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{{About|the video game|the video game series|Bayonetta|the character|Bayonetta (character)}}

{{Infobox video game
| title = Bayonetta
| image = Bayonetta box artwork.png
| caption = International cover art
| developer = [[PlatinumGames]]{{efn|[[PlayStation 3]] version developed by [[Nex Entertainment]];<ref name="nex">{{cite web| title=Nex Entertainment Contents| url=http://www.nex-ent.co.jp/contents/consumer.html| publisher=Nex Entertainment| language=ja| access-date=June 14, 2012| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320182847/http://www.nex-ent.co.jp/contents/consumer.html| archive-date=March 20, 2016}}</ref> [[Wii U]] version developed by Bee Tribe; additional work for [[Windows]] by Little Stone Software and by [[Armature Studio]] for [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]]}}
| publisher = {{ubl|[[Sega]]{{efn|[[Wii U]] and [[Nintendo Switch]] versions published by [[Nintendo]]}}}}
| director = [[Hideki Kamiya]]
| producer = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|Yusuke Hashimoto}}|Akiko Kuroda (Wii U)|Hitoshi Yamagami (Wii U)|Atsushi Kurooka (PC)}}
| designer = {{ubl|Hiroshi Shibata|Masaaki Yamada}}
| artist = {{ubl|Mari Shimazaki|[[Ikumi Nakamura]]}}
| writer = Hideki Kamiya
| composer = {{collapsible list|title=List of composers|[[Norihiko Hibino]]|[[Takahiro Izutani]]|Masami Ueda|Hiroshi Yamaguchi|Rei Kondoh|Takayasu Sodeoka|Erina Niwa|Yoshitaka Suzuki|Naoto Tanaka}}
| series = ''[[Bayonetta]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[PlayStation 3]]|[[Xbox 360]]|[[Wii U]]|[[Windows]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[Xbox One]]}}
| released = {{collapsible list|title={{nobold|October 29, 2009}}|'''PlayStation 3, Xbox 360'''{{vgrelease|JP|October 29, 2009|NA|January 5, 2010|AU|January 7, 2010|EU|January 8, 2010}}'''Wii U'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://e3.nintendo.com/games/wiiu/bayonetta/ |title=Bayonetta for Wii U - Nintendo @ E3 |publisher=E3.nintendo.com |access-date=August 19, 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714162058/http://e3.nintendo.com/games/wiiu/bayonetta/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014 }}</ref>{{vgrelease|JP|September 20, 2014|NA/EU|October 24, 2014|AU|October 25, 2014}}'''Windows'''{{vgrelease|WW|April 11, 2017}}'''Nintendo Switch'''{{vgrelease|WW|February 16, 2018<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16750044/bayonetta-nintendo-switch-date-trailer-tga-2017|title=Bayonetta 1 + 2 are heading to Nintendo Switch|author=Polygon|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=December 7, 2017|access-date=December 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171208111628/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16750044/bayonetta-nintendo-switch-date-trailer-tga-2017|archive-date=December 8, 2017|url-status = live}}</ref>|JP|February 17, 2018}}'''PlayStation 4, Xbox One'''{{vgrelease|WW|February 18, 2020|JP|May 28, 2020 (PS4)}}}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure]], [[hack and slash]]
| modes = [[Single-player]]
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''Bayonetta'''''|ベヨネッタ|Beyonetta|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2009 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[PlatinumGames]] and published by [[Sega]]. It was released for [[PlayStation 3]] and [[Xbox 360]] in Japan in October 2009, and in North America and Europe in January 2010. It was released on [[Wii U]] in September 2014, [[Windows]] in April 2017, [[Nintendo Switch]] in February 2018, and [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]] in February 2020.<ref name="IGN cites 10th anniversary release" />

''Bayonetta'' takes place in Vigrid, a fictional city in Europe. The game stars the [[Bayonetta (character)|eponymous character]], a witch who is capable of shapeshifting and using various firearms. She possesses magical attacks and she can use her hair to summon demons to dispatch her foes.

The game features a rating system, which gives players a grade based on their performance, and a combat system similar to the ''[[Devil May Cry]]'' series. Although unlike ''Devil May Cry'', which features a live Style Rank to directly judge the player, Bayonetta (and subsequent Platinum action games) feature an arena based ranking system, which judges players based on variables such as time, combo points and damage at the end of each individual fight which then gets tallied up at the end of each chapter to determine the final rank.

''Bayonetta'' was the third project released by [[PlatinumGames]], which was founded by former [[Clover Studio]] employees. Development began in January 2007, with Hideki Kamiya as the director. The development team's name, "Team Little Angels," is a play on the name of the team who developed the first ''Devil May Cry'' game, "Team Little Devils." According to Kamiya, ''Bayonetta'' was completely original, though he drew some inspirations from [[Scandinavian mythology]] and played ''[[Devil May Cry 4]]'' for reference. The game was designed to have a core theme of "sexiness" and to feature "fashionable" characters. To this end, Kamiya and artist Mari Shimazaki spent more than a year creating ''Bayonetta's'' design. Several demos were released  prior to launch.

''Bayonetta'' received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its combat, presentation, and soundtrack, but also drew some criticism for its story and [[quick time event]]s. The game was nominated for and won several end-of-the-year accolades, had sold over one million units worldwide by 2010, and is considered to be [[List of video games considered the best|one of the greatest video games ever made]]. An [[anime]] film adaptation by [[Gonzo (company)|Gonzo]], ''[[Bayonetta: Bloody Fate]]'', was released in Japan in November 2013. The game was followed by ''[[Bayonetta 2]]'' (2014), ''[[Bayonetta 3]]'' (2022), and ''[[Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon]]'' (2023).

==Gameplay==
[[File:Bayonetta kick.jpg|thumb|left|''Bayonetta'' gameplay screenshot, demonstrating one of the available "Wicked Weave" attacks|alt=Screenshot of a woman with revealing attire in an outdoor setting. Above her is a dark, giant leg, composed of and attached to her hair and attacking a staff-wielding enemy to the left of her. Behind them is a fountain and various buildings. In each corner (except the bottom left) are game scores and indicators.]]

''Bayonetta'' is a single-player, [[Third-person view|third-person]] 3D [[action-adventure]] and [[hack and slash]] game.<ref name="gi-marchiafava">{{cite magazine |last=Marchiafava |first=Jeff |url=https://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/29/preview.aspx |title=Bayonetta |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |publisher=[[GameStop]] |date=September 29, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105041836/http://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/29/preview.aspx |archive-date=2009-11-05 |url-status = live }}</ref> The player controls a witch named [[Bayonetta (character)|Bayonetta]], is able to use melee and long ranged attacks and is able to select multiple weapons. By pressing a combination of buttons, they are able to use "Wicked Weave" attacks and they are also able to use "Torture Attacks" in which Bayonetta summons a variety of devices to deal strong damage to enemies. Such devices range from [[chainsaw]]s to [[iron maiden]]s.<ref name="gamespot-handson">{{cite web |last=Mc Shea |first=Tom |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6211066&mode=previews |title=Bayonetta Hands-On |website=GameSpot UK |date=June 3, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123184826/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6211066&mode=previews |archive-date=January 23, 2013 }}</ref> One ability Bayonetta has is "Witch Time", which activates when the player makes a well-timed dodge to an attack. This temporarily increases her speed, causing enemies to appear to move in slow-motion, allowing Bayonetta to inflict massive amounts of counter damage before the enemies can react.<ref>{{cite web |title=Bayonetta Demo Impressions |last=Tong |first=Sophia |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6211091&mode=previews |date=June 3, 2009 |website=GameSpot UK |access-date=September 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120720171523/http://uk.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6211091&mode=previews |archive-date=July 20, 2012 }}</ref>

The player can double jump for extra height, perform evasive backflips, and destroy background objects and doors. Camera views can be rotated, enemy targets can be locked on, and weapons can be switched during play.<ref name="1up-handson">{{cite web |last=Leone |first=Matt |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3174471 |title=Bayonetta (PS3): Previews: We've got the first ever hands-on preview of the next big action game from the director of Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami. |website=1UP.com |date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=October 11, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109181429/http://www.1up.com/previews/bayonetta |archive-date=January 9, 2012 }}</ref> With unlockable transformations, the player can make Bayonetta become a panther or one of various other living creatures to enhance her abilities.<ref name="1up-transforms">{{cite web |last=Leone |first=Matt |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3174402 |title=Bayonetta (PS3): Previews: Learn new details about the panther, and a few hints about other yet-to-be-revealed transformations. |website=1UP.com |date=May 27, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730202517/http://www.1up.com/previews/bayonetta_2 |archive-date=July 30, 2012 }}</ref> Lollipops can be used to [[health (gaming)|heal]] her, replenish her magic, induce invincibility or increase her strength, although using these items, as well as dying, lowers the score for that chapter.<ref name="ign-ps3review">{{cite web|last=Clements |first=Ryan |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/105/1057012p1.html |title=Bayonetta Review (PlayStation 3) |publisher=IGN |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 22, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091226035445/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/105/1057012p1.html| archive-date= 26 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> By finding various component items, the player can combine them into new items. Many enemies and objects drop halos when destroyed, which the player can use to buy items, techniques and weapon upgrades.<ref name="1up-handson" /><ref name="ign-progress">{{cite web |last=Shea |first=Cam |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/964/964193p1.html |title=Bayonetta Progress Report |publisher=IGN |date=March 19, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322040007/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/964/964193p1.html |archive-date=March 22, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref> The player can use enemy weapons, either to directly attack or as props for movement. Bayonetta's strongest attacks allow her to summon parts of Madama Butterfly and other demons with her hair.<ref name="ign-progress" />

