Bayonetta

Bayonetta is a single-player action game with hack-and-slash combat set in a contemporary fantasy world. The story follows Bayonetta, a witch who awakens after a 500-year slumber at the bottom of a lake with no memory of her past. As she explores the European city of Vigrid, she is constantly attacked by angelic forces drawn to her presence. While fighting these supernatural enemies, Bayonetta gradually regains fragments of her lost history, uncovering her ties to the Umbra Witches, their ancient conflict with the Lumen Sages, and the fate of the world tied to the power of the Eyes of the World.

Combat emphasizes fluid combos and weapon variety. Bayonetta fights with her signature four guns, two held in her hands and two attached to her heels, allowing for extended melee-ranged combinations. Throughout the game she acquires additional weapons such as swords, whips, claws, and shotguns. Each weapon has its own move set and can be equipped in different combinations on hands and feet. Defeated enemies drop halos that function as currency, which can be used in the Gates of Hell shop to purchase new weapons, techniques, and upgrades. Weapons dropped by enemies are often temporary but provide unique abilities for a limited time.

A central mechanic is Witch Time, activated by dodging an enemy attack with precise timing. This slows down the environment while Bayonetta moves at full speed, enabling counterattacks and complex combos. The magic gauge builds during battle and can be spent on Torture Attacks, elaborate finishing moves that summon medieval-style instruments of execution to deal massive damage. Her magic also allows her to summon giant hair-based demons, manifestations of her outfit, to finish off bosses in large-scale cinematic battles.

Progression is tied to performance rankings. Each stage is divided into combat encounters called Verses, graded on speed, damage taken, and combo points. Higher ranks reward more halos and items, encouraging mastery and replay. Accessories and consumables can be crafted using ingredients found during exploration, providing healing or combat enhancements. Hidden Alfheim portals add optional challenge arenas with restrictions such as limited weapons or time constraints. Costumes can be unlocked, offering cosmetic changes and sometimes gameplay tweaks.

Different platforms introduced variations. The original console versions featured minor performance differences, while later PC and Switch releases offered higher resolutions, smoother frame rates, and updated controls.