Bayonetta started as a popular hack & slash game created by the masterminds of Platinum Games. A lot of gamers fell in love with the wicked witch and liked the fast-paced action combined with demonic creatures. When the budget for a sequel wasn’t granted, fans lost hope. Until Nintendo came to help. With their help, Bayonetta 2 became a reality and was released as a Nintendo Wii U exclusive. Needless to say, the Nintendo Switch will receive Bayonetta 3 later, until then, you can play the first two Bayonetta games on your Switch, but are these ports worth it?
Bayonetta 1
The first Bayonetta originally released on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 but was ported to Wii U with the release of its sequel ‘Bayonetta 2’. It’s no public secret that the Wii U didn’t sell as much as Nintendo would have hoped for, making a Nintendo Switch version of the game the logical next step. We’ve been able to spend some time with both ports and we’re more than happy to share our first impressions of both games. Let’s start with the first one.
Right from the start, it’s pretty clear that Bayonetta is an older game. The graphics aren’t as sharp as we’re used to but that’s nothing to really worry about. In docked mode, the game runs extremely smooth on the Nintendo Switch and even in handheld mode, there aren’t any noticeable problems. It might be good to know that these ports seem to be direct ports of the Wii U versions. This also means that the graphics didn’t improve compared to the Wii U versions but that touch controls are once more part of the experience.
Using the touchscreen of your Nintendo Switch, you can control the actions of the witch and attack your enemies with a simple flick of your finger. Just like the Wii U version, this isn’t something I really liked. Using the touch controls is rather easy but it limits your movements. Not all of Bayonetta’s attacks are possible using only the touch controls so in the end, you’ll prefer the buttons of the Joy-Con.
That being said, it’s impressive to see how timeless Bayonetta really is. Thanks to the fast-paced action, interesting bosses and thrilling story, I enjoy playing this for the third time. The biggest benefit of this port is without a doubt the possibility to carry the game with you wherever you want to go. The sharp graphics, solid soundtrack and fast-paced action still stand until this day and I can’t wait to see and play more soon.
Bayonetta 2
Bayonetta 2 released a couple of years after the original and was released as a Nintendo Wii U exclusive game. This Nintendo Switch version is, once more, a direct port of that version. Since I’m guessing a lot of gamers missed out on this glorious sequel, it’s a good thing to have it on the Nintendo Switch, a console that’s already more popular than the Wii U ever was.
Bayonetta 2 can be considered as the ultimate version of Bayonetta. Everything about it just screams ‘bigger and better’. The enemies you face are bigger and the pacing even got higher. Straight from the start, you’ll fight against multiple enemies at once, moving faster than your eyes can often follow. Besides that, the game also received a graphical boost, bringing it a lot closer to the current quality of Nintendo Switch games. Playing this sequel in handheld mode was a true pleasure since everything runs extremely smooth. Once again, you can decide to use touch controls if you like that but again, in all honesty, I don’t really like using those.
Compared to the Wii U version, this Switch version is a lot easier to hold in your hands since the Nintendo Switch isn’t as heavy or big as the Wii U was. This doesn’t seem like a big deal but if you know just how fast the action is, you’ll need to be comfortable while gaming. During the couple of hours I played this, I never had the idea that my hands were getting too tired of the fast action, something I did feel while playing it off-screen on Wii U.
Since the handheld mode is never obligated, I’ll think most of you will play it using the television mode and it’s here where the game truly shines. Bayonetta 2 still looks as sharp and amazing as it did before. It’s a bit of a shame that the graphics didn’t improve but thanks to the fluent action, you’ll never really miss this.
Bayonetta 2 is a great game, as it always was and it’s certainly a great addition to have on your Nintendo Switch. Again, being able to carry it around with you is perhaps the biggest plus, especially when you know that this sequel is playable with your friends. Bayonetta 2 can easily become your new favorite co-op game.
Early conclusion:
At first sight, both ports seem a bit too easy since they really don’t improve a lot compared to the Wii U versions. Then again, this really isn’t that important since I’m guessing these ports are aimed at those who haven’t played the games but want to prepare for Bayonetta 3 on Nintendo Switch. If you haven’t played the Wii U versions, I’m certain these ports will bring a lot of joy. I’m not sure however, if it’s worth the trouble for Wii U owners who played both games before.