During development, five difficulty modes were created: "Very Easy", "Easy", "Normal", "Hard", and "Non-Stop Infinite Climax".<ref name="1up-handson2">{{cite web|last=Leone|first=Matt|date=June 1, 2009|title=Bayonetta (PS3): Previews: We've got the first ever hands-on preview of the next big action game from the director of Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Okami.|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3174471|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109181429/http://www.1up.com/previews/bayonetta|archive-date=January 9, 2012|access-date=October 11, 2009|website=1UP.com}}</ref> On Easy and Very Easy, a "Very Easy Automatic" mode is made available in which the game positions Bayonetta to perform attacks on enemies, and the player only needs to press one button to execute elaborate combos, unless they wish to perform their own choice of movements or attacks. Kamiya posted a video on the game's official website in which character designer Mari Shimazaki demonstrated the mode (which Kamiya "jokingly called 'Mommy Mode{{' "}}) in ''Bayonetta''.<ref name="1up-onebutton2">{{cite web|last=Bailey|first=Kat|date=August 24, 2009|title=PlatinumGames Shows Off Bayonetta's 'Very Easy Automatic' Mode|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175753|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012213033/http://www.1up.com/news/platinum-games-shows-bayonetta-easy|archive-date=October 12, 2012|access-date=October 10, 2009|website=1UP.com}}</ref><ref name="pg-buttonconfig2">{{cite video|url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/10/02/hideki-kamiya-answers-your-questions/|title=Hideki Answers Vol. 2 Part 1!|date=April 24, 2009|people=Kamiya, Hideki (interviewee); Kellams, JP (interviewer)|publisher=PlatinumGames|time=0:23–1:00 and 3:33–3:40|access-date=October 10, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091010143938/http://platinumgames.com/2009/10/02/hideki-kamiya-answers-your-questions/|archive-date=10 October 2009|format=Adobe Flash|url-status=dead}}</ref> He expected players to first complete the game in 10 to 12 hours, but believed that its rating system (similar to that of [[Viewtiful Joe]], which he directed) and the pursuit of high scores provide [[replay value]].<ref name="gi-marchiafava2">{{cite magazine|last=Marchiafava|first=Jeff|date=September 29, 2009|title=Bayonetta|url=https://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/29/preview.aspx|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091105041836/http://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/ps3/archive/2009/09/29/preview.aspx|archive-date=2009-11-05|access-date=October 15, 2009|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|publisher=[[GameStop]]}}</ref> The game has a fixed button configuration; Kamiya said that "there wasn't really a point to changing [it]."

==Story==

===Setting and characters===
''Bayonetta'' takes place in Vigrid, a fictional city in Europe.<ref name="ign-progress"/> [[Bayonetta (character)|Bayonetta]] (voiced by Hellena Taylor / [[Atsuko Tanaka]])<ref>{{cite web |url=http://hellenataylor.com/reel_voice.html |title=Hellena Taylor |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119162428/http://hellenataylor.com/reel_voice.html |archive-date=2010-01-19 }}</ref> is a witch who [[shapeshifts]] and uses various firearms, along with magical attacks she performs with her hair by summoning demons to dispatch her foes. She awakens after a 500-year sleep<ref name="gamespot-updated">{{cite web|last=Anderson |first=Luke |url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6216007&mode=previews |title=Bayonetta Updated Impressions |website=GameSpot |date=August 22, 2009 |access-date=October 16, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091006111403/http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/news.html?sid=6216007&mode=previews| archive-date= 6 October 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> and finds herself in an unfamiliar area with no memories of who or what she is. Over time, she begins to remember what caused her current predicament. Five hundred years before the incident that caused Bayonetta's memory loss, there were two factions preserving the balance between darkness and light in the world: the Umbra Witches, who are followers of darkness, and their counterparts, the Lumen Sages, who are followers of light. The factions shared two distinct treasures, the 'Eyes of the World' (separately named the 'Left Eye of Darkness' and the 'Right Eye of Light') which they used to oversee the just passage of time. Both factions mysteriously disappeared from Vigrid under unknown circumstances.<ref>{{cite video |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqgtpTkCQ3Q |title=TGS 09: Bayonetta Trailer |publisher=IGN |via=[[YouTube]] |format=Adobe Flash |date=September 24, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140129123221/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qqgtpTkCQ3Q |archive-date=January 29, 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref> Bayonetta has an ornate piece of jewelry which contains a small red gem, and believes this gem is the Left Eye of the World. While searching for the Right Eye, she occasionally receives flashbacks that make her remember what happened.

Other characters include {{Nihongo|Luka|ルカ}} (voiced by [[Yuri Lowenthal]]<ref name="kokugamer-review">{{cite web |last=H |first=Maiku |date=January 8, 2010 |title=Bayonetta Review |url=http://kokugamer.com/2010/01/08/bayonetta-reviewxbox-360/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114034955/http://kokugamer.com/2010/01/08/bayonetta-reviewxbox-360/ |archive-date=January 14, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2010 |publisher=Koku Gamer}}</ref> / [[Daisuke Namikawa]]), who met Bayonetta as a child;<ref name="gamespot-updated" /> Bayonetta's rival and fellow Umbra Witch {{Nihongo|Jeanne|ジャンヌ|Jannu}} (voiced by [[Grey DeLisle]]<ref name="PlatinumGames1">[{{cite web|url=http://platinumgames.com/2013/02/06/bayonetta-developer-commentary-part-56/ |title=Bayonetta Developer Commentary Part 56] |publisher=PlatinumGames |access-date=October 30, 2014 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616231758/http://platinumgames.com/2013/02/06/bayonetta-developer-commentary-part-56/ |archive-date=June 16, 2013 }}</ref> / [[Mie Sonozaki]]), who wields four guns like Bayonetta; {{Nihongo|Rodin|ロダン|Rodan}} (voiced by [[Dave Fennoy]]<ref name="PlatinumGames1"/> / [[Tesshō Genda]]), the owner of a bar called the Gates Of Hell where Bayonetta can buy various weapons and items; an informant named {{Nihongo|Enzo|エンツォ|Entso}} (voiced by [[Chick Vennera]]<ref name="PlatinumGames1"/> / [[Wataru Takagi]]) who looks and sounds similar to actor [[Joe Pesci]] and provides comic relief; a young girl named {{Nihongo|Cereza|セレッサ|Seressa}} (voiced by Joy Jillian<ref>{{cite podcast|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/anncast/2014-10-20/.80139|title=ANNCast 203: Klein Times|publisher=Anime News Network|date=October 20, 2014|access-date=October 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014182708/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/anncast/2014-10-20/.80139|archive-date=October 14, 2017|url-status = live}}</ref> / [[Miyuki Sawashiro]]) whom Bayonetta meets early in the game; and the main antagonist {{Nihongo|Balder|バルドル|Barudoru}} (voiced by Grant Albrecht<ref name="PlatinumGames1"/> / [[Norio Wakamoto]]).

The game settings borrow from Dante's ''[[Divine Comedy]]'': [[Paradiso (Dante)|Paradiso]] (heaven), which generally takes the form of a heavenly yellow or golden valley or palace and is the home of the "Angel" enemies she faces; [[Purgatorio]] (purgatory), a metarealm that functions as an "in between" for metaphysical beings and stands alongside yet outside of the plane humans exist on (all beings in and outside of Purgatorio take on a transparent, watery appearance); [[Inferno (Dante)|Inferno]] (hell), which is not visited in the game, but contains the infernal demons that Bayonetta summons in combat, using her hair as a conduit.

===Plot===
Bayonetta, a witch who was awakened twenty years ago from the bottom of a lake, has no memories of her past. Owning one-half of a pair jewels known as the "Eyes of the World," Bayonetta leaves for Vigrid when the informant Enzo informs her of rumors that the other half, the 'Right Eye' is there. She is capable of traversing between Paradiso and Chaos, the realms of angels and humans respectively, but not able to enter Inferno, the realm of demons. While at Vigrid, she encounters various angels from Paradiso who attempt but fail to kill her.

Bayonetta confronts another Umbra Witch named Jeanne, who seemingly has ties to Bayonetta's past, and a young man named Luka, who blames Bayonetta for his father's death when he discovered her. Eventually, Bayonetta discovers that Jeanne is associated with the angels somehow, and fights her again. Afterwards, she meets a lost child named Cereza, who believes Bayonetta to be her mother and starts following her. Returning to the human world, Bayonetta continues her search for the Right Eye, journeying to an island named Isla del Sol with Luka and Cereza, while gradually remembering her past and uncovering the answers to her questions: she and Jeanne are the only survivors of the Umbra Witches, which was rendered near extinction after a clan war with the Lumen Sage clan, followed a massive witch hunt led by the angels of Paradiso. She also discovered that both halves of the Eyes of the World are artifacts created by Aesir (also known as The Overseer), the God of  the human realm who decided to grant humans free will out of pity, by bestowing the eyes (which contain his power) separately to both Lumen Sages and Umbra Witches. Additionally, Paradiso, Chaos and Inferno were originally a single realm before it was split during an event called First Armageddon.

Bayonetta is confronted again by Jeanne, who explains Bayonetta was a child born from an Umbra Witch and a Lumen Sage, a forbidden union. Bayonetta defeats Jeanne, who reveals the reason Bayonetta possesses the Left Eye is because she has accepted her fate. Bayonetta hands Jeanne the gem she had been carrying, making her remember she is Cereza, and that Jeanne was once her friend; it was Jeanne who sealed her away during the Witch Hunt, giving Bayonetta the gem to protect her and the Left Eye. After Jeanne seemingly sacrifices herself to save Bayonetta, the latter continues through the tower with Luka and Cereza.

