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CRITIK

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Item: Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableMar 17, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperPlatinumGames

Overview

Long before this trainee of the dark arts would come to be called Bayonetta, she took a fateful journey into the forbidden Avalon Forest. Alongside her was Cheshire, her very first demon, possessing Cereza’s stuffed toy. Play as both Cereza and Cheshire and search through the treacherous forest to look for the power to save Cereza’s mother.

Elsewhere

8.5

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

81%

Mixed (50-79)

19%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The majority of critics praised the story of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, highlighting its heartwarming and whimsical nature. Critics like Checkpoint Gaming and Vandal appreciated the charming and emotionally resonant tale that explored the origins of Bayonetta, Cereza, and her demon companion. The storybook-style narration, character growth, and fairytale-inspired world were particularly lauded by reviewers such as Gaming Age and Pure Nintendo. The narrative was commended for offering a unique perspective on the character of Cereza, with elements of companionship, maternal love, and growth, as noted by GameSpot and My Nintendo News. The emotional depth, unexpected plot twists, and outstanding voice acting were also highlighted by Game Informer, emphasizing the substance and coherence of the storytelling. However, some critics expressed concerns regarding the story of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. PC Games found the story initially uninnovative and repetitive, with a long runtime and multiple false endings, while GRYOnline.pl mentioned that the narrative was somewhat lacking in logic and predictable. These criticisms suggest that certain aspects of the story may not have resonated with all players, potentially impacting the overall engagement and enjoyment of the storytelling experience. Despite these critiques, the majority of reviewers acknowledged the game's strengths in delivering a captivating and emotionally engaging narrative, indicating that the positives of the story outweighed any perceived shortcomings. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the story of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. The majority of reviewers found the tale to be heartwarming, emotionally resonant, and charming, offering a unique and well-executed exploration of Cereza's origins. The narrative was praised for its fairytale-like quality, character development, and thematic depth, resonating with fans of the series and newcomers alike. By focusing on themes of growth, companionship, and self-discovery, the story successfully added depth to the Bayonetta universe while providing a fresh perspective on the beloved character. The positive reception from a wide range of critics underscores the game's success in delivering a compelling and engaging storytelling experience that captivated players with its charm and emotional impact.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics loved the heartwarming and whimsical story of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, praising its character growth, fairytale world, and emotional depth. While some critics found the narrative repetitive and lacking in logic, most agreed that the captivating storytelling, unexpected twists, and outstanding voice acting outweighed any flaws. Overall, the majority of reviewers found the tale to be charming, emotionally resonant, and well-executed, adding depth to the Bayonetta universe and captivating players with its charm and emotional impact.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

54%

Mixed (50-79)

46%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The gameplay of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon has received a mix of positive feedback from critics. Many reviewers praised the unique dual control scheme where players control both Cereza and Cheshire simultaneously, offering a fresh and engaging experience. Critics like Pure Nintendo appreciated how the dual control mechanic was well-implemented, with new abilities unlocked via a skill tree, adding depth to the gameplay. Gamereactor UK highlighted the gradual growth of characters through a skill tree, making the combat system more varied and entertaining. The cooperative gameplay, as mentioned by IGN Portugal and IGN Italia, encouraged exploration and tactical approaches, enhancing the overall experience. On the negative side, some critics pointed out certain drawbacks in the gameplay of Bayonetta Origins. COGconnected and Gaming Age mentioned that while the combat was approachable and engaging, it could sometimes feel too simple or lack fluidity compared to the main series. Vooks and Gfinity highlighted the challenging control scheme, which could be a barrier for some players, leading to potential frustrations. Twinfinite and Vandal noted that the controls could be confusing at first, especially when controlling two characters simultaneously, impacting the initial gameplay experience. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the gameplay of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon leans towards a positive reception with some reservations. The game's unique dual control scheme and cooperative mechanics were praised for offering an engaging and rewarding experience, as noted by TierraGamer and Comicbook.com. While there were concerns about the simplicity of combat, lack of fluid controls, and initial confusion with the control scheme, the majority of critics found the gameplay to be innovative, enjoyable, and well-crafted. Players who appreciate strategic depth, exploration, and challenging puzzles may find Bayonetta Origins to be a worthwhile addition to the franchise, especially for fans of the main series looking for a fresh take on the gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed feelings about Bayonetta Origins gameplay. Praise for unique dual control scheme and cooperative play, but some find combat too simple and controls confusing. Overall, innovative and engaging gameplay with some reservations, offering a fresh experience for fans of the franchise.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

