February has been a busy month for Nintendo Switch owners so far, and that only continues this week with the release of Bayonetta 2. Platinum Games’ acclaimed action game arrives on Switch nearly four years after it originally debuted on Wii U back in 2014, and it has the distinction of being one of the few games to earn a rare 10 out of 10 from GameSpot.
“Bayonetta 2 never strives to be anything less than the purest, rarest kind of action-game experience, one that values skill, reaction times, and sheer spectacle over all else–realism and storytelling be damned,” critic Mark Walton wrote in GameSpot’s original Bayonetta 2 review. “Sure, you can feel the influence of the likes of Devil May Cry and Ninja Gaiden in Bayonetta 2’s combat, and see it in its wonderfully outlandish visuals. But neither of those games, nor the many that followed in their footsteps, come close to the brilliance of Bayonetta 2.”
Ahead of its release, other outlets have begun publishing reviews of Bayonetta 2. As always, we’ve rounded up a sample of them below to give you an idea of what critics have to say about the action game. For a broader look at Bayonetta 2’s reception, be sure to check out GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
Alongside Bayonetta 2, the original Bayonetta also arrives on Switch this week, and it likewise remains one of the most highly regarded action games ever released, as you can read about in our original Bayonetta review. Both titles are available individually on the Switch Eshop, but those who pick up a physical copy of Bayonetta 2 will also receive a download code for the original Bayonetta, giving fans a chance to catch up on the series before Bayonetta 3 launches exclusively for the console.
- Game: Bayonetta 2
- Developer: Platinum Games
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release date: February 16
- Price: $60
GameSpot — 10/10
“Bayonetta 2 arrives on Switch with everything intact from the Wii U version, but with the added convenience of portability and a more consistent frame rate, making it the definitive version of the game. Thanks to the confident execution of seemingly unbridled creativity, Bayonetta 2 remains a game that shouldn’t be missed, just as it was when we first reviewed the game on Wii U.” — Peter Brown [Full review]
IGN — 9/10
“Playing through Bayonetta 2 on Nintendo Switch allowed me to relive some of the most exhilarating, action-packed, hack-and-slash moments from the last decade of gaming. The framerate improvements alone make it a better experience than the Wii U version, and the Amiibo-activated costumes at least put a fun spin on it even if there’s no substantial new content for returning players. It’s disappointing that the Switch version can’t manage more than 720p on a big screen, but with that said, Bayonetta 2’s fantastic art style holds up well.” — Filip Miucin [Full review]
Trusted Reviews — 4.5/5
“Bayonetta 1 and 2 remain a fantastic duo of action titles that feel perfectly at home on Nintendo Switch. Being able to play two of Platinum Games’ finest efforts whenever you like is hugely appealing, and the abundance of content on offer here only makes it even better.” — Jordan King [Full review]
We Got This Covered — 4.5/5
“Although many have experienced Bayonetta in some form or another, whether it be the amazing PC port from last year, or the abysmal PlayStation 3 release, it feels more than at home on Switch. The inclusion of Bayonetta 2 seals the deal, as many didn’t own a Wii U, and I certainly can’t blame them. Packing them together for $60 is frankly a steal, as we’ve seen much worse ports at higher prices. A 720p docked resolution will be a deterrent for some, but maintaining a solid framerate is crucial for an action game, and on that front, Bayonetta 1 + 2 (mostly) hits the mark. If you’re at all a fan of Bayonetta or action games in general, do yourself a favor and give these two games a go.” — David Morgan [Full review]
Vooks — 5/5
“There’s a reason Bayonetta is revered amongst fans of character action games. While Bayonetta as a character might deter some people from giving the franchise a chance, there’s an incredible set of action games in this collection. As I said right at the beginning, after playing both Bayonetta games for the first time on Switch I was kicking myself for not trying them sooner. The characters and utter spectacle of the environments and encounters are impressive, and the flow of combat is immensely satisfying whether you keep it to basic dodges and ripostes or get experimental with combining techniques. Both games are adjustable to your preferences as far as difficulty, game speed, and complexity–even if you’ve been intimidated by similar games in the past, you can get in on the action here.” — Steven Impson [Full review]
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