View source for Bayonetta 2


{{Infobox video game
| title = Bayonetta 2
| image = Bayonetta2boxart.png
| developer = [[PlatinumGames]]
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| director = Yusuke Hashimoto
| producer = {{ubl|[[Atsushi Inaba]]|Akiko Kuroda|Hitoshi Yamagami}}
| designer = {{ubl|Hirono Sato|Junichi Oka|Akiteru Naka}}
| programmer = Minota Kenshin
| artist = {{ubl|Mari Shimazaki|Yusuke Hashimoto}}
| writer = {{ubl|[[Hideki Kamiya]]|[[Bingo Morihashi]]}}
| composer = {{ubl|Masami Ueda|Hiroshi Yamaguchi|Rei Kondoh|Naofumi Harada|Satoshi Igarashi|Hitomi Kurokawa|Naoto Tanaka|Takayasu Sodeoka}}
| series = ''[[Bayonetta]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Wii U]]|[[Nintendo Switch]]}}
| released = '''Wii U'''{{vgrelease|JP|September 20, 2014<ref>{{cite web|title=Bayonetta 2 Includes Bayonetta Game Disc In Japan|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/16/bayonetta-2-includes-bayonetta-game-disc-japan/|website=Siliconera|date=16 June 2014|access-date=14 July 2014|archive-date=6 September 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906042955/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/16/bayonetta-2-includes-bayonetta-game-disc-japan/|url-status=live}}</ref>|NA/EU|October 24, 2014<ref name="NA/EUreleasedate">{{cite web |last=Matulef |first=Jeffrey |date=September 5, 2014 |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-09-05-bayonetta-2-release-date-set-for-october |title=Bayonetta 2 release date set for October |website=[[Eurogamer]] |access-date=September 5, 2014 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121453/https://www.eurogamer.net/bayonetta-2-release-date-set-for-october |url-status=live }}</ref>|AU|October 25, 2014<ref>{{cite web|last=Nintendo|first=Australia|date=September 4, 2014|url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=3529&pageID=6|title=Nintendo Direct Bayonetta 2 release|publisher=Nintendo AU|access-date=September 4, 2014|archive-date=August 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200803123409/http://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=3529&pageID=6|url-status=dead}}</ref>}}'''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-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|url-status=live}}</ref>|JP|February 17, 2018}}
| genre = [[Action-adventure]], [[hack and slash]]
| modes = [[Single-player]], [[multiplayer]]
}}

{{nihongo foot|'''''Bayonetta 2'''''|ベヨネッタ2|Beyonetta Tsū|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a 2014 [[action-adventure game]] developed by [[PlatinumGames]] and published by [[Nintendo]]<ref>{{cite tweet|number=246266152442015744|user=SEGA|title=@FaseehDeen Bayonetta 2 is developed by Platinum Games and published by Nintendo. SEGA is working with both as an advisor to the project.<!-- full text of tweet that Twitter returned to the bot (excluding links) added by TweetCiteBot. This may be better truncated or may need expanding (TW limits responses to 140 characters) or case changes. --> |access-date=2012-11-25|date=13 September 2012}}</ref> for the [[Wii U]]. It is the sequel to the 2009 game ''[[Bayonetta (video game)|Bayonetta]]'', and was directed by Yusuke Hashimoto and produced by [[Atsushi Inaba]], Akiko Kuroda, and Hitoshi Yamagami, under supervision by series creator [[Hideki Kamiya]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://platinumgames.com/2012/09/14/bayonetta-2-joins-the-wonderful-101-on-wii-u/ |title=Bayonetta 2 joins The Wonderful 101 on Wii U « PlatinumGames Inc |publisher=PlatinumGames.com |date=2012-08-31 |access-date=2012-09-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915091219/http://platinumgames.com/2012/09/14/bayonetta-2-joins-the-wonderful-101-on-wii-u/ |archive-date=2012-09-15 }}</ref>

''Bayonetta 2'' was announced in a [[Nintendo Direct]] presentation on September 13, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/bayonetta-2-is-a-wii-u-exclusive-5942937 |title=Bayonetta 2 Is a Wii U Exclusive |date=13 September 2012 |publisher=Kotaku.com |access-date=2012-09-14 |archive-date=2018-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181105131057/https://kotaku.com/5942937/bayonetta-2-is-a-wii-u-game |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike the [[Sega]]-published ''Bayonetta'', which was a multiplatform release for [[Xbox 360]] and [[PlayStation 3]], a publishing deal with Nintendo meant that ''Bayonetta 2'' released as a platform-exclusive for the Wii U. The titular character, [[Bayonetta (character)|Bayonetta]], sports a new costume and hairstyle and the game features a new two-player mode.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-bayonetta-2-has-multiplayer |title=E3 2013: Bayonetta 2 Has Multiplayer |website=IGN |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 19, 2013 |archive-date=June 16, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130616085754/http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-bayonetta-2-has-multiplayer |url-status=live }}</ref> The game is the second ''Bayonetta'' product to receive Japanese voiceovers, using the same cast that voiced the ''[[Bayonetta: Bloody Fate]]'' anime film by [[Gonzo (company)|Gonzo]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnhlVwvoCkQ |title=Bayonetta 2 Trailer (Nintendo Direct Japan) |publisher=YouTube |date=2014-02-13 |access-date=2014-06-10 |archive-date=2015-11-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106235549/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnhlVwvoCkQ |url-status=live }}</ref>
''Bayonetta 2'' was released in September 2014 in Japan and October 2014 for the rest of the world. The Special and First Print Editions also included a [[Wii U]] port of the original ''Bayonetta'' game.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://wiiudaily.com/2014/06/bayonetta-2-will-include-the-original-game-on-wii-u/ |title=Bayonetta 2 will include the original game on Wii U |publisher=Wii U Daily |date=June 10, 2014 |access-date=July 8, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714154613/http://wiiudaily.com/2014/06/bayonetta-2-will-include-the-original-game-on-wii-u/ |archive-date=July 14, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

''Bayonetta 2'' received widespread critical acclaim, with praise for its combat system, visuals, and overall improvements from the first game. A [[Nintendo Switch]] version was released in February 2018. A sequel, ''[[Bayonetta 3]]'', was released on October 28, 2022.