92%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the graphics and visual design of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, highlighting its stunning art style, vibrant colors, and immersive atmosphere. PC Games commended the impressive artwork and atmospheric presentation, while IGN Italia appreciated the captivating dark fairytale atmosphere and fantastical world design. The enchanting world with beautiful design, as noted by Twinfinite, further emphasized the game's visual appeal. GameSpot and WellPlayed also lauded the whimsical, painterly art style that created a sense of wonder and magic, deviating from the usual spectacle of the Bayonetta series. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some critics pointed out limitations or minor drawbacks in the graphics and visual design of the game. Vooks mentioned that while the watercolor-painted art style suited the fairytale theme, it may have limited the impact of dramatic moments and narrated scenes. GamingTrend highlighted that battles could be occasionally difficult to parse amidst the exaggerated and storybook-like visuals. However, these criticisms were minor in comparison to the overall positive reception of the game's aesthetics. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the graphics and visual design of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Critics such as Gamepressure and Pure Nintendo praised the fairytale-like atmosphere, colorful visuals, and vibrant effects that immersed players in the magical world. The stunning art direction, unique storybook style, and beautiful character designs were widely appreciated by critics, as highlighted by Press Start Australia and TierraGamer. The majority of reviewers found the graphics to be visually striking, enhancing the storytelling experience and creating a captivating world that resonated with players, aligning with the stylish excess of the Bayonetta series, as noted by VGC. In conclusion, the game's graphics and visual design were a standout feature that received high acclaim from critics, contributing significantly to the overall appeal and immersive experience of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics praised Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon for its stunning art style, vibrant colors, and immersive atmosphere. The game's graphics were lauded for their captivating dark fairytale atmosphere, whimsical art style, and beautiful character designs, creating a visually striking and enchanting world. While some critics noted minor limitations in the graphics, the overwhelming consensus was highly positive, with the visuals enhancing the storytelling experience and contributing significantly to the game's appeal.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

84%

Mixed (50-79)

16%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of critics praised the Sound Design and Music of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, highlighting its positive aspects. Areajugones commended the game for featuring a magical soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience, while Cubed3 mentioned that the sound design is excellent, creating a comfortable atmosphere that fits the game perfectly. Dexerto also appreciated the delightful voiceovers, immersive sounds like pages turning, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the fairytale experience. The game's charming British voice acting for Cereza, engaging narration, and fitting sound effects, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming, added to the overall charm of the game. The use of whimsical and charming fairytale elements, as pointed out by COGconnected, further contributed to the immersive experience. On the flip side, while the majority of critics had positive feedback on the Sound Design and Music of Bayonetta Origins, there were some who did not find the same level of enjoyment. Player 2, for instance, mentioned that they did not particularly enjoy the narration and voice acting, although they acknowledged that it added to the charm of the game. Despite this, the overall sentiment from critics leans heavily towards the positive aspects of the game's audio elements. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the Sound Design and Music of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. Critics like GameSpot, who highlighted the fantastic audio and voice acting, and The Mako Reactor, who praised the haunting and memorable score, contribute to the overall positive reception. The strong voice acting, stellar soundtrack, and charming narration were key highlights for many reviewers, enhancing the storytelling experience and complementing the game's fairytale aesthetic. The immersive and captivating nature of the sound design, along with the well-executed music choices, have been widely appreciated, making Bayonetta Origins a standout title in terms of audio presentation according to the critics' opinions.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Bayonetta Origins for its exceptional sound design and music, with accolades for its magical soundtrack, excellent sound design, and delightful voiceovers. The charming British voice acting and engaging narration add to the game's overall charm, creating an immersive fairytale experience. While some critics had minor issues with the narration and voice acting, the consensus leans heavily towards the positive aspects of the audio elements. Overall, the game's fantastic audio, stellar soundtrack, and captivating sound design make it a standout title in terms of audio presentation, with critics highlighting its haunting and memorable score as key highlights.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon has received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Angeli Wall's portrayal of Cereza was highlighted for striking a perfect balance between excitement and nervousness, as noted by Checkpoint Gaming. Comicbook.com praised the impeccable voice acting, particularly for Cereza, emphasizing a youthful interpretation of the character. GameSpot commended the sincerity, youthful joy, and emotional depth brought to characters like Cereza and Cheshire, enhancing the narrative with a special relationship dynamic. The warm and charming delivery of the narrator, as mentioned by Dexerto, added to the whimsical nature of the game, while Game Informer appreciated the wonderful performances that rekindled the joy of a bedtime story. Despite the overwhelmingly positive reception, there were a few minor criticisms regarding the voice acting in Bayonetta Origins. We Got This Covered mentioned that while the narrator delivered a great performance, the delivery was perceived as slow and ponderous, potentially leading to missed opportunities to fully appreciate the voice acting alongside the flick-book animations. This slower pace may have hindered the overall experience for some players who prefer a more dynamic delivery in storytelling. Overall, the consensus among critics is that the voice acting in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is exceptional and greatly contributes to the immersive experience of the game. Critics such as GamingTrend, God is a Geek, and TierraGamer praised the superb performances of the voice actors, particularly highlighting the voices of Cheshire and the narrator. The voice acting was commended for enhancing the fairytale narrative, adding depth to the characters, and creating a charming and captivating atmosphere. The majority of critics appreciated the fully voiced storytelling elements, the impressive vocal range of the cast, and the overall strong contribution of the voice acting to the game's presentation. In conclusion, the positive reception towards the voice acting in Bayonetta Origins underscores its significant role in elevating the overall charm and storytelling of the game, resonating with players and critics alike.

