shame as it’s safe to say the game itself and the anticipation for Bayonetta 3 should have been the main headlines approaching launch day.

Now that it’s here, we can appreciate it in all of its risk-taking glory and over-the-top combat. Bayonetta 3 attempts something breathtaking and sticks the landing.

Standing Alone

If you’re a newcomer, have no fear as this is very much a standalone tale, as opposed to the first two games which where linked. Newcomers only really need a base level of knowledge on Bayonetta to get on board.

Oddly, this fresh take does lack the strength of tale seen it the past games – this is extra annoying, as it starts out so strongly with a very dark and moody prologue that serves to introduce the new big bad in the game.

But it never truly evolves into what you would hope for across its roughly twelve-hour run time, as you do a bit of jumping around the multiverse, meeting ever more interesting versions of yourself.

Though you do also find a new witch-in-training named Viola on your travels, who becomes a second playable character and this punky kid looks more like an escapee from 2013 DmC: Devil May Cry than Bayonetta.

Strangely enough, this works when paired up with the eternally cool Bayonetta. The two have a very likeable chemistry together. Indeed, the pair share more than a few standout moments together, enhancing this chemistry further.

Reaching for Greatness and Actually Touching It

If Bayonetta 2 played it safe in terms of gameplay, then Bayonetta 3 is going all-in to try something new and fresh. With changes being made to almost every core mechanic in the game. If you’re a returning fan, brace yourself.

For example, your demon summons are no longer locked to finishers, but instead can be called in when you want. However, beware that doing so leaves you fixed to the spot, dancing to keep them fighting – which leaves you open to attack. The moves are super powerful but also very high-risk and the balance is about perfect.

As the campaign moves forward you’ll encounter a number of enemies that will adapt to fight these summons. There is even a chance of your own horde breaking loose and turning on you as well.

Inviting Depth

But click with this system and you’ll actually be able to queue attacks, as well as battle the enemy yourself. There is a bewildering but inviting depth to the Bayonetta 3‘s combat system.

You have access to some ten weapon sets and about the same number of different demons by the time you have finished. Pairings of the two interact with each other in very different ways.

As for the new kid Viola, she doesn’t have as many toys as Bayonetta, but does wield a wicked sword that can transform into a cat demon. Don’t worry about it…

But summoning him sees you only able to deal damage with your fists, till your swords returns. This new style of combat does take a little bit of time to get used to especially after unleashing epic spells as Bayonetta.

However, this mechanical detour only adds more to the depth of Bayonetta 3, showing off just how much Platinum Games bit off and how impressively they could chew.

Style With That Substance

Visually, Bayonetta 3 is very impressive – as jaw dropping action unfolds, while utter chaos reigns around you. But this comes at a price and what pays is the performance, as the hardware is digging deep to pull things off when it all kicks off, with it aiming to hold a solid-ish 60 FPS throughout.

The soundtrack is as epic and bombastic as you would expect. Full of grand hits and epic tones that combine perfectly with voice-acting legend Jennifer Hale. Hale does an outstanding job at taking over the role as Bayonetta.

Unrelenting, Unapologetic, Unmistakably Bayonetta

Bayonetta 3 is stylish, over the top, deep and just a tonne of fun. A game that will have you (and your Switch) trying to keep up with the relentless escalation over its entire run time.

Bayonetta 3 moves weapons — This image would have been the review on its own but the editor didn’t like the idea and made me use actual words

Bayonetta 3 is a truly surprising sequel that builds on the series legacy and is a treat for long-time fans and an outstanding stepping on point for newcomers as well.