Bayonetta 2 (Hands-On) (Wii U) Preview

Anyone that has not had the pleasure of trying out Bayonetta on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 will be pleased to know that the original is being remastered for release on Wii U alongside the sequel to SEGA's classic title, developed by Platinum Games, who Nintendo fans will know mainly for MadWorld on Wii, Infinite Space on Nintendo DS, as well as The Wonderful 101 for Wii U.

Bayonetta 2 is more akin to MadWorld in its hectic all-out action approach, but certainly works better at appealing to the mainstream compared to the black-and-white stylised Wii offering that was also jam-packed with lashings of bright red spurting all over on a regular basis. This game is not for novices at all, it must be stated from the off. Whereas The Wonderful 101 had moments that had regular gamers scratching their heads at just how to get through some of the high octane battles, it always left enough room for manoeuvre to prevent newcomers from growing tired with the experience. Playing Bayonetta 2 after never touching the original before could be problematic for anyone trying this, however, or at least it could be when first starting out. The sequel to the cult hit is squarely aimed at the 'hardcore' gaming crowd that eats this sort of mind-blowing action for breakfast, lunch AND dinner, stomaching it with the greatest of ease.

The demo started off with players being able to try out the lead character's moves in a safe environment, working through the various abilities (punch, kick, dodge, and so on, as well as combinations of moves) until the minus button on the GamePad was pressed to move on. In the ridiculously short amount of time given (yes, being ushered off as quickly as possible by the attendants, frustratingly) the sumptuous-looking cut-scenes needed to be skipped and flicking through the practice elements was encouraged. As soon as the crazy action kicked in, though, it was a case of wishing those tutorial screens had been given a little more attention and casting scowls at the Nintendo representatives as a painful beat down began, and random button mashing ensued!

The slinky female lead character uses her hair whilst fighting, and - in a very striking visual technique - basically undresses as attack combinations are built up. Easy on the eyes, without a doubt, but rather distracting when trying so hard to stay alive in the midst of an onslaught of massive enemies approaching from all sides! Nevertheless, it is just another piece of visual glory in what is certainly an aesthetic masterpiece and one that is accompanied by a smart control system. Soon enough, dodging at the last second to unleash a special monster-slowing technique and then switching being timely kicks, punches and gunfire, jumping through the air and unloading everything to stay alive, all becomes second nature. There are also button-timing moments and certain other event points that need to be carefully watched out for or else death is imminent. It is non-stop all the way, and thoroughly enjoyable, sweaty-palm-inducing fun.

Sadly, the demo was over almost before it began, but being one of those to never have the pleasure of sampling the first game, this was an exhilarating ride and one that left a feeling of wanting more. Perhaps not for everyone, but for those wanting a challenge and something different on Wii U, this is something to keep an eye on.