TL;DR

voice acting

TLDR: Critics overwhelmingly praise the exceptional voice acting in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, with Angeli Wall's portrayal of Cereza standing out for its perfect balance of emotions. While some found the narrator's pace slow, most lauded the performances for adding depth to characters and creating a captivating fairytale atmosphere. Overall, the voice acting greatly enhances the immersive experience of the game, resonating positively with players and critics.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon on the Nintendo Switch, the majority of critics had positive experiences. Critics like Gfinity, Merlin'in Kazanı, My Nintendo News, Pocket Tactics, Switch Player, and Vandal all praised the game for its smooth performance, stable framerate, and lack of major technical issues. My Nintendo News specifically highlighted impressive load times and framerate on the Nintendo Switch OLED, while Vandal mentioned that the game performs well in both handheld and docked modes. This indicates that the game generally runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, providing an enjoyable experience for players. On the other hand, some critics did mention minor technical issues that affected the gameplay experience. Areajugones noted that the game may experience performance issues in crowded battles, while GameSpot highlighted occasional inelegant gameplay moments, especially during combat, due to crossed wires when controlling both characters. Gamereactor UK mentioned minor detection errors that could impact the overall technical performance, although they did not specify major technical issues. TierraGamer also pointed out minor issues with camera angles and controls. Press Start Australia mentioned that the game runs closer to thirty frames per second while portable, which might be considered a downside for players looking for a more consistent performance across different modes. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon on the Nintendo Switch is largely positive. While some minor issues were mentioned by critics such as GameSpot and TierraGamer, the general sentiment is that the game offers a smooth and stable performance on the platform. Positive feedback from critics like Vandal, Switch Player, and Pocket Tactics further supports the notion that the technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch is commendable. Players can expect an engaging and enjoyable gameplay experience with few major technical hindrances on this platform.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics mostly praised Bayonetta Origins on Nintendo Switch for smooth performance, stable framerate, and minimal technical issues. Some noted minor performance issues in crowded battles and occasional control glitches. Despite these, overall feedback indicates a positive gameplay experience with commendable technical performance on the platform.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

32%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon are generally positive. Many reviewers highlighted the game's offering of additional content, collectibles, challenges, and unlockables that encourage players to revisit the game multiple times. Areajugones mentioned that completionists could spend over 20 hours exploring the game, while Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3 praised the hidden treasures, challenges, and skill progression that add depth to the gameplay experience. GameSpot appreciated the charming narrative and engaging gameplay mechanics that make revisiting the game enjoyable, especially for uncovering hidden details and experiencing character development. On the other hand, some critics expressed concerns about certain aspects impacting the replay value of the game. Vooks noted that the combat mechanics and upgrades may feel repetitive and have limited impact, potentially diminishing the overall replayability. Gamepressure mentioned the linear story progression and lack of significant branching paths as factors that could limit the replay value for some players. These criticisms suggest that while the game offers content for multiple playthroughs, some elements may not provide enough variety to keep players engaged in the long term. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon offers a solid amount of replay value for players who enjoy exploring, collecting, and mastering the game's mechanics. Positive aspects such as the diverse gameplay elements, hidden secrets, adjustable difficulty levels, and engaging narrative contribute to making the game worth revisiting. Critics like Press Start Australia and Pure Nintendo appreciated the wealth of content, accessibility options, and incentives for completionists, while VGC and We Got This Covered highlighted the surprises and additional content that enhance the replayability factor. Despite some concerns raised by critics like Vooks and Gamepressure, the overall sentiment leans towards the game providing an enjoyable and engaging experience that encourages multiple playthroughs for fans of the series.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics generally praise Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon for its strong replay value, citing additional content, challenges, and unlockables that keep players coming back. Some critics mention concerns about repetitive combat and linear story progression potentially limiting replayability. Overall, the game offers diverse gameplay elements, hidden secrets, and incentives for completionists, making it worth revisiting for fans of the series.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

