The Upcoming Prequel by PlatinumGames Sheds Light on the Origin of Cereza Before She Became the Gun-Toting Enchantress Known Today.
Despite the recent release of Bayonetta 3 last fall, another installment in the franchise is set to launch in March, starring the beloved gun-toting witch. This time, PlatinumGames introduces a prequel titled Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, featuring a charming new art style and gameplay twists that provide insight into a younger version of Cereza before she evolved into the larger-than-life enchantress known today.
After a brief overview of Bayonetta’s ancestry, the game introduces its first major twist by requiring players to control both Cereza and her teddy bear cat Cheshire, who serves as the host for a recently summoned demon. Instead of switching between characters, players must control both at the same time, with the left Joy-Con maneuvering Cereza and the right Joy-Con directing the cat. For those who prefer, the game can also be played with the Switch Pro Controller. In addition to the various puzzles and hack-and-slash encounters, players must also engage in mental battles as they attempt to coordinate both sides of their brain.
I found the game to be reminiscent of one of my favorite games from 2013, “Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons.” For those unfamiliar, it’s a puzzle platformer that I highly recommend. Despite its difference in genre, “Bayonetta Origins” still delivered a similar feeling of fulfilling solo cooperation. Although Nintendo markets the game as single-player, I believe it could be just as enjoyable, if not more, with a friend using a single Joy-Con each.
Furthermore, while the game’s controls are straightforward, there’s a great deal of depth in both combat and navigation. In battles with forest spirits or monsters, Cheshire provides the brute force while Bayonetta utilizes her witch powers to control and restrict enemies. Yet, the two can also collaborate, with Cheshire able to shrink and serve as a grappling hook, enabling the duo to jump over gaps and chasms. Although the game is slower compared to previous entries, coordinating your left and right hands is still very gratifying. It’s also charming to see Cereza cuddle up with her demonic stuffed cat, who, despite its dislike of cuddles, must stay close to the witch to survive.
In Bayonetta Origins, the game’s art style has changed from its anime-inspired roots to a more whimsical, storybook-like aesthetic that looks fantastic. This change, combined with the portrayal of a younger Cereza still figuring out her place in the world, creates a new-age fairy tale-like atmosphere that is different from the over-the-top and eccentric experiences from previous games.
My brief time with Bayonetta Origins was filled with surprises, but the most unexpected was how quickly I was drawn into the game. Despite my preference for the explosive nature of previous entries in the franchise, Cereza’s latest journey presents a delightful and uplifting take on the series. If you’re a Bayonetta fan who was initially wary of this installment’s design or visuals, it’s worth reconsidering and giving Cereza and the Demon a shot when it releases on March 17th.