At the top, Bayonetta meets Balder, the last of the Lumen Sages. Balder reveals he is Bayonetta's father, and plans to reunite the three realms by resurrecting Jubileus the Creator, the ruler of Paradiso. He also reveals that Bayonetta herself is the Left Eye, but for her to awaken it, she had to regain her memories. For that reason, he brought Cereza, who is Bayonetta as a child, from the past, to awaken her memories. Confronted by Luka, he throws him to his death, revealing he was the one behind the death of Luka's father, and further reveals that he had mind-controlled Jeanne to do his bidding. Bayonetta fights and seemingly kills Balder, and saves Luka.

After returning Cereza to the past, leaving behind her watch and some parting words, Bayonetta returns to the present. However, her actions have caused her to alter the events leading to her sealing 500 years ago, changing the past and awakening the Left Eye, causing her to collapse from the overwhelming power. Balder, who had survived the fight, transports himself and the unconscious Bayonetta towards the statue on top of the tower, beginning the resurrection of Jubileus. As the statue launches into space, Jeanne, who had survived, reappears, free from Balder's control. She ascends the launching statue on her motorcycle; reaching Bayonetta, she saves her, but Jubileus comes alive, consuming Balder. Bayonetta defeats Jubileus by summoning Queen Sheba, who punches the deity's soul into the sun. As Jubileus' physical body plummets towards Earth, Jeanne and Bayonetta destroy it.

The epilogue, mirroring the start of the game, shows Jeanne and Bayonetta continuing to battle against the angels.

==Development==
{{quote box|...&nbsp;it's been eight years since [the first ''[[Devil May Cry (video game)|DMC]]''], so of course I wouldn't create a game that hadn't progressed from those days! Of course, if there hadn't have been ''DMC'', there wouldn't be ''Bayonetta'', which has evolved from ''DMC''.|source=[[Hideki Kamiya]], April 2009<ref name="gamespot-qanda">{{cite web |last=Ramsay |first=Randolph |url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-hideki-kamiya-on-bayonetta/1100-6207621/ |title=Q&A: Hideki Kamiya on Bayonetta |website=GameSpot |date=April 8, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150203014102/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/qanda-hideki-kamiya-on-bayonetta/1100-6207621/ |archive-date=February 3, 2015 |url-status = live }}</ref>|width=40%|}}

[[Hideki Kamiya]] directed development of ''Bayonetta'' at [[PlatinumGames]] since January 2007,<ref name="pg-designing">{{cite web |last=Shimazaki |first=Mari |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/04/17/designing-bayonetta/ |title=Designing Bayonetta |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=April 17, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820163727/http://platinumgames.com/2009/04/17/designing-bayonetta/ |archive-date=August 20, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="1up-interview-devstart">{{harvnb|Mielke|2008|pp=1–2}}. "[1UP.com:] In June of this year, we trekked down to Osaka, Japan, to meet up with the latest incarnation of Hideki Kamiya's development group, PlatinumGames.&nbsp;... [Hideki Kamiya]: It's been about a year and a half since we started."</ref> and the game was "more-or-less complete" by October 21, 2009.<ref name="1up-wrappingup">{{cite web |last=Gifford |first=Kevin |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176587 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130116040000/http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176587 |url-status = dead|archive-date=January 16, 2013 |title=Hideki Kamiya on Wrapping Up Bayonetta |website=1UP.com |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=October 27, 2009 }}</ref> The group developed for [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox 360]] game console, while [[Sega]] - with PlatinumGames' support - handed the task of [[porting]] the game to [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]]'s [[PlayStation 3]] to [[Nex Entertainment]].<ref name="pg-harvest">{{cite web |last=Minami |first=Tatsuya |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/09/18/fall-harvest/ |title=Fall Harvest |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=September 18, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090924215021/http://platinumgames.com/2009/09/18/fall-harvest/ |archive-date=September 24, 2009 }}</ref> Kamiya had worked on previous games such as ''[[Devil May Cry (video game)|Devil May Cry]]'', ''[[Viewtiful Joe (video game)|Viewtiful Joe]]'', ''[[Resident Evil (1996 video game)|Resident Evil]]'' and [[Resident Evil 2|its sequel]], and as such, the game makes occasional references to these games, as well as other [[Clover Studio]] games and various [[Sega]] franchises, such as a minigame inspired by ''[[Space Harrier]]''.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/11/bad-hair-day-hands-on-with-bayonetta/1 | work=USA Today | title=Bad hair day: Hands-on with 'Bayonetta' | date=November 30, 2009 | access-date=January 14, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091203172311/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/11/bad-hair-day-hands-on-with-bayonetta/1 | archive-date=December 3, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/f/30-hidden-references-in-bayonetta/a-2010011493658559064 |title=30 'hidden' references in Bayonetta |last=Reparaz |first=Mikel |date=January 14, 2010 |work=GamesRadar UK |access-date=November 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615185748/http://www.gamesradar.com/f/30-hidden-references-in-bayonetta/a-2010011493658559064 |archive-date=June 15, 2011 |url-status = live }}</ref> Though he "deliberately created ''Bayonetta'' from scratch" and has called its story "completely original", Kamiya has admitted using "some names from [[Scandinavian mythology]]" and playing "about half of" ''[[Devil May Cry 4]]'' for research.<ref name="gamespot-qanda" />

Mari Shimazaki designed the game's characters to be "fashionable", with "subdued" features.<ref name="pg-designing2">{{cite web|last=Shimazaki |first=Mari |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/06/26/designing-bayonetta-part-2-jeanne/ |title=Designing Bayonetta Part 2—Jeanne |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=June 26, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102211423/http://platinumgames.com/2009/06/26/designing-bayonetta-part-2-jeanne/ |archive-date=January 2, 2010 }}</ref> She designed Bayonetta to fulfill Kamiya's request for a modern, female witch that wears glasses and wields four guns,<ref name="pg-designing" /> and the two settled on her original concept for the character despite her work "over a year" on other concepts.<ref name="gspy-design">{{cite web |last=Villoria |first=Gerald |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/bayonetta/1013849p1.html |title=Designing Bayonetta |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |date=August 13, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090817215803/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/bayonetta/1013849p1.html |archive-date=August 17, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref> Bayonetta emerged as a long-haired, black-clothed witch with a [[beehive hairdo]] (a modern representation of the traditional [[pointy hat]]) and glasses (which Kamiya pushed for,&nbsp;to "differentiate Bayonetta from other female characters" and to "give her a sense of mystery and intelligence").<ref name="pg-designing" /> Conversely, Shimazaki "didn't require a huge amount of effort" to design Bayonetta's short-haired, red-clothed rival Jeanne, who merely wears her glasses on her head above her eyes. She added plumes to Jeanne's handguns to add movement to the design, and thick makeup to Jeanne's face to "make [her] feel like something out of the 1960s". Though Shimazaki preferred Bayonetta, Jeanne turned out to be the more popular of the two witches among Kamiya and the development team.<ref name="pg-designing2" />

As a fan of folk music, Kamiya named Bayonetta's set of four handguns after the old English ballad "[[Scarborough Fair (ballad)|Scarborough Fair]]", and its individual guns Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme.<ref name="gi-scarborough">{{Cite magazine|title=''Bayonetta'': Hair-raising |magazine=Game Informer |volume=190 |publisher=GameStop |date = February 2009|page=63}}</ref><ref name="1up-interview-scarborough">{{harvnb|Mielke|2008|p=1}}. "1UP: What are the names of her weapons? HK: As a set, they're all Scarborough Fair. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme..."</ref> Hiroshi Yamaguchi focused on composing music for the game that had a "nice up-tempo beat" and expressed femininity through female [[choir]]s, pianos, and other {{" '}}beautiful' instruments"—though some tracks also use pure orchestra or [[folk instrument]]s.<ref name="pg-music">{{cite web |last=Yamaguchi |first=Hiroshi |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/05/29/the-music-of-bayonetta/ |title=The Music of Bayonetta |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=May 29, 2009 |access-date=October 11, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090908003847/http://platinumgames.com/2009/05/29/the-music-of-bayonetta/ |archive-date=September 8, 2009 }}</ref>

Kenichiro Yoshimura transformed Shimazaki's Bayonetta design into a game model and used the [[digital sculpting]] tool [[ZBrush]] to create [[normal maps]] for its details. He worked with Shimazaki on the model's makeup, referred to foreign models with similar bodies, and said that he "really wanted to get Bayonetta's backside perfect" because he was into "that sort of thing...".<ref name="gspy-bottom">{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Bryn |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/bayonetta/976133p1.html |title=Bayonetta's Perfect Bottom |publisher=GameSpy |date=April 24, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427074510/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/bayonetta/976133p1.html |archive-date=April 27, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="pg-modeling">{{cite web |last=Yoshimura |first=Kenichiro |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/04/24/modeling-bayonetta/ |title=Modeling Bayonetta |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=April 24, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090427075943/http://platinumgames.com/2009/04/24/modeling-bayonetta/ |archive-date=April 27, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="kotaku_life">{{cite web | author=Brian Ashcraft | date=April 24, 2009 | url=https://kotaku.com/bringing-bayonettas-butt-to-life-5225641 | title=Bringing Bayonetta's Butt To Life | website=Kotaku | access-date=May 9, 2023 | archive-date=May 9, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509113610/https://kotaku.com/bringing-bayonettas-butt-to-life-5225641 | url-status=live }}</ref> The language spoken by the Angels and for all Infernal Summons is [[Enochian]], a divine language described by [[John Dee]] and his colleague [[Edward Kelley]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/12/11/butmoni-coronzon-from-the-mouth-of-the-witch/ |title=Butmoni Coronzon (From the Mouth of the Witch) « PlatinumGames Inc |access-date=October 8, 2015 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150910021857/http://platinumgames.com/2009/12/11/butmoni-coronzon-from-the-mouth-of-the-witch/ |archive-date=September 10, 2015 }}</ref>