77%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

In analyzing the opinions of the critics regarding Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, it is evident that the game received high praise for its positives. Critics such as Gfinity and Pure Nintendo highlighted the game's unique and charming nature, with Gfinity even calling it their favorite game in the series. The visuals were a standout feature, with Video Chums describing it as one of the most visually impressive games they've ever played. The engaging gameplay, captivating world design, and strong narrative were also commended by critics like Press Start Australia and Vandal, who appreciated the game's departure from the mainline series while still offering a satisfying experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out certain negatives of Bayonetta Origins. COGconnected mentioned repetitive design and breezy challenges that may not appeal to all players. VGC highlighted issues with the map and puzzle design that hindered the overall experience for them. Despite these drawbacks, the general sentiment among critics was overwhelmingly positive, with many acknowledging the game's unique take on the Bayonetta universe and its ability to offer a fresh and engaging experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a delightful and charming adventure that successfully explores a new perspective within the Bayonetta franchise. Critics like Cubed3 and Digital Spy praised the game for its wonderful story, engaging gameplay, and beautiful visuals, recommending it to both fans and newcomers alike. While some critics noted minor flaws, the majority of reviewers found the game to be a refreshing addition to the series, with The Mako Reactor even considering it one of PlatinumGames' best. Bayonetta Origins seems to have struck a balance between offering a unique experience while still staying true to the essence of the beloved franchise, making it a standout title in the gaming landscape.

TL;DR

Critics loved Bayonetta Origins for its unique charm, captivating visuals, engaging gameplay, and strong narrative. While some pointed out repetitive design and map issues, the majority praised the game as a delightful and refreshing addition to the Bayonetta series, offering a new perspective and a standout gaming experience.

CRITIK

Reviews

136 reviews found

Movies Games and Tech

Nintendo Switch

Apr 19, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a fantastic game with a beautiful art style, engaging gameplay, and an endearing story.

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GamingTrend

Nintendo Switch

Mar 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A fantastic spinoff with amazing visuals, great puzzles and combat, and a delightful story

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The Mako Reactor

Nintendo Switch

Apr 25, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins is a gem and one of PlatinumGames' best. It is an outstanding feast for the eyes with stunning art direction and a sublime score. It is a win for the Nintendo Switch and a contender for the best game of 2023.

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Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins is a brilliant addition to the Bayonetta franchise, delivering a surprising and special experience that is essential to the series.

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My Nintendo News

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is praised for its unique storytelling, tight controls, engaging combat, vast exploration, and fantastic visuals. It is considered an unexpected contender for Game of the Year, appealing to both established fans and newcomers to the series.

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Comicbook.com

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a pleasant surprise and offers a perfect entry point for newcomers while still appealing to longtime fans. The visuals, gameplay, and narrative blend together perfectly, making it a must-play experience.

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We Got This Covered

Nintendo Switch

Mar 22, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer adored the game, praising its beautiful aesthetic, killer soundtrack, and deep and unique combat. It receives a hearty recommendation.

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Pocket Tactics

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins offers a fresh perspective on the character of Cereza, delivering engaging gameplay, a captivating story, stunning visuals, and stable performance, making it a must-play for both new and old fans of the series.

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Inverse

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a breath of fresh air for the franchise, with stunning visuals, fun puzzle-solving, and a heartfelt narrative. It is a picture-perfect adventure that manages to win back lapsed fans.

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Twinfinite

Nintendo Switch

Mar 14, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Perfect introductory game to an established series.

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