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Bayonetta, the stylish, sassy, and undeniably powerful witch, has returned in Bayonetta 3, a decade after her last major outing. While the gaming world hasn’t always embraced female protagonists, Bayonetta has consistently defied this trend. This latest installment, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch, promises a thrilling new adventure, but does it live up to the high bar set by its predecessors?

Bayonetta 3 plunges players into a multiversal conflict, a concept popularized by recent media like the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This time, Bayonetta, known as an Arch-Eve, must protect not just one world, but all of reality from the singular threat of Singularity, a being determined to erase all universes but their own.

A New Threat, a New Journey

The game opens in a desolate, ruined world where humanity has been decimated by Singularity’s forces, the Homunculi. This Bayonetta falls in battle, entrusting her protégé, Viola, with a desperate mission to seek help from other universes. This sets the stage for a multiversal adventure, taking players on a journey through different realities, each with its own unique version of Bayonetta.

A desolate world ravaged by the Homunculi.

The core gameplay revolves around finding five Chaos Gears, keys to accessing Singularity’s Alphaverse. This quest leads Bayonetta to Thule, a mystical island serving as a nexus between worlds. Through Thule, she travels to diverse locations, from a crumbling future city to the Great Wall of China, assisting her alternate selves in repelling the Homunculi invasion.

Bayonetta travels to different universes, facing new challenges and allies.

This narrative shift elevates the stakes, pushing beyond the familiar angel-versus-demon conflict of previous games. Bayonetta’s journey is now fraught with loss and a heavier sense of responsibility, adding a new layer of depth to her character.

Combat Refined, Yet Familiar

Bayonetta 3 retains the series’ signature stylish action combat. Players can string together a dazzling array of punches, kicks, and gunshots to create devastating combos. Witch Time, activated by dodging at the last moment, returns as a crucial mechanic, allowing Bayonetta to unleash devastating attacks while time slows to a crawl.

Bayonetta unleashes a devastating attack in Witch Time.

A new addition, Demon Masquerade, allows Bayonetta to channel the power of her equipped weapons, transforming her appearance and granting her new abilities. From soaring through the air with Madama Butterfly’s Color My World to wielding the tentacled might of Cassiopeia, each weapon drastically alters Bayonetta’s playstyle. This adds a significant layer of depth to combat, encouraging experimentation and replayability.

Epic Boss Battles and Multifaceted Gameplay

Boss battles in Bayonetta 3 reach new heights of spectacle. From colossal Kaiju brawls to surprisingly innovative rhythm-based opera battles, these encounters are a highlight of the game. Furthermore, the game incorporates various gameplay styles, including high-speed demon riding sequences, multi-dimensional aerial combat, and even stealth sections, adding variety and keeping the experience fresh.

Bayonetta faces off against a colossal foe.

A Visual and Auditory Feast

Visually, Bayonetta 3 maintains the high standard set by Bayonetta 2 on the Nintendo Switch. The game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second without sacrificing visual fidelity, a remarkable achievement on the console’s hardware. Bayonetta’s new gothic-inspired design reflects her maturity, while the diverse appearances of her multiversal counterparts offer a visual treat.

The Homunculi, the new antagonists, boast striking designs, their white forms adorned with intricate spirals. The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring memorable tracks like “Al Fine,” “Fertile Rondo,” and “Moonlight Serenade,” which perfectly complement the on-screen action.

The Homunculi, with their unique designs, pose a new threat.

A Few Stumbles on the Path to Greatness

Despite its many strengths, Bayonetta 3 isn’t without flaws. The abundance of side content, while initially engaging, feels underdeveloped and detracts from the overall experience. The introduction of Viola, a punk-rock apprentice witch, falls flat, with her clunky combat mechanics and jarring personality clashing with the established Bayonetta formula.

Viola, the new apprentice witch, struggles to find her footing.

The expanded level design, while offering more exploration, leads to pacing issues and unnecessary downtime. The multiversal narrative, while ambitious, fragments the story and weakens the connection between Bayonetta and Viola.

Conclusion

Bayonetta 3 delivers a thrilling, action-packed experience with stunning visuals and a memorable soundtrack. While its ambitious scope leads to some missteps, particularly with the new character Viola and the abundance of underdeveloped side content, the core gameplay remains as engaging as ever. Despite its flaws, Bayonetta 3 is a worthy addition to the series, paving the way for an exciting future for the Umbra Witch.