

Once I factored in the new Umbran Climax - a high-power release of demon-summoning attacks that strike in a wide radius - I had plenty of ways to embarrass the opposition. Perfectly timed dodges have a tangible reward thanks to Witch Time, a slow-motion payoff for dodging at the last second that allows me to dig in and devastate angelic foes. Each feels distinct and has its own branching combos that can be mixed and matched to set up different styles of play.Įxecuting combos feels natural, and it's invigorating to pull off long attack strings on a group of enemies. Everything moves at a fast and fluid 60 frames-per-second target (it never noticeably dipped), and this sequel feels supercharged thanks to excellent animation, more opportunities to cancel out of attacks mid-move to dodge, and fun new weapons to unlock, like the Rakshasa blades or the Chernabog scythe. Each punch, kick, and weapon swing flows comfortably into the next empowering move.

Building on the original Bayonetta’s strengths, Bayonetta's 2 free-flowing combat remains its greatest asset.