== Gameplay ==
{{See also|Bayonetta#Gameplay|l1=Gameplay in Bayonetta}}
[[File:Bayonetta 2 gameplay.jpg|thumb|left|In-game screenshot from the opening of ''Bayonetta 2''|alt=Screenshot of the protagonist Bayonetta fighting a group of angelic enemies in the opening level of the game.|245x245px]]

''Bayonetta 2'' carries on the action-style gameplay of its predecessor, in which players control the eponymous Bayonetta as she fights against various angelic and demonic forces using combinations of melee attacks and gunplay. Dodging enemy attacks at the last second activates 'Witch Time', slowing down enemies around Bayonetta and allowing players to easily retaliate and solve certain environmental puzzles. Players are also able to use special moves called Torture Attacks, trapping opponents in infernal devices for extra points. Weapon customization from the first game also returns, allowing players to equip combinations of new weapons on both Bayonetta's hands and feet. A large array of weapons can be equipped, including the character's signature guns, a bow, swords and other forms of projectile weapons.<ref name= "IGNpreview">{{cite web|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2014/08/08/bayonetta-2-unrelenting-sexy-and-totally-outrageous|title=Bayonetta 2: Unrelenting, Sexy, and Totally Outrageous|author=Otero, Jose|website=[[IGN]]|date=2014-08-08|access-date=2014-08-10|archive-date=2024-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121515/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/08/08/bayonetta-2-unrelenting-sexy-and-totally-outrageous|url-status=live}}</ref> Players earn grades during combat, with the highest 'Pure Platinum' grade achieved by performing high numbers of combos, in the fastest time possible, without being damaged.<ref name= "SilGrading">{{cite web|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/05/heres-get-platinum-grade-bayonetta-2/|title=Here's How You Get A Platinum Grade In Bayonetta 2|publisher=Siliconera|date=2014-08-05|access-date=2014-08-10|archive-date=2014-10-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014114051/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/05/heres-get-platinum-grade-bayonetta-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> As with the previous game, Bayonetta can use Torture Attacks on her enemies, conjured torture devices that finish off single enemies in gruesome ways and grant a bonus to the player.<ref name= "IGNpreview"/>

''Bayonetta 2'' adds a new gameplay element called Umbran Climax which can be activated when the player has a full magic gauge. Similar to the state of boss fights in the first game, this technique strengthens Bayonetta's attacks and combos with extra Wicked Weaves and Infernal Demon summons for a short period of time. This increases their overall range and damage and replenishes Bayonetta's health when in use.<ref name= "EuroPreview">{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-08-08-bayonetta-2-is-a-sequel-to-savour|title=Bayonetta 2 is a sequel to savour|author=Robinson, Martin|website=[[Eurogamer]]|date=2014-08-08|access-date=2014-08-10|archive-date=2014-10-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141028025520/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-08-08-bayonetta-2-is-a-sequel-to-savour|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://platinumgames.com/2014/02/14/bayonetta-2-coming-to-wii-u-in-2014/ |title=Bayonetta 2 coming to Wii U in 2014! « PlatinumGames Inc |publisher=PlatinumGames.com |date=2014-02-14 |access-date=2014-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701080957/http://platinumgames.com/2014/02/14/bayonetta-2-coming-to-wii-u-in-2014/ |archive-date=2014-07-01 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="youtube1">{{cite web |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQg43n2OaM |title=Nintendo Direct 2.13.14 |date=13 February 2014 |publisher=YouTube |access-date=2014-06-10 |archive-date=2014-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141031073830/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BdQg43n2OaM |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Story ==

===Setting and characters===
Most of ''Bayonetta 2'' takes place on the fictional sacred mountain of Fimbulventr and the nearby town of Noatun, both located in the Middle East. The main character Bayonetta (Hellena Taylor / [[Atsuko Tanaka]]) travels to the mountain to find the Gates of Hell to save her friend Jeanne ([[Grey DeLisle-Griffin]] / [[Mie Sonozaki]]).

Returning characters include Rodin ([[Dave Fennoy]] / [[Tesshō Genda]]), the bartender of Gates of Hell who supplies Bayonetta with powerful weapons; Luka ([[Yuri Lowenthal]] / [[Daisuke Namikawa]]), a journalist who provides Bayonetta with valuable information; and Enzo ([[John Kassir]] / [[Wataru Takagi]]), an informant who provides comic relief. New characters include Loki (Mark Daugherty / [[Junko Minagawa]]), an amnesiac boy who guides Bayonetta to the mountain; the Masked Lumen ([[Crispin Freeman]] / [[Takehito Koyasu]]), a powerful Sage and Bayonetta's new rival; and Loptr ([[TJ Ramini]] / [[Takumi Yamazaki]]), a mysterious Prophet apparently allied with the Masked Lumen.

===Plot===
A few months after the first ''Bayonetta'', Bayonetta is shopping on Christmas Eve with Enzo when angels suddenly attack New York City. Teaming up with fellow witch and friend Jeanne, she is on the verge of winning until a demon summoning goes wrong. Jeanne saves Bayonetta from the familiar's attack, but the attack causes Inferno to claim her soul. Bayonetta destroys the demon and resolves to save Jeanne. At the same time, a masked Lumen Sage is brought to the present by a mysterious figure, known as the Prophet, who promises him the chance for revenge.

Upon a tip from her informant Enzo, Bayonetta heads to the mountain of Fimbulventr, in the city of Noatun, which houses an entrance to Inferno.<ref name="FamStory">{{cite web|url=http://www.famitsu.com/news/201406/26056050.html|title=『ベヨネッタ2』ストーリーやアクションなどの最新情報が到着！ 同梱されるWii U版『ベヨネッタ』の追加要素も公開|publisher=[[Famitsu]]|date=2014-06-26|access-date=2014-06-27|archive-date=2014-06-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140628094122/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201406/26056050.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In Noatun, she meets a boy called Loki, who is trying to reach Fimbulventr for reasons he cannot remember. The two strike a deal to travel together as Loki claims his powers will be needed in order to reach Inferno. On the way, they learn about some of Loki's lost memories, but are constantly attacked by angels and demons. Loki is hunted by the Lumen Sage and the Prophet, who knows Loki. There, they encounter Luka, Bayonetta's acquaintance and news journalist. Luka explains to them the Legend of Aesir: Aesir was once the ruler of the Chaos realm, and had created the Left Eye of Darkness and Right Eye of Light (also known as Eyes of the World) for humanity to grant them free will. The Lumen Sages and the Umbra Witches were entrusted with one Eye each for ownership and safekeeping. Due to the death of the allegedly last Lumen Sage, Father Balder by Bayonetta and Jeanne, the Right Eye of Light had disappeared, which prompted Luka to investigate the consequences to the planet, and if it is connected to the natural disasters that has been occurring. Meanwhile, the Prophet shows Bayonetta a vision that implies the Witch Hunts 500 years ago were not caused by Balder.

