Bayonetta 2 Nintendo Switch Review: Still Amazing, Even On The Go

I missed out on Bayonetta 2 (as I’m sure many gamers did) when it first released for the Nintendo Wii U in 2014, so I was excited when it was announced for the Switch. I loved the over-the-top action and the aesthetics of the first Bayonetta and I heard the sequel was a step-up from that, and after playing it on the Switch, they were right.

STORY

Bayonetta 2 is a tale in two parts. The first part is a race to save Bayonetta’s friend Jeanne from hell. Along the way, you meet characters from the first game and a brand new character named Loki. Loki is a boy with mysterious powers and the forces of Heaven are trying to capture him.

You run into him as you try to make your way to a special mountain that can take you to Hell or Heaven. The boy’s backstory is uncovered little by little as the two of you make your way to the mountain. You also do find out the boy is hiding something.

Jeanne is eventually saved, but that’s when the shit really hits the fan. Bayonetta is sent back in time and that’s when we find out what the boy is really all about. You fight your way to the truth and then are thrust back into the present where you fight the boy’s evil alter-ego who is looking to obtain the powers of a god to shape the world as it sees fit.

The story adds some much-needed backstory to Bayonetta’s character and the world but it’s pretty straightforward. If you’re looking for a groundbreaking story you won’t find it here but, in all honestly, you’ll want to pick up Bayonetta 2 for its action.

GAMEPLAY

Bayonetta 2’ s action combines the frantic hacking and slashing from games like Dynasty Warriors or Devil May Cry but adds in its own fluid and dance-like style that never feels repetitive or boring. There’s a great mix of normal fighting, exploration and quick time events that always keeps the player on their toes. One moment you’re punching and kicking a demon and the next, a cutscene forces you into quick-time events.

You can customize how Bayonetta fights by purchasing various weapons and techniques, which really helps freshen up battling after hours of playing. I do wish they weren’t so expensive, but the replayability of each level as you look for hidden treasures and try to get platinum trophies will get you the currency you need.

Every punch and kick can be felt and that’s something the development team should be commended for. Although fists, kicks and bullets are flying everywhere you can make out exactly what’s going on, which is important in a game that depends so much on timing.

The signature feature of Bayonetta’s gameplay is the Witch Time mechanic that lets players avoid hits and temporarily slow down time. However, you need to get the timing just right or Witch Time won’t activate.Newcomers will need some practice before becoming a master but soon every battle feels like a dance between you and the armies of light and darkness. Almost every boss battle feels like the final one. The scope and size of these baddies and the way cutscenes show towering demons and angels duking it out keeps your eyes glued to the screen.

The Switch version of Bayonetta 2 brings back all the perks from the Wii U version, namely the option to tap amiibo to suit up Bayonetta in suits worn by various Nintendo figures. It’s awesome to have Bayonetta roll around in Samus’ Varia Suit or slash away in Link’s tunic.

One aspect of the Wii U version that’s well-documented is the dip in framerate. Thankfully, Platinum Games fixed this problem for the Switch as everything runs fluid even when converting from docked to undocked. In fact, the game pops even more while in handheld mode and handles great. While the Switch has action games like Fire Emblem Warriors already, Bayonetta 2 is on another level and shows that gamers can enjoy those types of games anywhere.

VERDICT

Bayonetta 2 is a perfect choice to port over to the Nintendo Switch. Any technical issues, like the lost framerate, have been fixed and polished for the newer version. The eclectic action and story is a treat on its own, but it’s amazing how great it looks and plays when in handheld mode.

The game does a great job of varying up the fights and ways to play so it doesn’t get stale and there’s plenty of replayability when the story is all said and done. If you’re looking for a great action game on the Switch, looking to get into the franchise before Bayonetta 3 releases, or both, then pick up Bayonetta 2.