E3 2008: Bayonetta

E3 Disclaimer: Kombo's E3 previews are designed to inform you of what each game at E3 plays like, and what we think of what's shown. These previews are not reviews, and we reserve final judgment of each game until it is finished and released. These previews offer an honest opinion of what a publisher chose to demo at E3. So, without further ado, read on.

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What the Game's About
Bayonetta is Platinum Game's other new intellectual property. Unlike Mad World, Bayonetta is an Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 title, featuring a colorful, high-res graphical style that directly contrasts the black-and-white Wii title. Both games have at least one thing in common, though: violence. Bayonetta is a bloody, violent 3D action game in the same vein as Devil May Cry. In it, you control a witch named Bayonetta, who has a number of unique attributes. For one, she is on a mission that involves slaying angelic beasts and creatures. Perhaps more unusual is the fact that her hair transforms into different instruments of death and torture. That's right, in Bayonetta, you're killing angelic monsters using your hair.

What's Hot
The demo Sega showed us at E3 was far too short for my liking, but it enabled me to muster up a pretty good idea of what to expect from Bayonetta. Right off the bat, the game reminds me of Devil May Cry. Bayonetta's movement style isn't unlike Dante's, as she shoots, punches, kicks and juggles enemies into the air. Primarily, she uses her fists as well as guns strapped to her wrist and ankles (if you haven't caught on, yes, Bayonetta is that weird), but can also pick up weapons that enemies drop.

There are, of course, some clearer differences between Capcom's game and Platinum Game's. For one, Bayonetta's special attacks are powered by her hair, which transforms into different objects. During our demo, we saw her hair take the shape of a boot, which she bludgeoned a nearby angel demon with, and then a supersized fist, which she also used to beat the heck out her foes. Still, her hair can do more impressive things, like summon and transform into another creature altogether. One such summoning I witnessed for myself was a towering black dragon.

Also, setting Bayonetta not only apart from Devil May Cry but other action games like it, during boss fights -- which are enormous, by the way -- there is no on-screen health meter for the boss. Instead, there are visual clues as to the health of the boss. For example, as you weaken a boss, its armor will chip away and the creature will appear more and more worn.

What's Not
Sadly, Sega was doing all the playing, so I didn't get a chance to really experience Bayonetta for myself. This makes it challenging to offer an opinion of what Bayonetta does wrong. Truth is, from just watching the game, I have no complaints. Admittedly, Bayonetta's over-the-top style might be too much for timid players. The character does summon dragons and iron maidens with her hair, after all. But, frankly, this loud style is what's so appealing and distinct about Bayonetta. At this point, I just have to wonder if the combat will have the longevity and depth needed to keep the game appealing from beginning to end. Until I play it for myself, I can't really say.

Outlook
Bayonetta is over-the-top, violent and just weird enough that it sparks my curiosity, but doesn't propel me away from it. Since Sega wasn't letting people play it for themselves at E3, I can't comment on how the game actually feels. But as far as how it looks to play, the game is looking pretty darn cool.