Bayonetta reaches Inferno and travels into its depths to save Jeanne. With the help of Rodin, Bayonetta is able to save Jeanne's soul and revive her. However, the Sage attacks Loki again and reveals himself to be a young Balder. Bayonetta saves Loki from him, but Loki loses control of his powers and sends Bayonetta and Balder back 500 years into the past. Now in Vigrid during the Witch Hunts, Bayonetta meets her mother Rosa, and the two work together to fight back against the angels. When they become separated, Bayonetta encounters Loptr, a doppelgänger of Loki who is the Prophet in the present. Loptr claims that the Eyes of the World, one of which Bayonetta possesses, belong to him. Later meeting with the young Balder, Bayonetta arrives too late to stop Loptr from murdering Rosa. Bayonetta realizes that Loptr has tricked Balder into seeking revenge on Loki in the present. The two of them decide to work together and return to the present to stop Loptr. Meanwhile, in the present, Luka encounters Loki, who claims to remember everything, and asks Luka to take him to Fimbulventr.

With Jeanne's help, Bayonetta and Balder reach the top of Fimbulventr and find Loptr who has already captured Loki. Loptr explains that he and Loki were once the God of Chaos, Aesir, the creator of the Eyes of the World. Aesir had split his power amongst humanity to create the Eyes but had also split his soul into two halves of good and evil in the process. Loki, the good half, was given the power to control the Eyes directly, which Loptr steals. Despite their efforts, Loptr takes both of the Eyes from Balder and Bayonetta and transforms into Aesir with the intent to rule humanity. Loki claims that Aesir's power can erase anything from existence, and uses that power to destroy the Eyes, weakening Loptr and allowing Bayonetta and Balder to destroy his body with Jeanne's help. Loptr's soul attempts to escape to a time where the Eyes still exist to try his plan again. Balder stops him and absorbs his soul, despite Loki warning him that doing so will corrupt him. Balder reveals he knows that Bayonetta is his daughter and asks her to stop him should he be corrupted, and is returned to his time. With Loptr and the Eyes gone, Loki says he plans to take a break from the world's affairs, but that he may meet Bayonetta again, and fades away.

Some days later, Bayonetta and Jeanne are shopping again. Suddenly, another attack begins, and Bayonetta teams up with Jeanne to battle them again.

In a post-credits scene, Balder is shown returning to his time period, now corrupted, setting up the events of the first ''Bayonetta''.

== Development ==
Shortly after the release of ''Bayonetta'', [[Hideki Kamiya]] discussed with Yusuke Hashimoto ideas for sequels and spin-off games from the title. Despite these discussions, Kamiya believed they would never release a sequel.<ref>{{cite magazine|first=Keza|last=MacDonald|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/09/14/sega-consulting-on-bayonetta-2.aspx|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916093654/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/09/14/sega-consulting-on-bayonetta-2.aspx|url-status=live|archive-date=September 16, 2012|title=Sega Consulting On Bayonetta 2|magazine=Game Informer|access-date=June 19, 2013|date=September 14, 2012}}</ref> However, Kamiya's Twitter account later stated that he might release the sequel if ''Bayonetta'' sold well. ''Bayonetta 2'' was revealed during a [[Nintendo Direct]] on September 13, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|first=Keza|last=MacDonald|url=http://uk.ign.com/articles/2012/09/13/bayonetta-2-announced-for-wii-u|title=Bayonetta 2 Announced For Wii U|website=IGN|date=2012-09-13|access-date=2013-01-05|archive-date=2024-08-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121440/https://www.ign.com/articles/2012/09/13/bayonetta-2-announced-for-wii-u|url-status=live}}</ref> The reason for the game's [[Wii U]] exclusivity was because Nintendo stepped in with additional funding after it was shelved by [[Sega]].<ref>[https://twitter.com/i/moments/963271450370236416 Hideki Kamiya talks about Bayonetta 3] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180213171345/https://twitter.com/i/moments/963271450370236416 |date=2018-02-13 }} Twitter</ref> PlatinumGames producer [[Atsushi Inaba]], responding to complaints by fans of the original game, stated that ''Bayonetta 2'' would not exist if Nintendo had not partnered with the developer to make the game.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|url=http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/22/3371474/bayonetta-2-would-not-exist-without-nintendo-platinum-games-wii-u|title='Bayonetta 2' would not exist without Nintendo, says PlatinumGames|website=Polygon|date=2012-09-22|access-date=2013-01-05|archive-date=2016-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212801/http://www.polygon.com/gaming/2012/9/22/3371474/bayonetta-2-would-not-exist-without-nintendo-platinum-games-wii-u|url-status=live}}</ref> Sega remained as the game's consultant.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/09/14/sega-consulting-on-bayonetta-2.aspx|title=Sega Consulting On Bayonetta 2|first=Jim|last=Reilly|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|date=September 14, 2012|access-date=May 26, 2016|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924081642/http://www.gameinformer.com/b/news/archive/2012/09/14/sega-consulting-on-bayonetta-2.aspx|archive-date=September 24, 2015}}</ref> Work on ''Bayonetta 2'' was based on feedback the staff received from the original ''Bayonetta'' to bring various improvements. Nintendo was not involved in the making of the game other than as an "observer" and the staff were pleased with their experience.<ref>{{cite web|first=Michael|last=McWhertor|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/197634/going_platinum_bayonetta_2_.php|title=Going Platinum: Bayonetta 2, combat design and the Nintendo angle|website=Gamasutra|date=August 6, 2013|access-date=August 6, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304053540/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/197634/going_platinum_bayonetta_2_.php|url-status=dead}}</ref> One of the improvements made by staff was to the movements of enemies: in the first game, there was a single enemy movement when Bayonetta struck them, while in ''Bayonetta 2'', they have differing animations depending on the direction of Bayonetta's attack.<ref name="PGblogMovement">{{cite web|url=http://platinumgames.com/2014/07/04/figuring-out-damage-motion/|title=Platinum Blog: Figuring Out Damage Motion|author=Yamaguchi, Takaaki|publisher=[[PlatinumGames]] Blog|date=4 July 2014|access-date=18 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725085238/http://platinumgames.com/2014/07/04/figuring-out-damage-motion/|archive-date=2014-07-25|url-status=dead}}</ref> The architecture for the main city environment, Noatun, was based on cities in Belgium and Italy, such as [[Bruges]] (church interiors), [[Brussels]] (the grand buildings), [[Florence]] (city streets and houses) and [[Venice]] (the canal network).<ref name="PGblogCity">{{cite web|url=http://platinumgames.com/2014/07/18/cities-and-waterways/|title=Platinum Blog: Cities and Waterways|author=Onishi Hiroki|publisher=[[PlatinumGames]] Blog|date=18 July 2014|access-date=18 July 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140725081551/http://platinumgames.com/2014/07/18/cities-and-waterways/|archive-date=25 July 2014}}</ref>

