Closing a long eight year gap since its last installment’s release, the “Bayonetta” series has returned in full force with its third title, aptly named “Bayonetta 3.” Maintaining its predecessors’ high-octane, over-the-top action and dark, campy charm,  while also bearing some fresh mechanics of its own, this third game makes for strong entry in the franchise, though albeit not its best to date.

Throwing its hat into the worn out modern media multiverse ring, “Bayonetta 3” finds the titular gun-toting witch (Jennifer Hale, “No More Heroes III”) traversing multiple alternate dimensions as she fights to thwart a man-made enemy’s world-ending goals. Though it may be a fresh deviation from the series’ prior narratives, some players may find the story hard to follow due to frequent world jumps and occasionally abrupt transitions within levels. Elongated cutscenes may also be a turnoff to those looking for even more fast-paced gameplay, despite the eye candy and story progression they provide.

In terms of gameplay, “Bayonetta 3” preserves the series’ core hack-and-slash gameplay. Thus, players are able to take on enemies in dynamic, gory battles sure to delight both skilled gamers and button mashers alike. New to the game is the “Demon Slave” mechanic, which affords players the opportunity to take control of Bayonetta’s Infernal Demons, large monsters seen in past games, in addition to new creatures exclusive to the sequel. While the inclusion of this new feature allows for more unique combat options and combos, an off-kilter camera and the demons’ lethargic movement renders it somewhat exhausting to use in certain situations.

With the Infernal Demons’ inclusion also comes the option of diverse weapons and skills designed to suit a variety of playstyles. By progressing through the story and subsequently playing as each of Bayonetta’s variants, players may unlock new combat items which bear their own unique skills, movesets and abilities. Each weapon also comes with the benefit of providing players with a unique dash move and special jump, thus supplying their own distinct perks which may each serve a purpose at different moments throughout the game.

Though it still showcases some of the series’ token dark, gothic visuals, “Bayonetta 3” is notably lighter both aesthetically and tonally. This new look allows for the game to show off some strikingly beautiful animation, especially through its many diverse landscapes which range from mystical, mountainous terrain to the streets of Tokyo. However, its eye-catching scenery and teal and white-colored enemies feel somewhat off compared to the dark tone established by past “Bayonetta” titles, thus making this sequel stick out like a sore thumb in some respects, despite the visuals’ overall aesthetically pleasing nature.

Despite its minor shortcomings, “Bayonetta 3” is an overall exciting, worthy addition to the popular hack-and-slash game series. While its predecessors may be difficult to outdo in terms of both quality gameplay and storytelling, the visually-stunning sequel’s fresh ideas and thrilling combat render it to be relatively bewitching in its own right.

Image from Nintendo UK via YouTube