Bayonetta 2 Reviews: The Best Wii U Game Of 2014?

"Bayonetta 2 arrived in North America and Europe on Friday. The reviews suggest that Wii U gamers will be very happy with their new exclusive.

The game's 59 reviews on Metacritic have an average score of 91. That makes Bayonetta 2 the best-reviewed game of 2014 so far for Wii U, beating out other critical darlings like Mario Kart 8 and Shovel Knight. It also has the third-best Metacritic of all-time for Wii U games. Only Super Mario 3D World and Rayman Legends are ahead of it.

This is all far from scientific. Metacritic, after all, weights each publication's review score differently and doesn't publicly share that weighting. The site's far from an objective tool to weigh one game against another. Still, the general point stands: people really like Bayonetta 2."

[Big_Game_Hunters]

Just came back from stores looking for it, I really should have pre-orderd.... i guess i have to wait until Monday (says while trying to hold back my tears)

[Metallox]

I'm going tomorrow to look for one copy. I reserved it in Gamestop, but I'm not sure if they really are going to hold it, so I need luck as well T.T

[BullyMangler]

monday is just around the corner too! . . .

In the mean time you should note that the Pro Controller is better for this type of free-camera game . .

. if you have played the first Bayonetta, remember to set Bayonetta 2's settings to the most challenging setting, because the Hard Mode may be too easy to "Veteran" players . .

(:

[joab777]

Yeah, when a game like this releases for the WiiU, better pre order.

I'm not sure about exclusivity. Could it be remade for anything else or is it locked down b/c with a reception like this and so few game being made like this, I would think they would want to release to a wider audience.

Here's to hoping Nintendo uses this, advertises the "heck" out of it for Xmas...and maybe, dare I say...and bundle. Is Nintendo kinda in and catch 22 here? Would they push this game with their brand?

[Lon3wolf]

If you mean can it be released on a non Nintendo platform then no, Nintendo paid for the game to be produced.

[3-4-5]

I'd say Smash Brothers Wii U has a very good chance to be better. It's got so much content packed in.

[NukaCola]

I am very happy the game is received well by critics. It needs to sell well. The series is cared about, so the gamer should care too.

[Bronxs15]

I'm enjoying the game with a pro controller. Was able to get it on Friday with no pre order.

If your internet is good u can always try get it on eshop

[4logpc]

At this rate it could be the best game of 2014.

[joab777]

Let's not get crazy here, lol! JK. What else is still to come? AC:Uity, Far Cry 4 and my dark horse for GotY, Dragon Age: Inquisition...dark horse b/c this is when Bioware shows that they are still at the top of their game, and no one, not even EA can ruin them.

[DigitalRaptor]

It already is the best new game of 2014, and I don't see that changing.

TLOU Remastered has a higher aggregated score, but that was last year's GOTY. In terms of new games this year, Bayonetta 2 absolutely takes the cake.

[pasta_spice]

I hope that its at least considered for GOTY. I'm worried it will get looked over or ignored because its a Wii U game.

[Bronxs15]

I hope so too. Super Mario 3d world got game of the year from euro gamer the digital founds people. So wii u wasn't looked over.

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

I'm extremely happy that I got this game.
I loved the first one and the second is equally entertaining.

Some of the medium weight enemies can combo break, now, so you have to play smart by hitting them from behind to prevent it, and they're immune to being re-launched once up in the air meaning you've got to focus more on improving your ground combos than you did in the first game.

Overall, it's very challenging. Bracelet of Time is going to be one of those essential tools for combo video enthusiasts once again.

[Bronxs15]

I'm on chapter 10 with no bracelets. Granted I don't always get gold or platinum ratings. I

But is there any other advantage of using those items? I'm just using rings to unlock new techniques. And buy the odd green lollipop. Lol

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

Yes, but it depends on your goals.
If you're going for more medals, then having the various accessories can greatly speed up that process.
Heck, even grinding Halos can be made easier with specific accessories.

For the sake of expedience, I'll put a copied quote from an XB360 guide to the accessories of the original Bayonetta, most of which carry over into Bay 2, into my second response.

As a side note, if you tend to get hit a lot and run out of magic a lot, I highly recommend Pulley's Butterfly and Eternal Testimony.
The Bracelet of Time should be something you use only once you're ready to tackle the higher difficulties, to make things a bit easier.