To Kamiya, the core theme of the game and its protagonist's attacks is "sexiness".<ref name="gi-marchiafava" /><ref name="1up-interview-sexiness">{{harvnb|Mielke|2008|p=5}}. "So the whole, the theme of her attacks is 'sexiness.'&nbsp;... I'm having fun with the team thinking, 'So what should we do with Bayonetta to make her look sexy?' And they're like, 'Oh, maybe this move might be good. This motion might be good.' So that's what we're thinking right now."</ref> To fit the theme of "her femininity and sexuality", the developers made Bayonetta bleed rose petals instead of blood when hit, and used butterfly imagery as part of her moves and outfit.<ref name="ign-exposed">{{cite web |last=Shea |first=Cam |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/103/1030290p1.html |title=Bayonetta Exposed! |publisher=IGN |page=2 |date=September 30, 2009 |access-date=December 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091004194105/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/103/1030290p1.html |archive-date=October 4, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref name="pg-theworld2">{{cite web |last=Nakamura |first=Ikumi |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/08/28/the-world-of-bayonetta-2/ |title=The World of Bayonetta—2 |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=August 28, 2009 |access-date=December 24, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102172729/http://platinumgames.com/2009/08/28/the-world-of-bayonetta-2/ |archive-date=2 January 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref> Her giant boot, fist, and monster attacks reveal some of her body—her hair is magically formed into clothes but must be stripped from her body to form these attacks - and when the player targets an enemy, red lips mark the enemy's chest; this led [[IGN]] to call the developing game a mix of "action and a great big helping of [[fan service]]".<ref name="ign-progress" />

==Promotion==
[[File:Yea, it's just one of those days (3597475152).jpg|thumb|[[Penny Drake]] dressed as the character at [[E3 2009]]]]

At the 2009 [[Electronic Entertainment Expo]] (E3), Sega chose [[Penny Drake]] to model as Bayonetta after auditioning 100 women.<ref name="usatoday-e3model">{{cite video |people=Kessler, Michelle |url=http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/06/67685135/1 |title=Video: Bringing Bayonetta to life |work=[[USA Today]] |format=Adobe Flash |date=June 5, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091114034314/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/gamehunters/post/2009/06/67685135/1 |archive-date=November 14, 2009 |url-status = live }} (A [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Mu5yEpDYs higher quality version] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415001140/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1Mu5yEpDYs |date=2016-04-15 }} of the video is available on [[YouTube]].)</ref> The company then joined men's lifestyle website [[Dennis Digital|Maxim.com]] to run a contest to find women who looked like Bayonetta. The grand prize winner, Andrea Bonaccorso, announced on November 23, 2009, received an Xbox 360, a 50-inch [[plasma television]], and a copy of the 360 version.<ref name="kotaku-bebayonetta">{{cite web |last=Crecente |first=Brian |author-link=Brian Crecente |url=https://kotaku.com/be-bayonetta-win-hd-gaming-set-up-5350789 |title=Be Bayonetta, Win HD Gaming Set-Up |website=Kotaku |date=September 2, 2009 |access-date=October 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091006215626/http://kotaku.com/5350789/be-bayonetta-win-hd-gaming-set%2Bup |archive-date=6 October 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=SEGA Announces Winner Of The Bayonetta Model Competition Hosted at Maxim |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1048850p1.html |publisher=IGN |date=November 23, 2009 |access-date=November 23, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091126040127/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1048850p1.html| archive-date= 26 November 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> Sega hired Japanese pop singer [[MiChi]] to perform "Something Missing", written for a ''Bayonetta'' commercial.<ref name="andria-michi">{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/26/michi_bayonetta |title=MiChi to Perform Bayonetta Theme Song |publisher=andriasang.com |date=August 26, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090830105908/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/08/26/michi_bayonetta |archive-date=August 30, 2009 }}</ref> The commercial, which has since been shown on the official Japanese website, touts the game as "{{Nihongo|{{ruby|∞|non-stop}} 
climax action|{{ruby|∞|ノンストップ}}クライマックス・アクション}}" and features a model dressed as Bayonetta with a lollipop.<ref name="bayonetta-jp">{{cite video |url=http://bayonetta.jp/ |title=<nowiki>Bayonetta—ベヨネッタ | Official Website</nowiki> |publisher=Sega |format=Adobe Flash |access-date=October 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110222215622/http://bayonetta.jp/ |archive-date=February 22, 2011 |url-status = live }}</ref> In the U.S. and the UK, commercials have featured [[La Roux]]'s "[[In for the Kill (song)|In for the Kill]]".<ref>{{cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Yusuke |url=http://platinumgames.com/2010/01/04/bayonetta-tv-commercial |title=Bayonetta TV commercial |publisher=[[PlatinumGames]] |date=January 4, 2010 |access-date=January 17, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100205171513/http://platinumgames.com/2010/01/04/bayonetta-tv-commercial/ |archive-date=5 February 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref>

==Release and merchandise==
[[Game demo|Demos]] of ''Bayonetta'' were released on [[PlayStation Network]] and [[Xbox Live]] in Japan on October 8, 2009,<ref name="g4tv-demoreleased">{{cite web |last=Klepek |first=Patrick |url=http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/699848/bayonetta-demo-released-for-xbox-360-playstation-3in-japan.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123185656/http://g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/699848/bayonetta-demo-released-for-xbox-360-playstation-3in-japan.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=January 23, 2013 |title=Bayonetta Demo Released For Xbox 360, PlayStation 3...In Japan |publisher=[[G4 (U.S. TV channel)|G4]] |date=October 8, 2009 |access-date=December 22, 2009 }}</ref> and internationally on December 3, 2009.<ref name="cvg-demoreleased">{{cite web|last=CVG Staff |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=228769 |title=News: Bayonetta demo launches: Videos |work=[[Computer and Video Games#Website|ComputerAndVideoGames.com]] |publisher=[[Future plc]] |date=December 3, 2009 |access-date=December 22, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100104061933/http://computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=228769| archive-date= 4 January 2010 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="joystiq-demoreleased">{{cite web |last=Nelson |first=Randy |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psn-thursday-classic-call-of-duty-bayonetta-demo-beckon |title=PSN Thursday: Classic Call of Duty, Bayonetta demo beckon |website=[[Joystiq]] |date=December 3, 2009 |access-date=December 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091207113501/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/psn-thursday-classic-call-of-duty-bayonetta-demo-beckon |archive-date=7 December 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref> The game was released on October 29, 2009, in Japan,<ref name="pg-bayorelease">{{cite web |last=Hashimoto |first=Yusuke |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-released-in-japan/ |title=Bayonetta Released in Japan |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=November 9, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119032228/http://platinumgames.com/2009/11/06/bayonetta-released-in-japan/ |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="sega-bayorelease">{{cite web|url=http://blog.bayonetta.jp/archives/1125 |title='Bayonetta' Finally Released!! (ついに「BAYONETTA(ベヨネッタ)」発売!!) |publisher=Sega |language=ja |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=October 29, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091101104200/http://blog.bayonetta.jp/archives/1125| archive-date= 1 November 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> and was later released in other regions in 2010: January 5 in North America, January 7 in Australia, and January 8 in Europe.<ref name="ign-releasedates">{{cite web |last=Reilly |first=Jim |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1040376p1.html |title=Sega Confirms Bayonetta Release Date |publisher=IGN |date=October 29, 2009 |access-date=December 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091101143026/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/104/1040376p1.html |archive-date=November 1, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref> An update for the PlayStation 3 version was released on January 28, allowing players to install the game on their hard drive, dramatically reducing load times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/ps3-version-of-bayonetta-getting-update-5457808 |title=PS3 Version of Bayonetta Getting Update |website=Kotaku |date=January 26, 2010 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013084508/http://kotaku.com/5457808/ps3-version-of-bayonetta-getting-update |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Contact Michael McWhertor: Comment |url=https://kotaku.com/bayonetta-updated-for-ps3-load-times-improved-5458852 |title=Bayonetta Updated For PS3, Load Times Improved |website=Kotaku |date=January 28, 2010 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013084515/http://kotaku.com/5458852/bayonetta-updated-for-ps3-load-times-improved |archive-date=October 13, 2012 |url-status = live }}</ref>

