Bayonetta 2 was originally released for Nintendo’s failed Wii U console back in 2014 and was easily the biggest anomaly ever published by Nintendo until then. A high-octane, over-sexualized, foul-mouthed sequel to an action game that hasn’t been previously released on Nintendo platforms, full of nods to religion (something Nintendo has always been firmly against) and violence. It was the last thing you’d expect good old Ninty to want to publish, and I’m very glad they did, even if I wasn’t that much of a fan of Bayonetta 2 back when it first came out. Fast forward to 2018 and Bayonetta 2 is finally out on the Switch, with improved visuals and the added advantage of portability and the fact the joycons are infinitely better to play with than the Wii U’s controller. I finally get the hype behind Bayonetta 2. This game is amazing and a must-have for the Switch.

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Technically speaking, there aren’t many new improvements in this new version. Sure, the framerate is even more stable this time around, but the graphics per se haven’t been improved. It’s the same you’ve already seen in 2014, and that’s not exactly a bad thing. While Bayonetta 2 doesn’t exactly look like a current generation game (you can clearly notice that during cutscenes), it still looks great, especially on handheld mode. Nothing has changed in the sound department either, as the game still boasts that wacky but amazing mix between cheesy voice acting and upbeat pop music.

If Joe Pesci and Danny DeVito had a baby

The biggest change in this version, must I say, is the fact that you don’t need a Gamepad or the Wii U Pro Controller to play this phenomenal action game. Be it with the joycons or the Switch’s excellent Pro Controller, Bayonetta 2 is simply a blast to play. The gameplay borrows a lot of elements from other similar action titles like Devil May Cry (its main source of inspiration). Everything is fast-paced, everything is set so you can attempt to do the most stylish combos you can imagine, and the combat is tailor made for fans of the “easy to learn, hard to master” gameplay philosophy. Bayonetta 2 for the Switch also boasts, weirdly enough, brand new touchscreen-based controls. Yes, you read it right. As if the game was being played on an iPhone. Does it work? Yes, I’d say so, though I played in this setting for maybe a minute or two. Pulling out combos and avoiding enemy attacks with actual buttons is a lot easier and a lot more fun, wouldn’t you agree?

That’d be a perfect cover art for a Meat Loaf album

Dare I say that Bayonetta 2 on the Switch is a much better choice than the Wii U version, even though both games are basically the same in terms of gameplay and content? Yes, I dare. Not only does the game feature a much more stable framerate and a much friendlier controller than the clunky mess that was the Wii U Gamepad, but the fact you can now play this over-the-top action gem anywhere you feel like due to the Switch’s portability is more than enough to guarantee a purchase, even if it’s a bit expensive for a port of a last-gen title.

By the way, have I told you guys there is a Star Fox level in this game? The damn thing alone is better than Star Fox Zero in its entirety, I can easily guarantee you that.

Graphics: 8.0 The improved lighting effects and framerate are great, but Bayonetta 2 still looks like a last-gen game, and you can notice that most specifically during cutscenes.	Gameplay: 9.5 Bayonetta 2‘s gameplay is easy to learn and hard to master, with extremely responsive controls and a wide variety of combo possibilities.
Sound: 9.0 The soundtrack is fast-paced and memorable, while the voice acting is so cheesy that it’s borderline endearing.	Fun Factor: 9.0 Bayonetta 2 is as fun as a game like this can be. The combat is addictive, the story is entertaining, and the wide variety of extra modes ensure the game can last way beyond the duration of its campaign.
Final Verdict: 9.0

Also available on: Wii U