Thanks to the guys over at 4PlayerPodcast, yesterday I got a code for early access to the Bayonetta demo on Xbox Live. Now, this is a game that I mentioned before on this blog but to basically sum up my interest in it, I think the gameplay looks intriguing and the graphics beautiful but I was worried about the over-the-top sexuality of the eponymous heroine. After all, we’re talking about a witch who’s magical abilities come from her hair and since her suit is made of her hair when she casts a large spell she’s left virtually naked.
Still, the reviews that have been coming in for this game have been phenomenal including a very, very respectable 10/10 from Edge Magazine which had previously only given 10 other games a perfect 10/10 including The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Accordingly, I was incredibly curious when I sat down and downloaded the demo today.
So, is the sexuality and exploitation of Bayonetta unnecessary? Yes.
Does it take away and otherwise distract from the enjoyment of the game? Not really.
Is the game good? Oh, yes. In fact, it’s very, very good.
I have honestly never felt as free and simultaneously in control of an avatar as I did maneuvering Bayonetta. Her combos and movements are positively flawless. Whether you’re shooting at the angel right in front of you, gracefully spinning downward blasting enemies at all your sides or sending a baddie into a conjured iron maiden, the mechanics of this game are tight and incredibly satisfying. The few times Bayonetta found herself without clothes I was honestly so into it that I mostly didn’t notice and when I did the game didn’t seem to make her flesh the central element to the scene.
That being said, Bayonetta still oozes sex. Her “taunt” is pretty ridiculous and I still can’t figure out why she stands the way she does but, honestly, the sexist nature of the game did not bother me nearly as much as I thought it would.
Overall, this game has gone from being something I was curious about to a definite buy come January.
Check out the demo on the 3rd of December. It will be my new life goal to get Lynsey to at least try the demo. We'll see how that goes.
LOL. I hope you can convince her! Hahahaha! XD
ReplyDeleteAlthough I may regret it... I'm going to now watch the game's trailer again.
Okay, so I just watched it again, and the ending catchphrase: "Nonstop climax action." Anything that over the top has to be fun, I think.
ReplyDeleteHaha, yeah, it's all really ridiculous and over-the-top but it's really a great game.
ReplyDeleteSomehow the over-the-top style of this game promises more integrity than games that try so hard not to be too sexist. Take, for instance, the way Lucy walks in Assassin's Creed 2. I don't think even the girls of the Victoria's Secret shows shake their "tush" like that. It annoyed the hell out of me, whereas Bayonetta is unapologetic about it and therefore does not come up with "surprise-sexism" I didn't ask for.
ReplyDeleteAnoukskuk - you know, it's funny. I've seen some clips now of people playing the game and you're 100% right: because this game is so ridiculous, the over-the-top sexiness of Bayonetta ends up being pretty darn funny! I'm really starting to look forward to playing this game.
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