A 150-song, five-CD soundtrack was scheduled for a November 4 release.<ref name="kotaku-soundtrack">{{cite web |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |url=https://kotaku.com/bayonetta-getting-5-disc-cd-soundtrack-5363044 |title=Bayonetta Getting 5-Disc CD Soundtrack |website=Kotaku |date=September 18, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090923194310/http://kotaku.com/5363044/bayonetta-getting-5+disc-cd-soundtrack |archive-date=September 23, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref> Another soundtrack CD, ''Rodin's Selection'', was created for inclusion with pre-ordered copies of the game. It comes packaged in a brown jacket styled as a menu from Rodin's bar "The Gates of Hell".<ref name="1up-rodin">{{cite web |last=Gifford |first=Kevin |url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175177 |title=Bayonetta Dated, Merchandised Out |website=1UP.com |date=July 15, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604155917/http://www.1up.com/news/bayonetta-dated-merchandised |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Sega of Europe released a ''{{ruby|∞|Non-Stop}} Climax Edition'' in the UK, France, Spain, and Australia, which included the game, the ''Rodin's Selection'' tracks packaged in a black-and-red jacket, and an artbook. Pre-orders in Australia and "most European territories" included a replica of one of Bayonetta's "Scarborough Fair" guns.<ref name="pg-climaxedition">{{cite web |last=Nakamura |first=Ikumi |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/11/25/bayonetta-japanese-pre-order-bonus-rodins-selection-original-soundtrack/ |title=Bayonetta Japanese Pre-Order Bonus – Rodin's Selection (Original Soundtrack) |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=November 25, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091217103914/http://platinumgames.com/2009/11/25/bayonetta-japanese-pre-order-bonus-rodins-selection-original-soundtrack/ |archive-date=17 December 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="siliconera-climaxedition">{{cite web|author=Spencer |title=Bayonetta: Climax Edition Weaving Into Europe |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2009/11/10/bayonetta-climax-edition-weaving-into-europe/ |website=Siliconera |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=November 10, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091113163009/http://www.siliconera.com/2009/11/10/bayonetta-climax-edition-weaving-into-europe/| archive-date= 13 November 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref><ref name="segaau-climaxedition">{{cite press release|url=http://www.sega-australia.com/news/?n=3650 |title=Pre-order Bayonetta Special Edition |publisher=Sega |date=November 26, 2009 |access-date=December 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110904065406/http://www.sega.com/news/?n=3650 |archive-date=September 4, 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

''Bayonetta: Witch of Vigrid'', a book with pictures of Bayonetta and an "interview" with her, was released in Japan on October 22, 2009.<ref name="kotaku-artbook">{{cite web|last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |url=https://kotaku.com/bayonetta-the-photo-book-5359473 |title=Bayonetta The Photo Book |website=Kotaku |date=September 15, 2009 |access-date=October 11, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091003214203/http://kotaku.com/5359473/bayonetta-the-photo-book| archive-date= 3 October 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> By then, a ''Bayonetta'' theme had been made available for the [[Google Chrome]] browser.<ref name="kotaku-chrometheme">{{cite web|last=Glasser |first=AJ |url=https://kotaku.com/you-got-lombax-bayonetta-and-monkey-in-my-chrome-5377704 |title=You Got Lombax, Bayonetta And Monkey In My Chrome |website=Kotaku |date=October 9, 2009 |access-date=October 10, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091011230623/http://kotaku.com/5377704/you-got-lombax-bayonetta-and-monkey-in-my-chrome| archive-date= 11 October 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> A song, "Reaping Beauty", by [[MC Lars]] and featuring Beefy, Random, [[Tina Root]] of Small Halo and SMP was included on the second re-release of Lars' album ''[[21 Concepts (But a Hit Ain't One)]]''. The song is inspired by ''Bayonetta'', and references the Bayonetta and many of the aesthetic and gameplay elements.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.warpzoned.com/?p=7958 | first = John | last = Scalzo | title = MC Lars' b-side collection 21 Concepts (featuring the Bayonetta song) now available | date = 2011-05-18 | access-date = 2011-05-18 | publisher = Warp Zoned | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120322143246/http://www.warpzoned.com/?p=7958 | archive-date = 2012-03-22 |url-status = live }}</ref>

On April Fools' Day 2017, Sega released ''8-bit Bayonetta'', also known as ''Angel Land'', for free on [[Windows]], which was also available on the PlatinumGames' 404 page in 2015. While the game uses [[8-bit era]] graphics and was simplified in gameplay, only allowing Bayonetta to jump and fire at a few enemies and considered part of the April Fools' Day pranks, players found several bits of pieces in the achievements that pointed to a countdown timer on Sega's website ending on April 11, 2017, as well as other data mining suggesting a possible port of the ''Bayonetta'' game to Windows.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/3/15161058/bayonetta-teaser-steam-pc | title = Sega's hinting at something, and it sure looks like Bayonetta | first = Allegra | last = Frank | date = April 3, 2017 | access-date = April 11, 2017 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412061808/http://www.polygon.com/2017/4/3/15161058/bayonetta-teaser-steam-pc | archive-date = April 12, 2017 |url-status = live }}</ref> At the end of the timer, it was confirmed that ''Bayonetta'' was coming to Windows, supporting 4K graphics and other improvements from the original versions.<ref name=bayo-pc>{{cite web|last1=Romano|first1=Sal|title=Bayonetta coming to PC with 4K support today|url=http://gematsu.com/2017/04/bayonetta-coming-pc-4k-support-today|website=Gematsu|access-date=11 April 2017|date=11 April 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url = http://www.vg247.com/2017/04/11/bayonetta-out-on-steam-today-with-4k-support-and-advanced-graphics-options/ | title = Bayonetta out on Steam today with 4K support and advanced graphics options | first = Stephany | last = Nunneley | date = April 11, 2017 | access-date = April 11, 2017 | work = [[VG247]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412030546/http://www.vg247.com/2017/04/11/bayonetta-out-on-steam-today-with-4k-support-and-advanced-graphics-options/ | archive-date = April 12, 2017 |url-status = live }}</ref> A spokesperson for PlatinumGames said that they have become interested in porting more of their games to Windows, though the decision to do so has been a choice of their respective publishers; Sega has been supportive of personal computer releases as of late. PlatinumGames's development efforts to port the game to the [[Wii U]] aided in the completion of the Windows port.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.pcgamer.com/bayonetta-is-out-now-on-pc-we-spoke-to-platinum-about-making-it-happen/ | title = Bayonetta is out now on PC, we spoke to Platinum about making it happen | first = Joe | last = Donnelley | date = April 12, 2017 | access-date = April 12, 2017 | work = [[PC Gamer]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170412225621/http://www.pcgamer.com/bayonetta-is-out-now-on-pc-we-spoke-to-platinum-about-making-it-happen/ | archive-date = April 12, 2017 |url-status = live }}</ref>

For ''Bayonetta's'' tenth anniversary, Sega announced the ''Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle'' for the [[PlayStation 4]] and [[Xbox One]]. The retail release comes in a steelbook and includes ''Bayonetta'' alongside ''[[Vanquish (video game)|Vanquish]]'', another PlatinumGames game, on a single disc, with support for [[4K resolution|4K]] 60[[Frames per second|fps]] visuals for PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X users. Both games can also be purchased digitally either individually or collectively at a discount price. The compilation was released on February 18, 2020.<ref name="IGN cites 10th anniversary release">{{cite news |last1=Plant |first1=Logan |title=Bayonetta, Vanquish Double Pack Coming in 2020 to PS4, Xbox One |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/09/bayonetta-vanquish-double-pack-coming-in-2020-to-ps4-xbox-one |work=[[IGN]] |date=December 9, 2019 |access-date=December 10, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209221524/https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/12/09/bayonetta-vanquish-double-pack-coming-in-2020-to-ps4-xbox-one |archive-date=December 9, 2019 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Soundtrack===
The ''Bayonetta Original Soundtrack'' was released in Japan on November 4, 2009. The album contains five discs with 150 tracks used in the game, composed by Hiroshi Yamaguchi, Masami Ueda, Rei Kondoh, Takayasu Sodeoka, [[Norihiko Hibino]], [[Takahiro Izutani]], Yoshitaka Suzuki, Erina Niwa, and Naoto Tanaka. It was also released on the North American [[iTunes Store]] on the same day, spanning five Volumes in total. The North American release of the soundtrack does not include any version of "[[Fly Me To The Moon]]". [[Helena Noguerra]] provided the main vocals for the theme of Bayonetta.<ref name="segaeu-climaxedition">{{cite web |last=Martin—the fat ninja |url=http://blogs.sega.com/europe/2009/11/10/bayonetta-special-edition-revealed/ |title=Bayonetta Special Edition revealed |publisher=Sega Europe |date=November 10, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100411024851/http://blogs.sega.com/europe/2009/11/10/bayonetta-special-edition-revealed/ |archive-date=April 11, 2010 }}</ref>

