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Bayonetta might need a backpack for all those guns
Knowing now that we won't be able to get our hands on a retail copy of Bayonetta on this side of the Pacific until January 5, it's hard not to be frustrated when the game's publisher releases more footage reminding us how much fun the combat is. It might be incredibly silly that she has guns on her feet, sure, but they're guns on her feet. It makes the thought of kicking an enemy all the more enticing! It's also just plain nice to see a trailer for this game that focuses on how the gameplay works, rather than on its hyper-sexualized main character. Also: she fires a bazooka at a demon wearing a tuba. If that's your kind of thing.%Gallery-22955%
GameX 2009: The expo in photos
Did we have a good time at this year's GameX in Philadelphia? Well, if you can't tell by all of our coverage, we certainly did. But there was certainly more to the expo than just interviewing people and checking out Warhammer Online and Global Agenda running on the show floor! There were, gasp, other games there! We got many neat photos of the various things on the show floor, from robots to steampunk to Egyptian statues, and we collected them all in one gallery for you guys to ogle. If you were interested in Bayonetta or Dante's Inferno, then also look no further, as we got some pictures of those booths in action as well. So enjoy the photos as tomorrow we wrap up our coverage of GameX 2009. Hope you enjoyed reading/watching it as much as we enjoyed writing/recording it! %Gallery-77053%
Bayonetta's nonstop-climax action starts January 5
If you were just about to place an order for the Japanese PS3 version of Bayonetta, having just learned that it's in English, hold on! Sega has announced Western release dates for Platinum Games' foot-gunnin-action game, and they aren't terribly far off. Bayonetta will arrive in North America on January 5 and in Europe on January 8. Sorry, Darksiders! In the meantime, you can check out some of the humiliating (and potentially NSFW) extra costumes that are available in the game. Amazingly, the default costume, which is composed entirely of magical human hair, is the most practical and restrained outfit of the lot. %Gallery-22955%
Bayonetta's first dev diary explains protagonist's origins
Platinum Games' Hideki Kamiya and Yusuke Hashimoto may not be taking the story super seriously in upcoming third-person action game Bayonetta, but that doesn't mean no effort was exerted in creating the title character's backstory. As it turns out, she came from the future to kill someone's mother so that ... okay, yeah, we're just making that up. Everyone knows that you couldn't bring back all those fancy guns through time! Duh! It's really that her family was attacked when she was a baby and even though the attacker came after her, she lived and ... alright, it's not that either. Rather than trust ourselves to relay it, we'll just let the developers explain Bayonetta themselves in the video after the break. %Gallery-22955%
Japanese Bayonetta knows English, is region-free
Chances are, you want "non stop climax action" as soon as possible. Thanks to the PS3's region-free gaming, you'll be able to do just that. The game's menus and dialog, as Siliconera discovered, are all in English -- no need to learn Japanese, folks. Considering the game isn't due to arrive in North America until early next year, this import is an easy choice for those who want Hideki Kamiya's latest now.
Bayonetta is first Xbox 360 game awarded perfect score by Famitsu
We bet you didn't know Bayonetta was a (numerically) flawless game. As it turns out, it is ... at least according to Famitsu, which just gave the game a perfect 40/40 review -- the first perfect score given to a game available on Xbox, incidentally. It's no secret that the Japanese mag has been handing out perfect scores at an accelerated rate these days. Of the twelve games to receive a perfect score -- Bayonetta included -- six were awarded in the last two years. There are only so many reasons we can imagine that Bayonetta would receive such high scores. First, it could be that Bayonetta is just a really good game. Second, it's possible the editors of Famitsu really have a thing for hair witches. Given the involvement of Hideki Kamiya -- one of the principal minds behind Devil May Cry -- it's probably the former. At least, we certainly hope it's the former.
Interview: Bayonetta's Hideki Kamiya and Yusuke Hashimoto
Like the US release of Bayonetta, this interview from Tokyo Game Show is fashionably late. Who's responsible for creating a world where a witch must fight evil angels with her hair and shoe-guns? We talked with Platinum Games' Hideki Kamiya and Yusuke Hashimoto about the seriousness of Bayonetta's plot, and the inspiration behind the game's one-handed mode. [Note: While two people were interviewed, only the responses from our single Sega-provided translator are transcribed. We apologize for the lack of proper attribution.] Joystiq: Bayonetta has sex and violence, but do you consider it a "mature" game? It's definitely not a game for kids. Being a parent, is this a kind of game I would want my grade schooler playing? Absolutely not. It's pretty straightforward: all the blood and violence and sexual overtones. My idea is even more than that. If you see a movie for adults, does that necessarily make it an adult movie that you wouldn't let your kids watch? Or, would kids really understand it and get any value out of participating in that? Having made games like Viewtiful Joe and Okami, and Bayonetta as well -- it's never been a thought of "oh well, is this intended for adults or intended for children?" It's more like "we're making the best game we know how to make." And for a game like Bayonetta, because there's so much blood splattering on screen when you're in battle and stuff ... if it weren't for that, it probably would be alright for kids to be playing, on just the level that it's a game, an action game, and it doesn't really matter how old you are when you're playing it. You should be able to appreciate it and enjoy it. So the idea that we're targeting a specific demographic, or specific age rather, when making a game doesn't really enter in too much. Once the game comes in reaches this level of development, and reaches this stage of concept, it naturally gravitates in a certain direction.
