The latest series to get the prequel treatment is Platinum Games’ adrenaline-fuelled cult smash, Bayonetta. But beware if you’re expecting an over-the-top hack ‘n slash title like the series is known for. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is very much a different beast from its mainline sisters with a total shift in gameplay and tone on offer.
Short Back and Side Story
The game is set in Avalon Forest and follows Cereza, a young girl who is the daughter of a Luminary Sage and an Umbral Witch. But, as is the way in these high fantasy affairs, relationship between their covens are forbidden.
This leads to Cereza’s father being exiled to a far-off land, and her mother being imprisoned in a solitary cell. Cereza has been sneaking visits with her Mother every night. Well, that is until her mother is sent to a deeper, darker cell.
Read More: Bayonetta 3 review – Chapters Ahead
Shunned by her people, Cereza finds shelter with a powerful witch, Morgana, who becomes her mentor. Until one night when a mysterious spirit tells her that deep in the forest there exists a power with which Cereza can save her mother.
Cue an epic adventure to find the mysterious power deep in the Avalon Forest that will hopefully let you free your mother, but ultimately delivers a heartfelt coming of age tale.
A Place in the Kingdom
It’s a cracking tale that has some strong Celtic mythology vibes and frames the action well, as well as giving you a look at what Bayonetta was like as a youngster. Because gone is the head strong all-powerful witch and you are presented with a young sometimes skittish hero, but this is a tale all about growth and development.
Gameplay is best described as a puzzle/action adventure, where you’ll battle through dungeons while solving more than a few puzzles along the way. But being a young girl, you’re going to need a bit of backup.
Cheshire, your beloved stuffed toy, is here to save the day. No, really, as this patchwork beloved comforter is also bound to a demon. Cheshire can toggle between two modes. Unleashed mode sees him grow to a large size and attack enemies as well as obstacles, while in Hug mode, shrinks him to his toy form, so that Cereza can carry him.
Dual Wield
How you control the duo is a really interesting mechanic, as control is split between Cereza and Cheshire. Both are controlled simultaneously. Cereza is controlled using the left Joy-Con while Cheshire is controlled using the right.
It does take a bit of time to work out who is doing what and where they are. And Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon can be a bit clumsy to begin with. But, in time, you’ll be pulling off combo attacks together, holding and bashing enemies as you juggle between them.
Boss battles will often see players getting interesting use of the duo. You never know what to expect next on the combat front.
You’ll also be rewarded for exploring off the beaten track, as there are a number of power-up currencies for both Cereza and Cheshire. So hunting them down is well worth your time, it’s also where a light Metroidvania vibe sneaks in. But fear not, there is a solid fast-travel system. And subsequently, back tracking is light once you get new abilities to open up the forest.
The Wonder Years
Visually, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is stunning. The game wears an authentic and striking children’s storybook look. The art-style and the way the tale is told to the world give the whole game a true childlike wonder. This sense of wonder is helped by the soundtrack as well as the voice acting. Both of which are top tier.
Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a coming-of-age tale that tells a relatable story. All while offering up a whole new perspective for a much loved series. Origins is a bold move for PlatinumGames in more ways than one but it’s paid off.
If you’re a fan of Bayonetta this is a must play. Newcomers, or those put off by the core series’ well-known fast paced combat, will find something totally different here, but with the series’ signature heart.