===''Bayonetta: Bloody Fate''===
{{Main|Bayonetta: Bloody Fate}}

An [[anime]] film, {{nihongo|''Bayonetta: Bloody Fate''|ベヨネッタ ブラッディフェイト|Beyonetta Buraddi Feito}}, was directed by Fuminori Kizaki and produced by [[Gonzo (studio)|Gonzo]], with screenplay by Mitsutaka Hirota and character designs by Ai Yokoyama. The film was announced at [[Tokyo Game Show]] 2013 and released in ten Japanese theaters for two weeks on November 23, 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-09-18/bayonetta-game-gets-anime-film-by-gonzo-in-november |title=Bayonetta Game Gets Anime Film by Gonzo in November |publisher=Anime News Network |access-date=2013-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016075544/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-09-18/bayonetta-game-gets-anime-film-by-gonzo-in-november |archive-date=2013-10-16 |url-status = live }}</ref> It was released on Blu-ray Disc and DVD in Japan on January 24, 2014. A [[manga]] adaptation illustrated by Mizuki Sakakibara was published in two parts in [[Kodansha]]'s ''[[Bessatsu Shōnen Magazine]]'' on November 9, 2013, and December 9, 2013, respectively.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-11-08/bayonetta/bloody-fate-anime-gets-manga-blu-ray/dvd-date |title=Bayonetta: Bloody Fate Anime Gets Manga, Blu-ray/DVD Date |publisher=Anime News Network |date=2013-11-08 |access-date=2014-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140808114712/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-11-08/bayonetta/bloody-fate-anime-gets-manga-blu-ray/dvd-date |archive-date=2014-08-08 |url-status = live }}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
<!-- Aggregators -->
| MC = PS3: 87/100<ref name="MC_PS3">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3 |title=Bayonetta for PlayStation 3 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203201520/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-3/bayonetta |archive-date=February 3, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />X360: 90/100<ref name="MC_X360">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360 |title=Bayonetta for Xbox 360 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 25, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109144508/http://www.metacritic.com/games/platforms/xbox360/bayonetta |archive-date=November 9, 2009 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />WIIU: 86/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=Bayonetta for Wii U Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=October 30, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140927003004/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii-u/bayonetta |archive-date=September 27, 2014 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PC: 90/100<ref name="MC_PC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Bayonetta for PC Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=April 13, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414003529/http://www.metacritic.com/game/pc/bayonetta |archive-date=April 14, 2017 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />NS: 84/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Bayonetta for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=February 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180214154045/http://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/bayonetta |archive-date=February 14, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref><br />PS4: 81/100<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4 |title=Bayonetta for PlayStation 4 Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive]] |access-date=March 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200513062130/https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-4/bayonetta |archive-date=May 13, 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
<!-- Reviewers -->
| 1UP = X360: A<ref>{{cite web |last=Leone |first=Matt |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3177422 |title=Bayonetta Review for the Xbox 360 |website=1UP.com |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106012530/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3177422 |archive-date=January 6, 2010 }}</ref><br />PS3: A−<ref>{{cite web |last=Leone |first=Matt |url=http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3177423 |title=Bayonetta Review for the PS3 |website=1UP.com |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106012514/http://www.1up.com/do/reviewPage?cId=3177423 |archive-date=January 6, 2010 }}</ref>
| EuroG = 9/10<ref>{{cite web |last=Parkin |first=Simon |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bayonetta-import-review |title=<nowiki>Bayonetta Review | Xbox 360</nowiki> |website=Eurogamer |date=November 18, 2009 |access-date=December 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223033743/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bayonetta-import-review |archive-date=23 December 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref>
| Fam = X360: 40/40<ref name="ign-famitsu">{{cite web|last=Gantayat |first=Anoop | title=Bayonetta is Perfect |url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/103/1037152p1.html |publisher=IGN |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=October 21, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091024040918/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/103/1037152p1.html| archive-date= 24 October 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref><br />PS3: 38/40<ref name="ign-famitsu"/>
| G4 = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref>{{cite web |last=McGarvey |first=Sterling |url=http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/51790/Bayonetta/review/ |title=Bayonetta Review (Xbox 360) |publisher=G4 |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=January 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102044120/http://g4tv.com/games/xbox-360/51790/Bayonetta/review/ |archive-date=2 January 2010 <!--DASHBot--> |url-status = live}} (The review is for the 360 version, but G4 [http://g4tv.com/games/ps3/51781/bayonetta/review/ uses the same score and text for the PS3 port] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100102040536/http://g4tv.com/games/ps3/51781/bayonetta/review/ |date=2010-01-02 }}.)</ref>
| GI = 9/10<ref name="gi-360review">{{cite magazine |last=Juba |first=Joe |url=https://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/xbox360/archive/2009/12/22/review.aspx |title=Bayonetta: PlatinumGames Pushes Action To Absurdity (Xbox 360) |magazine=Game Informer |publisher=GameStop |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225112622/http://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/xbox360/archive/2009/12/22/review.aspx |archive-date=25 December 2009 <!--DASHBot--> |url-status = live}} (The review is for the 360 version, but ''Game Informer'' [https://gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta/b/ps3/archive/2009/12/22/review.aspx uses the same score and text for the PS3 port] .)</ref>
| GamePro = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref name="gamepro-360review">{{cite magazine |last=Kim |first=Tae K. |url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/213319/bayonetta/ |title=Bayonetta Review (Xbox 360) |magazine=[[GamePro]] |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231020308/http://www.gamepro.com/article/reviews/213319/bayonetta/ |archive-date=2009-12-31 |url-status = dead }}</ref>
| GRadar = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="gamesradar-review">{{cite web |last=Irvine |first=Nathan |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122215515698373414/g-2008051422316843088 |title=Bayonetta Review |website=[[GamesRadar]] (Future plc) |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226112442/http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122215515698373414/g-2008051422316843088 |archive-date=December 26, 2010 |url-status = live }} (The review is for the 360 version, but GamesRadar [http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122114251985044/g-2008051422211399009 uses the same score and text for the PS3 port] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615190710/http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122114251985044/g-2008051422211399009 |date=2011-06-15 }}.)</ref>
| IGN = X360: 9.6/10<ref name="ignuk-360review">{{cite web|last=Robinson |first=Martin |url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/105/1057055p1.html |title=Bayonetta UK Review (Xbox 360) |publisher=IGN |date=December 22, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091226040038/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/105/1057055p1.html| archive-date= 26 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref><br />PS3: 8.2/10<ref name="ign-ps3review" />
<!-- Awards No limit -->
| award1Pub = ''[[IGN|IGN UK]]''
| award1 = [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.ign.com/videos/2010/12/10/best-games-of-2010-the-weekend-initiative |title=IGN UK's Best Games of 2010 - IGN Weekend Initiative - IGN Video |publisher=IGN |date=December 10, 2010 |access-date=June 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107061949/http://uk.ign.com/videos/2010/12/10/best-games-of-2010-the-weekend-initiative |archive-date=November 7, 2011 |url-status = live}}</ref>
| award2Pub = ''[[GameSpot]]''
| award2 = Best Boss Fights<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2010/special-achievement/index.html?page=21 |title=Best Boss Fights - The Best Games of 2010 on GameSpot |website=GameSpot |access-date=June 24, 2012 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018035555/http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2010/special-achievement/index.html?page=21 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 }}</ref> and Best Original IP<ref>{{cite web |url=http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2010/special-achievement/index.html?page=20 |title=Best Original IP - The Best Games of 2010 on GameSpot |website=GameSpot |access-date=2012-06-24 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018035528/http://uk.gamespot.com/best-of-2010/special-achievement/index.html?page=20 |archive-date=2012-10-18 }}</ref>
| award3Pub = ''[[GameTrailers]]''
| award3 = Best New IP<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-new-game-of-the/708581 |title=GameTrailers Game Of The Year Awards 2010 Video Game, Best New IP HD &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos |website=GameTrailers |date=December 20, 2010 |access-date=2012-06-24 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919192347/http://www.gametrailers.com/video/best-new-game-of-the/708581 |archive-date=September 19, 2011 }}</ref>
| award4Pub = ''[[Giant Bomb]]''
| award4 = Best Debut<ref name="giantbomb">{{cite web |url=http://www.giantbomb.com/news/giant-bombs-game-of-the-year-2010-day-one/2800/ |title=Giant Bomb's Game of the Year 2010: Day One |publisher=Giant Bomb |date=2012-06-15 |access-date=2012-06-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120901060206/http://www.giantbomb.com/news/giant-bombs-game-of-the-year-2010-day-one/2800/ |archive-date=2012-09-01 |url-status = live }}</ref>
}}

=== Critical reception ===
Critics generally lauded the graphical presentation and Bayonetta.<ref name="ign-progress" /><ref name="gamespy-e32009" /> Cam Shea of ''[[IGN]]'' Australia said in March 2009 that ''Bayonetta'' looked "stunning", and called Bayonetta their "new favourite video game character ever". They compared her to ''Devil May Cry''{{'s}} protagonist Dante, with his "playfulness and versatility", but with "some of the most visually inventive combat" they've seen.<ref name="ign-progress" /> Similarly, ''[[GameSpy]]'''s Gerald Villoria praised the game in July that year as highly original to the point that it could end up like the poor-selling ''[[Ōkami]]'' (another Kamiya-directed game) because "the premise, the characters, the action sequences" were different from anything he had ever played, and called its lead a "constantly moving", "remarkably multi-faceted" character "presented in an ultra-stylish way".<ref name="gamespy-e32009">{{cite web |last=Villoria |first=Gerald |url=http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/bayonetta/992244p1.html |title=E3 2009: Bayonetta Preview |publisher=GameSpy |date=June 5, 2009 |access-date=October 15, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611222653/http://xbox360.gamespy.com/xbox-360/bayonetta/992244p1.html |archive-date=June 11, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref>