And finally, if you don't mind semi-cheating, use the Link costume in both Bay 1 and Bay 2.
It comes with a Hylian Shield on one of Bayonetta's arms, and because of that, it comes complete with a "counter" ability that works exactly the same way as the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa does.
Essentially, if you use the Link costume, you get the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa's ability without having to use up an accessory slot for it.
Cheap, right?
But against the higher difficulties, I would consider it to be "evening the odds".^_-

[wonderfulmonkeyman]

The list:

"Evil Harvest Rosary - This accessory makes the game a lot easier because you can stun groups of enemies whenever you dodge.
If you don't have it equipped you will need to rely on dodge offsets a lot more, which takes more skill.
It's fairly useful against fast, high HP enemies like Ardors Beloved, and Gracious/Glorious. The downside is that the bombs give low combo points and it will hurt your score if you use it, especially around low HP enemies like affinities, joys, and grace/glory.

Pulley's Butterfly - Useful if you think you are going to get hit, or you don't have any other use for magic at the moment. It's easy to abuse this accessory because it drains magic so slowly and you can activate spam it as much as you want. It makes the game a lot easier overall.

Gaze of Despair - Useful for increasing your combo score, at the expense of making enemies attack faster/more aggressively/frequently, deal more damage, take 25% less damage from your attacks, and make them harder to stagger/stun.
It's pretty much necessary for getting PP on some Alfheims and bosses.
There is no real penalty for equipping it against huge bosses, but you still get the combo bonus.
Against smaller bosses like Jeanne, they will attack faster/more aggressively. Putting this accessory on makes Climax mode very difficult, which is why most people pair it with the Harvest Rosary.

Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa - Keep this equipped almost all the time. You can reflect projectiles and deflect/counter attacks. You need to get good at using this accessory if you ever want a faint hope of getting pure platinums on climax mode, unless you plan on being a scrub and exploiting the kilgore glitch.
The best part of this weapon is that you can deflect at almost any time, including while being hit or while attacking.
Your counterattack is based on the weapon
equipped on your arm.

There are two big drawbacks to parrying with the Moon of Mahaa-Kalaa. You can't dodge offset with it, so if you parry you break your current combo.
Second, the only weapon that does special/weave parry counter damage is Kilgore on arms, which is kind of a clunky weapon on Climax difficulty.
This means using the Moon frequently will lower your combo score compared to using dodge offset, unless you restrict yourself to short weave combos like PKP.
You can sort of make up for the lack of dodge offsets by using Fire Durga mines, which you can place down then parry while waiting for the mine to explode.

Eternal Testimony - This accessory can be used for a variety of magic related purposes.
Any time you need extra magic for a Torture Attack/magic draining attack, bracelet of time, shield, etc. this accessory is useful.

Bracelet of Time - This bracelet is useful in climax mode even though it drains magic very quickly. It's useful for setting up a combo against bosses or enemies that are otherwise difficult to attack."

And here's the link to the guide I got the info from:
http://www.gamefaqs.com/ps3...

[WizzroSupreme]

Marathoning through one as we speak. That and 2 could be some of my favorite games of all time. And to think it came out in a year that was going to be wracked with AAAs like Batman and Witcher III.

Now next to Dark Souls II, it's almost got GOTY contender in the bag. How many other games made any average near a 90 that wasn't The Last of Us Remastered?

[NotAFanboyJustReal]

Even if it wins the GOTY, it's really not saying much. This year has been full of disappointments and was dry as a bone. Can't justify buying a Wii U even though I've heard great things about this game. Pay $300+ to play 3-4 maybe 5 games a year? No thanks. Get your head out of your A$$ Nintendo!

[diepdiep]

Flock off, feather-face.

[Avengingkinght92]

That was a really cheesy insult.

[jeremyj2913]

Lol. What is that line from? I kno it from the original Devil May Cry but I don't think it came from there.

[CandyFace]

Jeremyj2913, Bayonetta ;)

She says it after a big boss battle if i'm not mistaken.

[Bronxs15]

When I read flock off , feather face I heard it in her voice and lol'd

[PigPen]

I don't want to talk Bayonetta 2 no more. I want to talk Super Smash Bros. That's the runner up game. I know it's a little to soon, but lets talk Devil's Third. Bayonetta, Bayonetta, Bayonetta is going to be the topic for a while. It's a hot game, you all see the reviews so get it.