In a [[Nintendo Direct]] from January 2013, PlatinumGames showed a development trailer for the game. They confirmed game development was going smoothly, but did not go into many gameplay details.<ref name=B2Trailer>{{cite web|title=Bayonetta 2 - Trailer| date=23 January 2013 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUbgRxf3fLg|publisher=Nintendo of America, Inc.|access-date=6 February 2013|archive-date=17 August 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121535/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pUbgRxf3fLg|url-status=live}}</ref> A playable demo of the game was featured at Nintendo's booth during [[E3 2013]], following the reveal of the game's first gameplay trailer. A multiplayer mode was also announced, along with the option of a touch-based control scheme and the confirmation that the game will support [[Off-TV Play]].<ref name= "NinOffPlay">{{cite web|url=http://e3.nintendo.com/games/detail/bayonetta-2/|title=Bayonetta 2 : Nintendo @ E3 2013|publisher=[[Nintendo]]|access-date=13 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130816050453/http://e3.nintendo.com/games/detail/bayonetta-2/|archive-date=16 August 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the Nintendo Direct from February 2014,<ref name="youtube1"/> another trailer for the game was released, showing off the new environments players can expect as well as some of the basic story elements of the game. Further gameplay was also released, revealing the use of Japanese voice actors for the Japanese release, new weapons for Bayonetta to use as well as the use of the new youth character as being playable. As of the ''[[Bayonetta 2 Direct]]'', the game was released on September 20, 2014, in Japan and in October 2014 for the rest of the world. At [[E3 2014]], it was announced the game would include a port of the original ''[[Bayonetta (video game)|Bayonetta]]'', which would include exclusive Nintendo costumes, dual audio voice tracks, and touch controls.<ref name="NA/EUreleasedate"/><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 - Siliconera<!-- Bot generated title --> |date=11 June 2014 |access-date=2014-06-12 |archive-date=2014-08-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140821121206/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/11/bayonetta-wii-u-60fps-tv-play-dual-audio/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The original game would be a digital download via the [[Nintendo eShop]] and on a separate disc for retailers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/16/bayonetta-2-includes-bayonetta-game-disc-japan/ |title=Bayonetta 2 Includes Bayonetta Game Disc In Japan |publisher=Siliconera |date=2014-06-16 |access-date=2014-07-14 |archive-date=2014-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906042955/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/06/16/bayonetta-2-includes-bayonetta-game-disc-japan/ |url-status=live }}</ref> To [[Video game development#Marketing|market]] the release, Nintendo partnered with [[Playboy]] to set a [[photo shoot]] with [[Playmate]] [[Pamela Horton]] [[cosplay]]ing Bayonetta.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Malone|first1=Colin|title=Nintendo partners with Playboy to promote Bayonetta 2|url=http://nintendotoday.com/nintendo-partners-with-playboy-to-promote-bayonetta-2/|access-date=31 January 2018|work=NintendoToday|date=October 27, 2014|archive-date=31 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180131200645/http://nintendotoday.com/nintendo-partners-with-playboy-to-promote-bayonetta-2/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Music===
{{more citations needed section|date=March 2016}}
The music of ''Bayonetta 2'' was composed by a group of members led by Masami Ueda, many of whom returned after being featured on the soundtrack for the first game. Ueda states that he finds the score for ''Bayonetta 2'' much livelier than the one for ''Bayonetta'' and explains they attempted to create new elements in the music by switching out certain instruments for others.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Ueda |first=Masami |date=August 29, 2014 |title=Music in Bayonetta 2 |url=http://platinumgames.com/2014/08/29/music-in-bayonetta-2/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150215195253/http://platinumgames.com/2014/08/29/music-in-bayonetta-2/ |archive-date=February 15, 2015 |website=PlatinumGames Blog}}</ref>

A key difference in the soundtrack between the games is the inclusion of dynamic music for boss fights based on the progression in ''Bayonetta 2''. Ueda states that the music is broken up into phases and are set off by triggers based on animations and other cues in the scene which allow for swells in the music to match up the action onscreen. A similar approach was done for the stage tracks as well, with as many as 10 shorter loops mixed together that transition based on the player's progress through the stage. Compared to the original ''Bayonetta's'' 150 tracks, ''Bayonetta 2'' has 183 tracks with higher audio quality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://platinumgames.com/2014/08/29/music-in-bayonetta-2/|title=Music in Bayonetta 2 « PlatinumGames Inc.|access-date=2014-11-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129054313/http://platinumgames.com/2014/08/29/music-in-bayonetta-2/|archive-date=2014-11-29|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Like the original game, ''Bayonetta 2'' features a cover of an old song but remixed into the signature style of the games, "[[Moon River]]" by Andy Williams. Both the remixed version and the original are included in the game, much like how "[[Fly Me To The Moon]]" was used as the main theme song for ''Bayonetta''. The game's battle theme, "Tomorrow is Mine", was one of the first pieces of music revealed in its entirety during promotion of the game. Both of these songs were performed by Keeley Bumford. Also like the original game, ''Bayonetta 2'' received a five-disc original soundtrack, which was released in Japan on October 29, 2014.