The PS3 and Xbox 360 versions in general were also commented on.<ref name="1up-famitsu3" /><ref name="ign-famitsu2" /><ref name="wired-handson" /><ref name=":0" /><ref name="1up-feelbayonetta" /><ref name="ign-ps3review2" /> A few days before ''Bayonetta''{{'s}} release, Japanese gaming publication ''[[Famitsu]]'' awarded the Xbox 360 version a perfect 40 out of 40. The PlayStation 3 version received a slightly lower rating,<ref name="ign-famitsu2">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/103/1037152p1.html|title=Bayonetta is Perfect|last=Gantayat|first=Anoop|date=October 21, 2009|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024040918/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/103/1037152p1.html|archive-date=24 October 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|access-date=October 21, 2009}}</ref> criticized for its lesser visual quality, frame rate and control problems compared to the Xbox 360 version.<ref name="1up-famitsu3">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176576|title=Famitsu Awards Xbox 360's Bayonetta Perfect Score|last=Bailey|first=Kat|date=October 20, 2009|website=1UP.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016050940/http://www.1up.com/news/famitsu-awards-xbox-360-bayonetta|archive-date=October 16, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2009}}</ref><ref name="1up-famitsu22">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3176578|title=Japan Review Check: Tekken 6, Final Fantasy Gaiden|last=Gifford|first=Kevin|date=October 21, 2009|website=1UP.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720173927/http://www.1up.com/news/japan-review-check-tekken-6_3|archive-date=July 20, 2012|access-date=October 21, 2009}}</ref> At the 2009 Tokyo Game Show, Daniel Feit of ''[[Wired News]]'' played both versions and felt that while the 360 version was "a little brighter and more colorful", the PS3 version's cutscenes resembled "watching a movie through a sepia filter".<ref name="wired-handson">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/09/bayonetta-preview/|title=Hands On: How Bayonetta Stacks Up on 360 vs. PS3|last=Feit|first=Daniel|date=September 24, 2009|magazine=[[Wired News]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091028131823/http://www.wired.com/gamelife/2009/09/bayonetta-preview/|archive-date=28 October 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|access-date=October 11, 2009}}</ref> ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s video review lamented duller graphics and inconsistent [[frame rate]]s for its PS3 [[Porting|port]].<ref name=":0">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/action/bayonetta/index.html?tag=result;title;0|title=Gamespot - Bayonetta Reviews|date=January 7, 2010|website=GameSpot|access-date=2010-04-08|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817122113/https://www.gamespot.com/games/bayonetta/|url-status=live}}</ref> 1UP's staff again played a PS3 version for 15 minutes on the weekend of August 31 that year, at PlatinumGames' "Feel Bayonetta" event. They said that it "was very blurry" compared to a 360 version displayed there, and that its [[frame rate]] "was all over the place", and as a result, it was "often hard to keep track of the action [in one scene]".<ref name="1up-feelbayonetta">{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3175838|title=Platinum Shows PS3 Bayonetta, Announces Demo|last=Epperson|first=Justin|date=August 31, 2009|website=1UP.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622070721/http://www.1up.com/news/platinum-shows-ps3-bayonetta-announces|archive-date=June 22, 2011|access-date=October 10, 2009}}</ref> Ryan Clements of ''IGN'' said that while the PS3 version was "still a fun game", it had "a lot of problems", mainly being "the excessive slowdown and loading".<ref name="ign-ps3review2">{{cite web|url=http://ps3.ign.com/articles/105/1057012p1.html|title=Bayonetta Review (PlayStation 3)|last=Clements|first=Ryan|date=December 22, 2009|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226035445/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/105/1057012p1.html|archive-date=26 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|access-date=December 22, 2009}}</ref>

The gameplay received general praise from critics.<ref name="1up-handson" /><ref name="edgereview2" /><ref name="gamesradar-review2" /><ref name="gamespot-handson" /><ref name="wired-handson" /><ref name="ign-ps3review2" /><ref name="ignuk-360review2" /><ref name="ign-360review2" /><ref name=":1" /> Matt Leone of ''[[1UP.com]]'' said of the pre-release version of the game's PS3 port that when he discovered he could "hold down the final button in the string to continuously fire gunshots" he observed that it looked "incredibly cool when you kick someone and then keep your leg pointed at their face".<ref name="1up-handson" /> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' awarded the game a score of 10 out of 10, praising the game's combat system for both having depth and being able to be learnt easily. ''Edge'' singled out the upgrade from Normal to Hard difficulties as the point where the game transitions from "the great to the legendary", concluding that it was "difficult to recall another third-person actioner" that felt "so worth mastering".<ref name="edgereview2">{{cite magazine|author=''Edge'' staff|date=Christmas 2009|title=Bayonetta|url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/review-bayonetta/|magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|location=[[Bath, Somerset|Bath]]|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|issue=209|pages=90–91|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006082219/http://www.edge-online.com/review/review-bayonetta/|archive-date=October 6, 2014|access-date=2015-11-27}}</ref> ''[[GamesRadar]]''<nowiki/>'s Nathan Irvine also said that the game nailed "the epic scale of everything" that unfolded in front of the player and "manner in which it's delivered", believed it was better than ''[[God of War Collection]]'', ''[[Devil May Cry 4]]'', and ''[[Ninja Gaiden Sigma 2]]'', and praised its "superb action" and humor. However, he said the only time its plot made sense was "right at the end", and complained about some of the game's "insanely frustrating" [[Quick Time Event]]s (QTEs).<ref name="gamesradar-review2">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122215515698373414/g-2008051422316843088|title=Bayonetta Review|last=Irvine|first=Nathan|date=December 22, 2009|website=[[GamesRadar]] (Future plc)|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101226112442/http://www.gamesradar.com/xbox360/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122215515698373414/g-2008051422316843088|archive-date=December 26, 2010|access-date=December 23, 2009}} (The review is for the 360 version, but GamesRadar [http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122114251985044/g-2008051422211399009 uses the same score and text for the PS3 port] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110615190710/http://www.gamesradar.com/ps3/bayonetta/review/bayonetta/a-2009122114251985044/g-2008051422211399009|date=2011-06-15}}.)</ref> Staff at ''[[GameSpot]]'' UK labelled the "Witch Time" mechanic a "cool move" and one of the two [[boss (video gaming)|boss]] battles they fought were "pretty intense", and said that it was "easy to see the similarities" between the game and ''Devil May Cry''.<ref name="gamespot-handson" /> They also opined that "rampant violence and sexism" was common in the game.<ref name="gamespot-handson" /> One comment in regards to the third person perspective was from ''IGN UK''{{'}}s Martin Robinson, who said that it was not "''Devil May Cry'', ''[[Ninja Gaiden (2004 video game)|Ninja Gaiden]]'' or ''[[God of War (franchise)|God of War]]''" that served as the game's best point of reference but rather "''[[Super Mario Galaxy]]''" - he commented on how ''Bayonetta,'' like ''Galaxy'', "loves to tinker with the player's sense of perspective".<ref name="wired-handson" /> Daniel Feit found the game's commands easy to learn and perform, but criticized the camera for focusing "on her and the wall" instead of "the enemies cornering her" and felt that some of her "Wicked Weave" attacks could "also obscure the action".<ref name="ignuk-360review2">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/105/1057055p1.html|title=Bayonetta UK Review (Xbox 360)|last=Robinson|first=Martin|date=December 22, 2009|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091226040038/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/105/1057055p1.html|archive-date=26 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|access-date=December 23, 2009}}</ref> Clements labelled its voice work "a bit campy but still extremely enjoyable", but said the game's plot was "all over the place" and was not as well told as "game stories like ''[[Mass Effect]]'' and ''[[Uncharted]]''".<ref name="ign-ps3review2" /><ref name="ign-360review2">{{cite web|url=http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/105/1056885p1.html|title=Bayonetta Review (Xbox 360)|last=Clements|first=Ryan|date=December 22, 2009|publisher=IGN|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091225193442/http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/105/1056885p1.html|archive-date=25 December 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|access-date=December 22, 2009}}</ref> However, ''[[Gamearena]]'' felt that the gameplay would not appeal to many, commenting that ''Devil May Cry'' was seen by many to be "too campy and over-the-top" and ''Bayonetta'' made it look "monochrome".<ref name=":1">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamearena.com.au/xbox360/games/title/bayonetta/reviews.php/bayonetta|title=BigPond GameArena - Bayonetta Reviews|date=January 7, 2010|publisher=Gamearena.com.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111001123521/http://www.gamearena.com.au/xbox360/games/title/bayonetta/reviews.php/bayonetta|archive-date=October 1, 2011|access-date=January 12, 2010}}</ref>

The game in general was praised by ''[[Eurogamer]]'', who commented that the game exemplified "so much of what commentators claim has died in the Japanese game industry" and said that ''Bayonetta'' was a "blast of creative brilliance, both technically accomplished, strategically deep and infused with rare imagination".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bayonetta-import-review?page=2|title=Bayonetta Review • Page • Reviews • Xbox 360 •|last=Parkin|first=Simon|date=November 18, 2009|website=Eurogamer|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121002061239/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/bayonetta-import-review?page=2|archive-date=October 2, 2012|access-date=June 24, 2012}}</ref> But the ''[[Associated Press]]'' review opined that the game ''"''would have blown [them] away 15 years ago" and felt that ''Bayonetta'' did not give the player "anything to do except fight".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/jan/06/review-segas-bayonetta-flamboyant-but-shallow/|title=Review: Sega's 'Bayonetta' flamboyant but shallow|last=Keston|first=Lou|date=2010-01-06|agency=Associated Press|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160513164400/http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/news/2010/jan/06/review-segas-bayonetta-flamboyant-but-shallow/|archive-date=2016-05-13|access-date=2016-04-23}}</ref>

Daan Koopman at ''Nintendo World Report'', reviewing the [[Wii U]] version, rated the game an 8/10, stating that ''Bayonetta'' was "still a glorious action game" and that "time has not really changed that one bit". He also praised the addition of the Nintendo-themed costumes, for their humor and functions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/38566/bayonetta-review|title=Bayonetta Review - Review|work=Nintendo World Report|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141024085123/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/38566/bayonetta-review|archive-date=October 24, 2014|access-date=October 30, 2014}}</ref>

''IGN'' UK announced that ''Bayonetta'' was their pick for the 2010 [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] (GOTY).<ref name="GOTY2">{{cite web|url=https://www.magx01.blogspot.com/2010/12/ign-uk-weekend-initiative-top-ten-games.html|title=IGN UK Weekend Initiative Top Ten Games of 2010|date=December 10, 2010|publisher=Thoughtful Gamers|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708051842/http://www.magx01.blogspot.com/2010/12/ign-uk-weekend-initiative-top-ten-games.html|archive-date=July 8, 2011|access-date=2010-12-11}}</ref>