Edit: If you already got the game, cheers!

[Bronxs15]

Hopefully Devils third can be a bayo2 type quality game. As of now its been off my radar

[IQUITN4G]

It could be the best game of the last 10 years and it still unfortunately wont win goty. What does that say for 'gamers'

edit: I'm championing Bayonetta you goons

[PigPen]

It says to gamers you are clearly a troll.

Edit: Look in the mirror and you will see.

[IQUITN4G]

You do realise I'm actually sticking up for this game. I think the likelihood of this getting goty is zero because when has a game of this type ever done that in the past. Can't imagine a better game this year releasing quite honestly

[PigPen]

A bubble for you!

[PigPen]

Adropacrich2, I'm sorry for ranting.

Edit: I didn't spell your name right .

[IQUITN4G]

No worries, I've jumped to defence of this game a few times as well so I might have done the same thing. Have a bubble

[DigitalRaptor]

I'll vote for it.

[jeremyj2913]

Yea. Unfortunately a game in a niche genre has no chance of ever winning GOTY. It will be for me tho. Hack'n Slash is my favorite genre and they all release so few and far between that I can't help but get excited for a new one. Been waiting since Metal Gear Rising for another good slasher.

[OMGitzThatGuy]

The game is good but I have 2 minor gripes with it that bug me.
1. Jaggies. Not too noticeable when I combat but elsewhere it is eye damaging bad.
2. The low voices. Is that intentional or is my wii u dying?

[ABeastNamedTariq]

Could Bayonetta show up in Smash?

[Venoxn4g]

Even if she wont, theres a big chance for DLC

[AJBACK2FRAG]

I conjectured that quite a while ago because if you look at Zero Suit Samus in SSBU she has those jump blasting things on her boots (and the booty). Seems like an easy palette swap for Bayonetta.

[captainexplosion]

If I rent this game through Gamefly will it include the second disc with Bayonetta 1?

[GamingSinceThe80s]

Don't rent this game,buy it we as gamers need to support Nintendo for making this happen.The only way we will get them to back more project's like this is by making it rain $$$$$$$$!

[captainexplosion]

My Wii U is rarely at my house. My son takes it to his mom's and leaves me the PS4 and XB1. It doesn't make sense for me to purchase it when I will probably only have it for winter break. Plus, I didn't think the first one was that great anyway.

[GamingSinceThe80s]

If you didn't like the first one why do you care so much if you will get it with GameFly when you rent the 2nd then?

[weekev15]

Why dont you give it to your son (how old is he? Might help you avoid an awkward conversation)

[IQUITN4G]

You could literally spend years playing the first game and hopefully be developed enough to master the vast playing technique available. I imagine lot of people wont for example even know that you can stagger or alter the tempo of your combo at any point which is fully unique to Bayonetta. These two games can last you as long as you continue to game

[ZeekQuattro]

Up until Smash Bros Wii U releases anyway. Haven't played the retail version of two yet as I have been playing Bayo 1. Not sure why I skipped the original release as I love Platinum games as well as Sega. Bayo 1 is a blast to play. Can't wait to dive into 2.

[R00bot]

I dunno man Smash Bros. Wii U looks amazing.

[theshredded]

GOTY for sure!

[aarondejohnson]

Bayonetta 2 and smash bros will either be runner up or will win GOTY But wait, it's on the wii u so they will give it to Destiny unfortunately. (SMH)

[Loadedklip]

Wii U has the three best games this year ... Bayonetta, Smash Bros and Mario Kart :)

[Geekman]

Everyone forgets about Donkey Kong....

[Locknuts]

I'm trying to. Disappointingly mediocre game from Nintendo. From anyone else I'd consider it acceptable though.

[Loadedklip]

Best platformer this year along with Shovel Knight.
So no ... haven't forgotten about it. :)

[Locknuts]

I don't really care if it's Wii U GOTY or not. I'm enjoying the hell out of it.

[Veneno]

I bought bayonetta 2 off the hype. Im about half way through 1 and im not impressed.the story is quirky but that does not equate to good. The dialogue is atrocious. The shooting game is boring as hell. Why did they put that in? Im going to finish both games to give it a fair shot, but so far there is nothing in this game that says goty or 10/10 to me. My two cents.

But as a plus, if you never played the first this is a hell of a deal.