Bayonetta 2

Last action hero.

An absolute masterpiece from top to bottom, Bayonetta 2 is another gem that has been added to the Wii U’s sterling library of exclusive games.

Bayonetta 2 sets the new standard for Character-Action games to come; it is a true modern classic, and a testament to videogaming as a whole.

Every aspect of Bayonetta 2 feels polished and focused. At times, the writing feels ridiculous, but I still love how it plays. The superb pacing and combat are just that good. By the end I was convinced: This sequel builds on everything that made the original great, and delivers one of the most satisfying action games I've played.

Bayonetta 2 is a smashing success, and proves that the WiiU can be the home of some great core titles. Now if only the wait for those titles could be cut a little shorter. Savor this one though, because titles of this level of quality seem to be few and far in between right now.

“Bayonetta 2 is a game whose gargantuan barrage of sex, violence, and surrealism sets the mind on fire in the best possible way.”

Despite being a three-plus-year-old port, Bayonetta 2 shines brightest on Nintendo Switch. It runs without a hitch at 60fps, looks incredible in both TV and tabletop modes and offers an addictive free-flowing combat formula that sprinkles in platforming, light exploration and a ridiculous story to create something that you simply need to experience. If you’ve never played it for before, you’re in ...

Bayonetta 2 is a system seller. It's a Nintendo-published game that is rarely seen, and a game that will legitimately make non-Wii U owners jealous.

It may be a divisive experience, but for fans of Bayonetta's mystique and over-the-top style, Bayonetta 2 is an essential experience. It has its share of flaws that are consistent with the genre's history, but in the end, these complaints aren't enough to upend the forward momentum that Platinum Games has injected into the game.

But beyond all of that is one of the most competent and addicting action games I've played this year. Platinum understands what it takes to create compelling combat in a vividly imaginative world and they have a major knack for making combat encounters feel epic. Bayonetta 2 is manic, adrenaline-fueled combat at its best, showing tremendous depth beyond its shallow lead character.

I won't guess why the blatant over-sexualization is still there, often more intensely than before. But it causes an otherwise great game to require a much bigger mental compromise to enjoy.