The game was nominated for the Freedom Tower Award for Best Remake as part of the ''Bayonetta 1 and Bayonetta 2 Collection'' at the New York Game Awards.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/2018-new-york-game-awards-nominees/|title=2018 New York Game Awards Nominees Revealed|last=Keyes|first=Rob|date=January 3, 2019|work=[[Screen Rant]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190105150909/https://screenrant.com/2018-new-york-game-awards-nominees/|archive-date=January 5, 2019|access-date=January 9, 2019}}</ref>

''Bayonetta'' was one of twelve games to receive a 2009 Japan Game Awards "Future Division" award at the 2009 Tokyo Game Show.<ref name="cesa-futuredivision">{{cite web |url=http://awards.cesa.or.jp/en/prize/prize_02.html |title=Future Division Awarded Games |publisher=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |access-date=December 23, 2009 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091019085218/http://awards.cesa.or.jp/en/prize/prize_02.html |archive-date=October 19, 2009 }}</ref><ref name="pg-tgs2009award">{{cite web |last=Kamiya |first=Hideki |url=http://platinumgames.com/2009/11/15/tokyo-game-show/ |title=Tokyo Game Show |publisher=PlatinumGames |date=November 15, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100119032353/http://platinumgames.com/2009/11/15/tokyo-game-show/ |archive-date=January 19, 2010 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="sega-tgs2009award">{{cite web |url=http://blog.bayonetta.jp/archives/988 |script-title=ja:大量にご報告 |publisher=Sega |language=ja |date=October 13, 2009 |access-date=December 23, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091016052655/http://blog.bayonetta.jp/archives/988 |archive-date=October 16, 2009 |url-status = live }}</ref>

=== Sales figures ===
Sinobi, a Japanese blog known for its early sales data, reported that ''Bayonetta'' sold 138,000 copies—93,000 for the PS3 and 45,000 for the 360—on its day of release in the country.<ref name="andriasang-firstsales">{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/10/30/bayonetta_first_day_sales/ |title=Xbox 360 VS PS3 in First Day Bayonetta Sales |publisher=andriasang.com |date=October 30, 2009 |access-date=October 31, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091106000201/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2009/10/30/bayonetta_first_day_sales/ |archive-date=6 November 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref> [[Media Create]] reported the PS3 version sold 135,242 copies and was the top-selling game during its week of release there, while the 360 version sold 64,325 copies and charted at number seven.<ref name="mediacreate-firstweek">{{cite web |url=http://www.m-create.com/ranking/ |title=This Week's Ranking (今週のランキング) |publisher=[[Media Create]] |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103160504/http://m-create.com/ranking/ |archive-date=January 3, 2010 |access-date=December 22, 2009 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="gamasutra-firstweek">{{cite web|last=Graft |first=Kris |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25963 |title=Japanese Software: Bayonetta For PS3 Leads Charts, Pokémon Dethroned |website=[[Gamasutra]] |date=November 5, 2009 |access-date=November 5, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091108195023/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=25963| archive-date= 8 November 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = dead}}</ref> Phil Elliott of ''[[GamesIndustry.biz]]'' called the 360 version's lower sales figures "a very strong performance for the Microsoft platform, relative to installed base".<ref name="gamesindustry-firstweek">{{cite web|last=Elliott |first=Phil |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bayonetta-bosses-japanese-software-chart |title=Bayonetta bosses Japanese software chart |website=Eurogamer |date=November 6, 2009 |access-date=December 22, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100121095907/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/bayonetta-bosses-japanese-software-chart| archive-date= 21 January 2010 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> The two releases fell to number eight and number 15 respectively the following week.<ref name="kotaku-secondweek">{{cite web|last=McWhertor |first=Michael |title=Konami Kicks Bayonetta Off Top Of Japan's Game Charts |url=https://kotaku.com/konami-kicks-bayonetta-off-top-of-japans-game-charts-5403328 |website=Kotaku |date=November 12, 2009 |access-date=November 12, 2009 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20091114095407/http://kotaku.com/5403328/konami-kicks-bayonetta-off-top-of-japans-game-charts| archive-date= 14 November 2009 <!--DASHBot-->|url-status = live}}</ref> By March 31, 2010, ''Bayonetta'' sold 1.35 million units worldwide.<ref name="figures">{{cite web|url=http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/20100514_hosoku_e_final.pdf#page=5|title=Appendix of Consolidated Financial Statements|access-date=April 1, 2011|publisher=[[Sega Sammy Holdings]]|date=May 14, 2010|page=5|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003122820/http://www.segasammy.co.jp/english/pdf/release/20100514_hosoku_e_final.pdf#page=5|archive-date=October 3, 2011|url-status = live}}</ref> In a 2013 interview with Polygon, PlatinumGames' president Tatsuya Minami said ''Bayonetta'' was their best-selling game but that the sales did not meet their expectations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-17-platinum-games-president-rates-its-sales-as-a-c-or-even-a-d|title=PlatinumGames president rates its sales as a "C or even a D."|access-date=June 22, 2013|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=April 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303224030/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-04-17-platinum-games-president-rates-its-sales-as-a-c-or-even-a-d|archive-date=March 3, 2016|url-status = live}}</ref> By the time of its Wii U port, the game had sold over 2 million units across Xbox 360 and PS3.<ref name="bayonetta2-about">{{cite web |title=Bayonetta 2 About |url=https://www.platinumgames.com/games/bayonetta-2 |publisher=PlatinumGames |access-date=3 May 2022 |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220412130026/https://www.platinumgames.com/games/bayonetta-2 |url-status=live }}</ref>

About a month after its release on [[Windows]], Sega Europe's Vice President of Publishing John Clark said that the Windows version had sold more than 170,000 units, and that Sega was "really happy" about this performance.<ref>
{{Cite web | url = https://www.destructoid.com/bayonetta-pc-port-clears-170-000-sales-437840.phtml | title = Bayonetta PC port clears 170,000 sales | first = Ray | last = Porreca | date = May 24, 2017 | access-date = May 24, 2017 | work = [[Destructoid]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170603081610/https://www.destructoid.com/bayonetta-pc-port-clears-170-000-sales-437840.phtml | archive-date = June 3, 2017 |url-status = live }}
</ref>

The Nintendo Switch version of the game sold 1.24 million copies as of December 2022.<ref name="CESA2023">{{cite book |title=2023CESAゲーム白書 (2023 CESA Games White Papers) |publisher=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-4-902346-47-3}}</ref>

==Sequels==
{{Main|Bayonetta 2|Bayonetta 3}}

A sequel, ''Bayonetta 2'', was announced in September 2012 as a [[Wii U]] game to be published by [[Nintendo]]. The game, released in Japan in September 2014 and in North America and Europe in December 2014, features a port of the original ''Bayonetta'', which adds costumes based on Nintendo properties including ''[[Super Mario]]'', ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', ''[[Star Fox]]'' and ''[[Metroid]]'', as well as touch screen controls and dual audio tracks.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/10/5795904/bayonetta-2-release-date-wii-u-bayonetta-remake |title=Bayonetta 2 coming to Wii U this October, includes original Bayonetta |website=Polygon |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=2014-08-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714114339/http://www.polygon.com/2014/6/10/5795904/bayonetta-2-release-date-wii-u-bayonetta-remake |archive-date=2014-07-14 |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/11/bayonetta-wii-u-60fps-tv-play-dual-audio/ |title=Bayonetta On Wii U: 60fps, Off-TV Play, Dual Audio |website=Siliconera |date=June 11, 2014 |access-date=August 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821121206/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/11/bayonetta-wii-u-60fps-tv-play-dual-audio/ |archive-date=August 21, 2014 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Another sequel, ''Bayonetta 3'', was announced during [[the Game Awards 2017]] in December as a [[Nintendo Switch]] game, alongside the announcement of Switch ports for the previous two games, although physical versions of the first game weren't localized until 2022.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16749668/bayonetta-3-trailer-nintendo-switch-platinum-games-tga-2017 | title = Nintendo announces Bayonetta 3 as a Switch exclusive | first = Ben | last = Kuchera | date = December 7, 2017 | access-date = December 8, 2017 | work = [[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171208231540/https://www.polygon.com/2017/12/7/16749668/bayonetta-3-trailer-nintendo-switch-platinum-games-tga-2017 | archive-date = December 8, 2017 |url-status = live }}</ref> A prequel to ''Bayonetta'', titled ''[[Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon]]'' was also announced at the Game Awards 2022.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
; General
{{Refbegin}}
* {{cite web |last=Mielke |first=James |url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3169684 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629234941/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?cId=3169684 |url-status = dead|archive-date=June 29, 2012 |title=Bayonetta (PS3): Previews: In the September EGM, we laid out "25 Things You Need To Know About Bayonetta." Now, we're happy to unveil the full-length interview behind that story. |website=[[1UP.com]] |date=August 29, 2008 |access-date=October 27, 2009 }}
{{Refend}}
; Specific
{{Reflist|30em}}

==External links==

* {{Official website|https://www.platinumgames.com/games/bayonetta}}
* [https://www.mobygames.com/game/43659/bayonetta/ Bayonetta] at [[MobyGames]]
{{Bayonetta}}
{{Hideki Kamiya}}
{{PlatinumGames}}


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[[Category:2009 video games]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
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[[Category:Wii U eShop games]]
[[Category:Wii U games]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox 360 games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
[[Category:Xbox One X enhanced games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video games about sexuality]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Bayonetta (video game)|access_date=2026-02-26}}