==Reception==
{{Video game reviews
| title = ''Bayonetta 2''
| NS = true
| WIIU = true
| na = true
| MC_NS = 92/100<ref name="MCSwitch">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta-2/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Bayonetta 2 for Switch Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=March 2, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121517/https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta-2/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |url-status=live }}</ref>
| MC_WIIU = 91/100<ref name="MC">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta-2/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |title=Bayonetta 2 for Wii U Reviews |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121500/https://www.metacritic.com/game/bayonetta-2/critic-reviews/?platform=wii-u |url-status=live }}</ref>
| 4P_NS = 86/100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Switch/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Switch/32887/83039/Bayonetta_2.html|title=Test: Bayonetta 2 (Action-Adventure)|date=February 14, 2018|website=4Players.de|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121442/https://www.4p.de/test/bayonetta_2/83039|url-status=live}}</ref>
| 4P_WIIU = 88/100<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht_fazit/Wii_U/Test/Fazit_Wertung/Wii_U/32887/80638/Bayonetta_2.html|title=Test: Bayonetta 2 (Action-Adventure)|date=October 17, 2014|website=4Players.de|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817131632/https://www.4p.de/test/bayonetta_2-2/80638|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Allgame_WIIU = {{Rating|4.5|5}} <ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141210113245/http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=80191|archive-date=December 10, 2014 |url=http://www.allgame.com/game.php?id=80191|title=Bayonetta 2|author=All Media Network|work=Allgame}}</ref>
| Destruct_WIIU = 10/10<ref name="Destruct">{{cite web |date=October 13, 2014 |url=http://www.destructoid.com/review-bayonetta-2-282252.phtml |title=Bayonetta 2 Review |website=Destructoid |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014024646/http://www.destructoid.com/review-bayonetta-2-282252.phtml |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| Edge_WIIU = 10/10<ref name="Edge">{{cite magazine|title=Bayonetta 2|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|location=[[Bath, Somerset|Bath]]|pages=100–103|issue=272|date=November 2014}}</ref>
| EGM_WIIU = 9.5/10<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-bayonetta-2/|title=EGM Review: Bayonetta 2|date=October 14, 2014|magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|access-date=August 23, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016012200/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-bayonetta-2/|archive-date=October 16, 2014}}</ref>
| EuroG_WIIU = Recommended (9/10)<ref name="Eurogamer">{{cite web|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-13-bayonetta-2-review|title=Bayonetta 2 review|author=Robinson, Martin|work=[[Eurogamer]]|publisher=Gamer Network Ltd|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=March 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180310060604/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2014-10-13-bayonetta-2-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Fam_WIIU = 38/40<ref name="Fam">{{cite web |date=September 16, 2014 |url=http://nintendoeverything.com/famitsu-review-scores-91614-bayonetta-2/ |title=Famitsu review scores (9/16/14) – Bayonetta 2 |publisher=Nintendo Everything |access-date=September 16, 2014 |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111193454/https://nintendoeverything.com/famitsu-review-scores-91614-bayonetta-2/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GI_WIIU = 9/10<ref name="Game Informer">{{cite magazine|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta_2/b/wii_u/archive/2014/10/13/topping-over-the-top.aspx|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|magazine=[[Game Informer]]|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014034031/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/bayonetta_2/b/wii_u/archive/2014/10/13/topping-over-the-top.aspx|archive-date=2014-10-14|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| GameRev_WIIU = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name="Game Revolution">{{cite web|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/bayonetta-2|title=Bayonetta 2 review|publisher=Game Revolution|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=October 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019073245/http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/bayonetta-2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_NS = 10/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/1900-6415911/|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|date=February 14, 2018|website=GameSpot|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=March 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312030744/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/1900-6415911/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GSpot_WIIU = 10/10<ref name="GSpot">{{cite web|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/1900-6415911/|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|author=Walton, Mark|work=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=October 14, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141014025932/http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/1900-6415911/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| GRadar_WIIU = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name="GamesRadar">{{cite web |date=October 13, 2014 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/bayonetta-2-review/ |title=Bayonetta 2 Review |publisher=[[GamesRadar]] |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=November 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127233416/https://www.gamesradar.com/bayonetta-2-review/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GTM_WIIU = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/|title=Bayonetta 2 review|date=October 14, 2014|website=GamesTM|access-date=August 23, 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016053850/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/|archive-date=October 16, 2014}}</ref>
| GT_WIIU = 9.8/10<ref name="GameTrailers">{{cite web |date=October 13, 2014 |url=http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/kx01we/bayonetta-2-review/ |title=Bayonetta 2 Review |work=[[GameTrailers]] |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-date=October 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141017021233/http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/kx01we/bayonetta-2-review |url-status=live }}</ref>
| GB_WIIU = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/1900-678/|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|date=October 13, 2014|website=Giant Bomb|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817121445/https://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/bayonetta-2-review/1900-678/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Hyper_WIIU = 100/100<ref>{{cite magazine|date=January 2015 |title=Bayonetta 2 |magazine=[[Hyper (magazine)|Hyper]]|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|issue=255|pages=64}}</ref>
| IGN_WIIU = 9.5/10<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/13/bayonetta-2-review|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|author=Otero, Jose|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[Ziff Davis]]|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=May 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210520052442/https://www.ign.com/articles/2014/10/13/bayonetta-2-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Joystiq_WIIU = {{Rating|5|5}}<ref name="Joystiq">{{cite web |date=October 13, 2014 |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/13/bayonetta-2-review-a-witchs-witch/ |title=Bayonetta 2 Review |work=[[Joystiq]] |access-date=October 13, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013201314/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/10/13/bayonetta-2-review-a-witchs-witch/ |archive-date=October 13, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
| NLife_NS = {{rating|9|10}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/bayonetta_2|title=Bayonetta 2 Review (Switch)|date=February 14, 2018|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817123048/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/bayonetta_2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NLife_WIIU = {{Rating|9|10}}<ref name="NinendoLife">{{cite web|date=October 13, 2014|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/bayonetta_2|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122193200/https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/wiiu/bayonetta_2|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NWR_NS = 10/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/46468/bayonetta-2-switch-review|title=Bayonetta 2 (Switch) Review|date=February 18, 2018|website=Nintendo World Report|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817123037/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/46468/bayonetta-2-switch-review|url-status=live}}</ref>
| NWR_WIIU = 9/10<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/38719/bayonetta-2-review-eu|title=Bayonetta 2 Review - Review|work=Nintendo World Report|access-date=14 October 2014|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109042211/https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/review/38719/bayonetta-2-review-eu|url-status=live}}</ref>
| ONM_WIIU = 93%<ref>{{cite magazine|date=October 2014 |title=Bayonetta 2 |magazine=[[Official Nintendo Magazine]]|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|issue=114|pages=86–89}}</ref>
| PG_NS = {{rating|4.5|5}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.pocketgamer.com/articles/076683/bayonetta-2-switch-review-the-best-action-game-ever/|title=Bayonetta 2 Switch review - The best action game ever?|date=February 14, 2018|website=Pocket Gamer|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817131632/https://mb.moatads.com/yi/v2?ol=0&qn=%604%7BZEYwoqI%24%5BK%2BdLLU)%2CMm~tB%23a.%5BMhS%3A15.snxNz3%2B1bmlLntoDUj%7B!%3CFeid%5BOV%7C%2B2x%3D(%3Ce7%25%7DSlx%3Am4%2C..8WLdA1%3BxTiWio8bYLaXBjA%3AmQ)%3CF!tAbjrzJ%3BgoVYGVxc%40lQQV%23tc3%2Fh%7C%3FVKV%3BW5.NO)Wxa%3CE%24%3D!Ivixhk~GefxECSR23_hFAkD%3Dv%3CN%5B.%22%24b_o%3FtVD%5D%5BpN%7CQF%40Sy7%7B%2CNr1U*%26ujMUU9%3C%24kBjqI&tf=1_nMzjG---CSa7H-1SJH-bW7qhB-LRwqH-nMzjG-&vi=111111&rc=1%2C1%2C0%2C5%2C747835005%2C1%2C2%2C0%2Cprobably%2Cprobably&rb=1-NiErBeoFGpe4ezmDGVFlvBb7D8Ghe3ykd2dHJOEbC2DJpL%2Bk%2BaQ3%2FnH4WYJKro1D8fQ%3D&rs=1-WtKx0GG5X%2FcYUw%3D%3D&sc=1&os=1-tQ%3D%3D&qp=10000&is=BBBBB2BBEYBvGl2BBCBBtUTE1RmsqbKW8BsrBu0rCFE48CRBeeBS2hWTMBBQeQBBn2soYggyUig0CBlWZ0uBBCCCCCCOgRBBiOfnE6Bkg7OxCb8MxOtJYHCBdm5kBhBBC9Y8oBXckXBR76iUUsJBCBBBBBBBBBWBBBj3BBBZeGV2BBBCMciUBBBjgEBBBBBB94UMgTdJMtEcpMBBBQBBBniOccBBBBBB47kNwxBbBBBBBBBBBhcjG6BBJM2L4Bk8BwCBQmIoRBBCzBz1BBCTClBBrbGBC4ehueB57NG9aJeRzBqEKiuwBBBB&iv=8&qt=0&gz=0&hh=0&hn=0&tw=&qc=10&qd=10&qf=1400&qe=783&qh=1400&qg=900&qm=0&qa=800&qb=600&qi=800&qj=600&to=000&vy=ot%24b%5Bh%40%22oDgO%3DLlE6%3AYnIBMwqCf%5D)4%5Dz%2C%5B%26u9L%2F%2F%24b4%5DIAIbzbld%7Dt00%7Ca_BB%3FVxyEO%22zf4%5D%24cr16Zh5YigBghs%7ClTr1W*d%5B4kf%2FLyUoRdByZ%3C99Ks(I%7DY(T0c%7BDQ3MY.NjDby7p%26C&qr=0&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pocketgamer.com%2Fbayonetta-2%2Fbayonetta-2-switch-review-the-best-action-game-ever%2F&pcode=playwireprebidheader597261727146&rx=560503826227&callback=MoatNadoAllJsonpRequest_54768668|url-status=live}}</ref>
| Poly_WIIU = 7.5/10<ref name="Polygon">{{cite web|url=http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/13/6957677/bayonetta-2-review-wii-u|title=Bayonetta 2 review: Heaven and Hell|author=Gies, Arthur|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=October 13, 2014|access-date=October 13, 2014|archive-date=October 13, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013072648/http://www.polygon.com/2014/10/13/6957677/bayonetta-2-review-wii-u|url-status=live}}</ref>
| SN_WIIU = 8/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.shacknews.com/article/86660/bayonetta-2-review-i-put-a-spell-on-you|title=Bayonetta 2 Review: I Put a Spell On You|date=October 13, 2014|website=Shacknews|access-date=August 23, 2020}}</ref>
| TG_WIIU = {{rating|5|5}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/14/bayonetta-2-review-wii-u-platinum-games|title=Bayonetta 2 review – a beautiful Wii U classic|date=October 14, 2014|website=The Guardian|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817122947/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/oct/14/bayonetta-2-review-wii-u-platinum-games|url-status=live}}</ref>
| USG_WIIU = 4.5/5<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/bayonetta-2-wii-u-review|title=Bayonetta 2 Wii U Review: Beyoncé Can't Kill Angels and Demons|date=July 10, 2019|website=USgamer|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=September 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200919120544/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/bayonetta-2-wii-u-review|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| VG_WIIU = 9/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/bayonetta_2_review.html|title=Bayonetta 2 Review|date=October 12, 2014|website=VideoGamer|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817132009/https://www.videogamer.com/reviews/|url-status=live}}</ref>
}}