Bayonetta's PS3 and 360 iterations compared on video
You've likely been hearing reports about Bayonetta's graphically inferior PS3 version for quite some time -- now, you can see the two versions of the title side-by-side in a GameTrailers comparison video in order to make an educated decision for yourself. It's posted after the jump, and is rated NSFW due to brief partial nudity, blood and terrifying hair monsters. For a more in-depth look at the game's graphical non-parity, check out Digital Foundry's collection of comparison videos as well. After studying up, let us know what you think in the comments -- provided "what you think" doesn't include any inappropriate musings on these videos' lustier segments.
Bayonetta's 'non-stop climax action' briefly goes live-action in new commercial
With Bayonetta out in Japan on October 29, Sega is beginning to market the game aggressively with (of course) the downloadable demo, but also a new Japanese TV commercial (after the break) featuring the debut of the theme, "Something Missing" by MiChi. Will the Japanese audience respond to a woman in an undulating hair suit fighting demons? Brief footage of a real model dressed as Bayonetta couldn't hurt, though the crowd at Tokyo Game Show suggested the game doesn't really need help drawing attention. Meanwhile, Platinum Games may be trying to divert some of that attention toward Sega. Not only does the (slightly less visually appealing) PS3 demo include a "Converted by Sega" screen in the introduction, Famitsu's infobox for the game was updated in the last issue to include "PS3 port developer: Sega." Either Platinum asked for those notices, or Sega's really proud of the work it's done.
Bayonetta demo now on Japanese PSN & Xbox Marketplace
If you have a Japanese PSN account or Japanese Xbox Live Gold account, there's a demo for Platinum Games' boot-shoot-em-up, Bayonetta, available for download right now. If you enjoy free stuff (or crazy things), we'd suggest you give the demo a whirl -- the final game will include some badass rocket tonfas and the ability to suplex dragons, after all. [Via Siliconera; thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
TGS 2009: The Recap Post
Last week, the Tokyo Game Show brought in over 100 posts worth of news, previews, interviews, galleries, and videos. Clearly, a lot happened. If you're looking for a comprehensive list of all the goings-on during TGS 2009, Joystiq has you covered -- and organized! Click on a platform below to scan the highlights: (On the far right: that's "News" and "Culture" on the top and bottom, respectively)
TGS 2009: Hands-on: Bayonetta (PS3)
If you hope to impress the cultural sophistication and profound artistic merit inherent in the video game medium (ahem) upon a doubtful acquaintance, you probably shouldn't count on something like Bayonetta to help illustrate your point. Centered on the exploits of an improbably posh witch and her fashionable pair of gun boots, Bayonetta feels like the result of designer Hideki Kamiya answering every development question with, "Sure, why not?" The game's hyper excess occasionally veers into the distasteful -- Bayonetta's clothing seems to come and go as it pleases -- but it mostly leads to situations that feel creative and surprising. Even a boss fight avoids routine by constantly changing pace: a battle on a bridge eventually becomes airborne after the whole structure is flung across the stage, and the ordeal isn't over until after a brief chase and a final showdown atop a winding set of stairs. Sure, why not?%Gallery-22955%
Platinum Games not developing PS3 version of Bayonetta
With the exception of Valve, most developers have no qualms about developing for PlayStation 3. Sure, it's still far more "tempting" to work on the 360's accessible architecture, but most recent releases appear to have shaken PS3's earlier substandard multiplatform performance. Most. Bayonetta developer, Platinum Games, recently admitted on its blog that it was not developing the PS3 version; instead, it handed off PS3 porting to Sega. Platinum Games' CEO Tatsuya Minami wrote on the company's official blog that Platinum would be "overseeing the progress to ensure that the PS3 version would be the best it could be." However, instead of saying both versions will run identically, he simply advises PS3 owners to "[play] the game for yourself and [come] to your own conclusions." PlayStation commenters weren't too kind to Minami's admission, saying, "Platinum Games is trying to shift the blame to Sega" for what gamers fear will be a substandard port. History certainly gives their worries credence, but we'll find out for sure later this week at Tokyo Game Show. [Thanks, sacra!]
