Bayonetta -Xbox360- 9

November 26, 2022

I just beat the original Bayonetta on Xbox360. I beat part 2 back in 2018, and part 3 earlier this month. I loved both so much that I wanted to complete the series by finally jumping into part 1. I did notice that part 1 feels a little downbeat and slightly slower-paced compared to 2&3. Some of the battles and cutscenes drag a bit, and the story is harder to follow than in 2&3. Not a big deal. I also noticed that there is less focus on witch-time in this one (which was my favorite thing in 2&3), but the game makes up for it with more weapon variety (you can use a sword and claws) and more challenge factor. I must admit that in 2&3 you could just spam the dodge button and witch-time all day. But in Bayonetta 1, you have to have more precise timing with your dodges, and you don’t get gifted with witch-time as much. This game was a lot harder than 2&3 (having playing all of them on normal mode), so it felt very satisfying to finally beat some of the harder bosses. This trilogy is marvelous, and this game is where it all started. Besides having less opportunity for witch time, the game engine still has the same glorious, free-flowing combat that I adored from the later two games. This is some of the best 3D combat around, right there with Ninja Gaiden, Nioh, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. And Bayonetta herself is one of the most charismatic lead heroines ever. It is pure bliss to battle the hordes of enemies and the epic boss battles with her. The later two games got a little bit better, but this one still holds its own as a must-play classic. Great soundtrack and graphics, too, just like the 2&3. I give the original Bayonetta a 9 out of ten. (For the record, i give part 2 a ten, and I gave part 3 a 9.5 earlier this month.)