''Bayonetta 2'' received critical acclaim. It received an aggregated score of 91/100 on [[Metacritic]] based on 80 reviews.<ref name="MC"/> The Japanese magazine ''[[Famitsu]]''{{'}}s four reviewers collectively awarded the game a score of 38 out of 40.<ref name="Fam"/> ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]'' awarded ''Bayonetta 2'' a score of 10 out of 10. The magazine's reviewer described it as "a riotous, spectacular work of the highest order of camp" and praised the game for the extent of its customisability and for refining problematic elements from the first ''Bayonetta'', with tighter pacing and the removal of "sudden, mid-cinematic, instafail [[Quick time event|QTEs]]". The reviewer concluded, "This is a game that you can complete in ten hours, but play and replay forever. … It is a masterclass in combat design, in videogame variety, in the balance between accessibility and depth."<ref name="Edge"/> ''[[GameSpot]]'' reviewer Mark Walton said the game "will be remembered as an absolute classic" and awarded it a perfect 10/10, the seventh game in the site's history to receive that score.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespots-complete-list-of-10-10-reviews-and-how-t/1100-6422955/|title=GameSpot's Complete List of 10/10 Reviews and How Those Scores Are Decided|work=gamespot.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 15, 2014|access-date=October 17, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016140221/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/gamespots-complete-list-of-10-10-reviews-and-how-t/1100-6422955/|url-status=live}}</ref> Chris Carter from ''[[Destructoid]]'' also rated it a 10/10, where he declared it as "one of the finest action games of all time", alongside ''[[Devil May Cry 3]]''.<ref name="Destruct"/>

Several reviews agreed that the game was an improvement on its predecessor, despite acknowledgement that its combat mechanics were largely unchanged: ''[[Eurogamer]]''{{'}}s Martin Robinson concluded, "''Bayonetta 2''{{'}}s biggest disappointment may be that it's an iterative sequel, but it's not such a problem when it's iterating on genius."<ref name="Eurogamer"/> ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Jose Otero commented that its art direction and pacing "make ''Bayonetta 1'' look poor by comparison,"<ref name="IGN"/> while ''[[GameTrailers]]'' called it "sharpened to a nearly flawless degree" compared to its predecessor, praising the variety in addition to the style mixed with the gameplay, where the game "thrives on throwing players into complete madness and letting them conquer it."<ref name="GameTrailers"/> Chris Carter at ''Destructoid'' stated "Four years later and Platinum hasn't lost its edge with ''Bayonetta 2''. It's just as stylish and as fun as ever"<ref name="Destruct"/>

Of the game's new features, the co-operative online Tag Climax mode was welcomed by ''GameSpot''{{'}}s Mark Walton<ref name="GSpot"/> and by ''Eurogamer''{{'}}s Martin Robinson, who praised it for requiring the player to gain a deep understanding of the combo scoring system;<ref name="Eurogamer"/> however, ''IGN''{{'}}s Otero commented that the fun it provides was restricted to short bursts, and ''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]''{{'}}s Arthur Gies found the mode's co-operative mechanics at odds with its competitive focus on scoring.<ref name="IGN"/><ref name="Polygon"/> Otero and Robinson both criticized the game's optional [[touchscreen]]-based control system, intended to improve accessibility for new players, as very limited in comparison to the game's main control scheme.<ref name="Eurogamer"/><ref name="IGN"/>