A look at the weapons of Bayonetta
Over at the Platinum Games blog, Bayonetta weapon designer Muneyuki "Johnny" Kotegawa has posted a short preview of some of the weapons that will appear in the game. Specifically, Kotegawa shows off four of the weapons in the game, all of which definitely have that Devil May Cry flair to them. First up are the guns of Bayonetta's rival, Jeanne. Named "All for One," the guns summon bullets magically and have angel feathers hanging from the grips. There's also Shuraba, a katana with an unnamed "special feature" in its handle. And let's not forget the snake whip -- which has an actual snake demon in it -- Kulshedra. Perhaps the best of the bunch are the rocket launching tonfas known as -- wait for it -- Lt. Col. Kilgore. Our favorite feature of the rocket tonfas, as told by Kotegawa: "You can, of course, equip these on your legs for a Tonfa Kick, or two." Well, of course.
Bayonetta demo will give you a taste of 'non-stop climax action'
Disrespectful bespectacled witch spectacle news now, with Platinum Games expressing the desire to release a demo for its "non-stop climax action" game, Bayonetta. Speaking at a demonstration event in Japan, producer Yusuke Hashimoto told Famitsu (as translated by Andriasang and hilariously mangled by Google) that the developers had already begun constructing a demo in earnest. Hashimoto hopes to provide a snippet of content not merely taken out of the full game, but devised to entice even existing owners.Said owners will mainly start appearing in Japan this October, when the game is scheduled to launch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 -- well before the North American release in January 2010. You'll probably want to read our hands-on impressions before you get your hand on it.Update: Sega of America is unable to confirm plans for a North American demo at this point.%Gallery-22955%
Sega taps MiChi for official Bayonetta theme song
Having a sexed-up protagonist in a suit made of her own hair isn't enough to market Bayonetta to the Japanese public, apparently. Sega has enlisted the aid of popular Japanese vocalist MiChi to provide a theme song, titled "Something Missing," Andriasang points out that a commercial to introduce the song is currently in production and will be revealed prior to the game's October 29 release date in Japan.Supposedly, MiChi signed on for song duty after she had a chance to try out Bayonetta, a title she said is "more than just a game." She's right: Bayonetta isn't just any old game -- you can totally suplex dragons in it.
Bayonetta's Automatic mode demonstrated (with one hand)
There aren't many games that allow you to play one-handed. You might be able to get by with one hand on certain RPGs -- leaving the other hand free to grab some popcorn during those really long cutscenes -- but, for the most part, it just doesn't work. Of all the upcoming games we wouldn't expect to play one-handed, Bayonetta sits right at the top of the list. As an action game from Hideki Kamiya, the mind behind Devil May Cry, we can't even imagine trying to play it without two hands sweatily clamped around the controller. Thankfully, you won't have to imagine it, because we have a video. The video shows off the game's Automatic mode, which can be enabled in both Very Easy and Easy difficulties. As the name implies, the game practically plays itself in Automatic mode, essentially only requiring players to repeatedly mash the punch button. Automatic mode can be turned on or off at any given time, and players can still control movement if desired, making it ideal for casual gamers and even dear old Mom. Nintendo must be so proud!
Madness: Bayonetta's crow ... is really a pig!
We appreciate Bayonetta sound designer Daisuke Sakata's position on the project. The man spends hours sifting through sound clips from an endless stream of animals to get the scream of the game's giant crow just right. And wouldn't you know it, after going through a gauntlet of bird cries, the best sound he settled on for the giant crow was derived from the cry of a ... pig? Seriously! "After listening to numerous different animal sounds, I would pick the ones that struck me as fitting, even if it was just a little ... as a result, I used a pig's cry as a base for this cry," Sakata wrote on developer Platinum Games' website. But don't go thinking that crow's going to sound like a porker, as Sakata heavily mixed the pig cry with a slurry of other sounds. To see the massive bird in action -- and to hear its baritone stylings -- hit the break. %Gallery-22955%
One person will win this custom Bayonetta Xbox 360
What you're looking at is the prize one lucky individual will walk away with tomorrow at the Platinum Games meetup. If you didn't score a ticket to the Bayonetta-themed event, then it's possible you didn't read this post from earlier this month. We trust you, though. We're sure you totally read it. The Sega blog describes the custom Xbox 360 as "one of the hottest Xbox 360's I've ever seen. No kidding." Clearly, Sega has never seen this brilliant Sonic mod.
Bayonetta jumps to January 2010, hits Japan October 29
Following on the less fashionable (and deadly) heels of games such as BioShock 2 and Singularity, Sega's Bayonetta and its bespectacled title character have slid -- gracefully, we'd imagine -- into 2010 for the US and Europe; January '10, to be precise. Sega West president and COO Mike Hayes has commented, "As a result of market analysis we have taken a Publishing decision that January 2010 is the optimum release time in the Western Markets to maximize this exciting new title's potential."Surely this has nothing to do with the prospect of going up again the "biggest entertainment launch of all time."It was announced in April that Bayonetta would see a simultaneous worldwide release in the fall of this year. Now only Japan will be getting it before the year is out. It hits in developer Platinum Games' home territory on October 29.Early 2010 -- it's the new Holiday 2009!
