Why “Bayonetta Origins” has become a little masterpiece

For example now? Is there another new “Bayonetta” game? Didn’t we just have fun with the third part last year? Yes, in fact developer studio Platinum Games seems to be having quite a run. Because once we’ve played «Bayonetta 3», the next installment from this primitive universe is coming our way.

But instead of unleashing yet another sequel to the gaming community, a few steps back were taken. Because “Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon” is a prequel and tells about the first steps of the young witch Cereza, who later becomes one of the most famous and successful characters in the video game cosmos.

All beginnings are difficult

Before Bayonetta hunted dark forces in ranks, hunted towering monsters on the ground and defended herself against all kinds of strange creatures from different dimensions, she was a very young beginner who first had to discover her powers step by step.

For example, we control little Cereza, who obediently goes to witch school and initially does what is asked of her. But the girl becomes more and more rebellious and eventually finds her way to a mysterious forest that seems to be calling to her.

At the same time, a wolf-like creature comes into play, a mysterious teacher in the background makes us doubt and our imprisoned mother, who wants to be rescued, also plays an increasingly important role in our fate, from which we can no longer escape.

A stuffed animal becomes a sidekick

But the witch’s apprentice doesn’t have to venture into the undergrowth all alone. Because a demon suddenly takes possession of her hug and from then on slumbers in her old companion, who always helps us in difficult situations and is always by our side. This very first demon not only brings important skills on the dangerous path, but also teaches Cereza how to deal with a strange creature who gradually becomes a friend.

Yes, the game universe of “Bayonetta” is slanted, nestled in itself and everyone who has been able to follow the dark story of the main games and classify everything and everyone can pat themselves right on the back. “Cereza and the Lost Demon” also takes place in this universe, but has the advantage of being able to scribble on a white sheet of paper from scratch and carefully advance step by step and not have to explain a thousand things.

It is a welcome gesture for connoisseurs and newcomers alike. The game is calm, unexcited and a blessing. That’s a big plus. But there are two more…

Beautiful optics

The video game always looks great. When we’re not in control of Cereza ourselves and the story is told through a sympathetic voice, we look down into a picture book and enjoy the unique graphic style, which is so fresh and beautiful that we can’t get enough of it.

Switching to the active part of the game, we are also amazed: a fairytale and mysterious world opens before us, which draws us deeper and deeper and arouses our curiosity. Cereza and her sidekick move through beautiful areas peppered with great detail and awaken our spirit of discovery.

We run around, find our paths, solve easy puzzles and enjoy what is shown. In this way we wander from one painting to the next and during the fighting we are more and more amazed at how beautifully and lovingly everything has been staged. And again and again we witness magical events where the designers were allowed to let off steam and the screen becomes an artwork journey.

Challenging game mechanics

The game mechanics are simple and challenging at the same time. Because we usually control two characters at the same time. With the left stick we control the young witch while we control our demon friend with the right. It sounds a bit complicated at first, but the double operation will soon be in your blood. We need a few minutes before we can move the characters perfectly fluidly, but once we have everything, everything happens as if by magic.

While Cereza tames the opponents with her spell, the demon launches its attack and everything comes together. Together we solve puzzles, avoid obstacles and work from level to level. Over time, we keep learning new skills to defend ourselves against the hordes of monsters and ghosts, and we’re always amazed at how easy it all is to control and feel, despite its complexity. One mechanical stroke of genius follows the next.

Even though the difficulty level gradually increases, it always remains fair. Because if you focus on the mechanics and follow them well, you will quickly get one progress after another. Despite the complexity, the mechanics are always kind to us, take us tenderly by the hand and never let go.

Play and enjoy

Conclusion: «Cereza and the Lost Demon» has become a small masterpiece. The levels are a feast for the eyes and make us marvel at their splendor of color. Together with the challenging game mechanics, which remain fair at all times, we penetrate deeper and deeper into a magical world that won’t let go of us from the first minute.

The balance between action and exploration ensures a pleasant gaming experience at all times, where every single part fits beautifully into the overall picture and motivates us to accompany the little witch on her young life path.

Anyone who knows the series “Bayonetta” and has asked a lot of questions about the origin of the main games will finally get answers, while newcomers are gently introduced to the magical world and, without prior knowledge, receive the magic of this brand on a silver platter .

Make sure to play and just enjoy!

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon will be available for Nintendo Switch on March 17 and is suitable for ages 12 and up.