===Sales===
In Japan, ''Bayonetta 2'' sold approximately 39,000 units in its first week of release,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/despite-glowing-bayonetta-2-reviews-sales-in-japan/1100-6422548/|title=Despite Glowing Bayonetta 2 Reviews, Sales in Japan Seem Grim|last=Crossley|first=Rob|date=September 25, 2014|work=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=July 15, 2015}}</ref> much fewer than were sold of the original ''Bayonetta'' in its debut week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/despite-glowing-bayonetta-2-reviews-sales-in-japan/1100-6422548/|title=Despite Glowing Bayonetta 2 Reviews, Sales in Japan Seem Grim|access-date=2016-08-11}}</ref> After its third week of release, ''Bayonetta 2'' had sold approximately 50,000 units in Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gematsu.com/2014/10/media-create-sales-92914-10514|title=Media Create Sales: 9/29/14 – 10/5/14|last=Romano|first=Sal|date=2014-10-08|website=Gematsu|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150226033039/http://gematsu.com/2014/10/media-create-sales-92914-10514|archive-date=2015-02-26|url-status=live}}</ref> The title was the seventh best-selling game in the UK in its first week of release,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/bayonetta_2_kicks_into_the_top_10_in_uk_charts|title=Bayonetta 2 Kicks Into The Top 10 in UK Charts|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=October 27, 2014|work=Nintendo Life|access-date=July 15, 2015|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817123043/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/10/bayonetta_2_kicks_into_the_top_10_in_uk_charts|url-status=live}}</ref> but was absent from the Top 40 best-seller list in its second week.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/11/bayonetta_2_falls_from_uk_charts_after_one_week|title=Bayonetta 2 Falls From UK Charts After One Week|work=Nintendo Life|date=2014-11-03|access-date=2016-08-11|archive-date=2015-07-16|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716195210/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/11/bayonetta_2_falls_from_uk_charts_after_one_week|url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Nintendo Switch]] version of ''Bayonetta 2'' sold 9,532 copies within its first week on sale in Japan, which placed it at number 14 on the all format sales chart.<ref>{{cite web |last=Romano |first=Sal |date=February 21, 2017 |url=https://gematsu.com/2018/02/media-create-sales-2-12-18-2-18-18 |title=Media Create Sales: 2/12/18 – 2/18/18 |publisher=Gematsu |access-date=February 25, 2018 |archive-date=August 17, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817123113/https://www.gematsu.com/2018/02/media-create-sales-2-12-18-2-18-18 |url-status=live }}</ref> By March 2018, Nintendo confirmed the Switch version had sold 400,000 copies during its first nine weeks, compared to the 300,000 copies the Wii U version sold during the same period.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Switch Port Of Bayonetta 2 Has Outsold Its Sister Version On Wii U |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/the_switch_port_of_bayonetta_2_has_outsold_its_sister_version_on_wii_u |work=Nintendo Life |date=April 27, 2018 |access-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-date=July 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180722041300/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/the_switch_port_of_bayonetta_2_has_outsold_its_sister_version_on_wii_u |url-status=live }}</ref> By December 31, 2021, the Switch version of the game had sold 1.04 million copies worldwide.<ref name="CESA2022">{{cite book |title=2022CESAゲーム白書 (2022 CESA Games White Papers)|publisher=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]]|year=2022|isbn=978-4-902346-45-9}}</ref> As of December 31, 2022, the Switch version sold 1.23 million copies.<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>

===Awards===
{| class="wikitable sortable mw-collapsible" style="width:80%;"
|+List of pre-release awards and nominations
|-
! Year
! Awards
! Category
! Result
! {{Refh}}
|-
| rowspan="5" align=center | 2014
| rowspan="2" align=center | ''[[Destructoid]]''{{'}}s Best of E3 2014
| Best Action/Adventure
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-best-of-e3-2014-winners--276741.phtml|title=Destructoid's Best of E3 2014 winners!|last=Aziz|first=Hamza|date=18 June 2014|website=[[Destructoid]] |publisher=Modern Method|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140701080342/http://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-s-best-of-e3-2014-winners--276741.phtml|archive-date=1 July 2014}}</ref>
|-
| Best Nintendo Exclusive
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" align=center | ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Best of E3 2014
| Best Action Game
| {{nom}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/12/igns-best-of-e3-2014-awards?page=2|title=IGN's Best of E3 2014 Awards Page 2 of 3|date=12 June 2014|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826155454/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/12/igns-best-of-e3-2014-awards?page=2|archive-date=26 August 2014}}</ref>
|-
| Best Wii U Game
| {{nom}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/12/igns-best-of-e3-2014-awards|title=IGN's Best of E3 2014 Awards Page 1 of 3|date=12 June 2014|website=[[IGN]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910000003/http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/06/12/igns-best-of-e3-2014-awards|archive-date=10 September 2014|access-date=6 December 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="1" align=center | ''[[Joystiq]]''
| E3 Selection
| {{won}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/13/joystiqs-e3-2014-selections/|title=Joystiq's E3 2014 Selections|date=14 June 2014|website=Joystiq|publisher=[[AOL]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140630004003/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/13/joystiqs-e3-2014-selections/|archive-date=30 June 2014|access-date=8 December 2014}}</ref>
|}
{|class="wikitable" style="width:80%;"
|+List of post-release awards and nominations
|-
! Year
! Awards
! Category
! Result
! {{Refh}}
|-
| rowspan="20" align=center | 2014
| align=center | ''[[Destructoid]]''{{'}}s Best of 2014
| Best Overall Game
| {{won}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-overall-best-game-of-2014-285238.phtml|author=Jonathan Holmes|work=[[Destructoid]]|title=Destructoid's award for Overall Best Game of 2014|date=December 21, 2014|access-date=December 24, 2014|archive-date=December 24, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224062427/http://www.destructoid.com/nominees-for-destructoid-s-overall-best-game-of-2014-285238.phtml|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| align=center | ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''{{'}}s ''Edge'' Awards 2014
| Top Game of 2014
| {{Won}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://mynintendonews.com/2014/12/17/edge-magazine-names-bayonetta-2-the-game-of-2014/|title=EDGE Magazine Names Bayonetta 2 The Game Of 2014|date=December 17, 2014|website=MyNintendoNews|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141225063623/http://mynintendonews.com/2014/12/17/edge-magazine-names-bayonetta-2-the-game-of-2014/|archive-date=December 25, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" align=center | [[The Game Awards 2014]]
| [[The Game Award for Game of the Year|Game of the Year]]
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://thegameawards.com/nominees/|title=Nominees - Game Awards 2014|website=[[The Game Awards]]|access-date=6 December 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151114024126/http://thegameawards.com/nominees/|archive-date=14 November 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Action/Adventure
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" align=center | ''[[GameSpot]]''{{'}}s Game of the Year
| Overall Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gamespot.com/game-of-the-year/ |title=Game of the Year 2014 |date=December 18, 2014 |website=GameSpot |publisher=CBS Interactive |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141127183414/http://www.gamespot.com/game-of-the-year/ |archive-date=November 27, 2014 |url-status=live |access-date=December 29, 2014 }}</ref>
|-
| Wii U Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/|title=Mario Kart 8 - Wii U Game of the Year|date=December 14, 2014|website=GameSpot|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141214004324/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/mario-kart-8-wii-u-game-of-the-year/1100-6423917/|archive-date=December 14, 2014|access-date=December 14, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" align=center| ''[[GameTrailers]]''{{'}}s Best of 2014
| Best Action/Adventure
| {{won}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/2yhsnc/gametrailers-best-of-2014-awards-best-action-adventure|title=GameTrailers Best of 2014 Awards - Best Action/Adventure|work=[[GameTrailers]]|date=December 25, 2014|access-date=December 25, 2014|archive-date=August 17, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817125215/https://www.youtube.com/c/gametrailers|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| Best Wii U Exclusive
| {{won}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/dkudo6/gametrailers-best-of-2014-awards-best-wii-u-exclusive|title=GameTrailers Best of 2014 Awards - Best Wii U Exclusive|work=[[GameTrailers]]|date=December 30, 2014|access-date=December 30, 2014|archive-date=December 30, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230042824/http://www.gametrailers.com/videos/dkudo6/gametrailers-best-of-2014-awards-best-wii-u-exclusive|url-status=live}}</ref>
|-
| align=center| ''[[Giant Bomb]]''{{'}}s 2014 Game of the Year Awards
| Best Game
| {{nom}}
| align="center"|<ref>{{cite web|title=Giant Bomb's 2014 Game of the Year Awards: Day Five Text Recap|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/|website=[[Giant Bomb]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231183918/http://www.giantbomb.com/articles/giant-bomb-s-2014-game-of-the-year-awards-day-five/1100-5126/|archive-date=December 31, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 31, 2014|date=December 30, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="2" align=center | ''Nintendo Life''{{'}}s Reader Awards 2014
| Overall Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014|title=Game of the Year: Nintendo Life's Reader Awards 2014|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=December 25, 2014|website=Nintendo Life |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226010149/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_reader_awards_2014|archive-date=December 26, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 25, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| Wii U Retail Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="2" align=center | ''Nintendo Life''{{'}}s Staff Awards 2014
| Overall Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
| rowspan="2" align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014|title=Game of the Year: Nintendo Life's Staff Awards 2014|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=December 24, 2014|website=Nintendo Life|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224185336/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2014/12/game_of_the_year_nintendo_lifes_staff_awards_2014|archive-date=December 24, 2014|url-status=live|access-date=December 24, 2014}}</ref>
|-
| Wii U Retail Game of the Year
| {{nom}}
|-
| align=center rowspan="7"| National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers (NAVGTR) awards 
| Original Light Mix Score, Franchise
| {{won}}
| align=center rowspan="7"| <ref>{{cite web|title=NAVGTR Awards (2014)|url=http://navgtr.org/archives/2445|website=National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers|access-date=2017-01-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170322064850/http://navgtr.org/archives/2445/|archive-date=2017-03-22|url-status=dead}}</ref>
|-
| Game, Franchise Action
| {{nom}}
|-
| Costume Design
| {{nom}}
|-
| Control Precision
| {{nom}}
|-
| Control Design, 3D
| {{nom}}
|-
| Character Design
| {{won}}
|-
| Animation, Technical
| {{nom}}
|-
| rowspan="5" align=center | 2015
| align=center | AbleGamers Foundation's Most Accessible Games of 2014
| Most Accessible Games
| {{won}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/07/ablegamers-selects-its-most-accessible-games-of-2014|title=AbleGamers Selects Its Most Accessible Games of 2014|last=Rad|first=Chloi|date=January 7, 2015|website=IGN|publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150108070013/http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/01/07/ablegamers-selects-its-most-accessible-games-of-2014|archive-date=January 8, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=January 7, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| rowspan="4" align=center | ''[[IGN]]''{{'}}s Best of 2014
| Best Action Game
| {{won}}
| rowspan="2" align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/action/bayonetta-2|title=Winner: Best Action - Bayonetta 2|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN |publisher=Ziff Davis|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220010829/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-genre/action/bayonetta-2|archive-date=February 20, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Action Game - People's Choice
| {{won}}
|-
| Best Overall Game
| {{nom}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/overall/bayonetta-2|title=Bayonetta 2|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220011315/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/overall/bayonetta-2|archive-date=February 20, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2015}}</ref>
|-
| Best Wii U Game
| {{nom}}
| align=center | <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8|title=Winner: Best Wii U Game - Mario Kart 8|date=January 13, 2015|website=IGN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150113195929/http://www.ign.com/lists/best-of-games-platform/wii-u/mario-kart-8|archive-date=January 13, 2015 |url-status=live|access-date=February 19, 2015}}</ref>
|}

==Other media==
Bayonetta appears as a playable fighter via [[downloadable content]] in the 2014 crossover fighting games ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U]]'', after being one of the most requested characters to be in the game in an official ballot. She fights using various methods including combos, Witch Time, and Bullet Arts abilities from her first two games, and has alternate costumes based on her designs in both ''Bayonetta'' and ''Bayonetta 2''.<ref name="Bayonetta Is Coming To Super Smash Bros.">{{cite web|author1=Jason Schreier|author-link=Jason Schreier|title=Bayonetta Is Coming To Super Smash Bros.|url=https://kotaku.com/bayonetta-is-coming-to-super-smash-bros-1748205074|access-date=15 December 2015|date=December 15, 2015|archive-date=13 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613031245/http://kotaku.com/bayonetta-is-coming-to-super-smash-bros-1748205074|url-status=live}}</ref> She was revealed on December 15, 2015, during the Super Smash Bros. Final Video Presentation as the winner of the ballot, being claimed to be the number one most requested character worldwide. She was made available alongside a stage based on the Umbra Clock Tower from the original ''Bayonetta'' on February 3, 2016. All of the aforementioned ''Bayonetta'' franchise content returned in the [[Nintendo Switch]] sequel ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]'' in 2018.

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{Official website | http://bayonetta2.nintendo.com/}}
*[https://www.mobygames.com/game/bayonetta-2 Bayonetta 2] at [[MobyGames]]

{{Bayonetta}}
{{PlatinumGames}}


[[Category:2014 video games]]
[[Category:Action-adventure games]]
[[Category:Bayonetta]]
[[Category:Christmas video games]]
[[Category:Cooperative video games]]
[[Category:Dark fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Science fantasy video games]]
[[Category:Hack and slash games]]
[[Category:Multiplayer and single-player video games]]
[[Category:Nintendo games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Network games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Switch games]]
[[Category:PlatinumGames games]]
[[Category:Sega video game compilations]]
[[Category:Sega video games]]
[[Category:Sequel video games]]
[[Category:Video games about demons]]
[[Category:Video games about time travel]]
[[Category:Video games about witchcraft]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Norihiko Hibino]]
[[Category:Video games scored by Takahiro Izutani]]
[[Category:Video games set in Kazakhstan]]
[[Category:Video games that use Amiibo figurines]]
[[Category:Wii U eShop games]]
[[Category:Wii U games]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Bayonetta 2|access_date=2026-02-26}}