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Writer's pictureMatthew Rondina

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon Review

Developer PlatinumGames dips its toes into a new adventure with familiar characters and a different style of gameplay, my full review.

Bayonetta Origins key art image with dapper tux logo

Prepare to turn the first page on an epic tale with Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon. The game takes you on a journey where the Bayonetta series previously hasn't tred. The experience offers an immersive, storybook approach that explores the roots of the famous Bayonetta series and provides more detail and insight into the characters and lore. Featuring a beautiful world that is inspired by whimsical witches, fairies and monsters, Bayonetta Origins is a game that offers new thrills with a few familiar faces.

"Featuring a beautiful world that is inspired by whimsical witches, fairies and monsters, Bayonetta Origins is a game that offers new thrills with a few familiar faces."

The game puts you in the shoes of the young Cereza and her demon companion, Cheshire, taking you on an incredible adventure that is both endearing and captivating. With puzzle-solving elements, the game ensures that players are always engrossed and invested in the story. Overall, Cereza and the Lost Demon is one for the action-adventure game aficionados. Let's dive into this charming tale with my full review.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon Details

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Developer(s): PlatinumGames

Publisher(s): Nintendo

Genre: Action, Adventure

Mode(s): Single-player

ESRB Rating: T (Teen)

A Bayonetta storybook adventure

The storyline in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is both interesting and engaging. You play as Cereza, a young witch who has the power to control demons. Cereza is accompanied by her companion, Cheshire, who acts as her protector. The two set out on a journey to help Cereza's imprisoned mother. Along the way, you'll encounter many different types of enemies and bosses. The story is engaging and very well-written, told from the main perspective of a one narrator. It's a great touch and makes the story fall in line with the tone of a classic storybook.

Duality of gameplay

The gameplay in Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a mix of light combat and puzzle-solving. The game is unique in that you are controlling two characters at once, Cereza and Cheshire. This means that you can divide and conquer when it comes to progressing at each level. Cheshire handles a majority of the combat and is a little too overpowered which takes away some of the overall challenge.

This might have been an intentional design decision, to help keep the game's difficulty curve more manageable. The game is relatively easy to pick up and play, and the controls are intuitive. The environments are beautiful, and the puzzles are well-designed pulling you into this fantastical world. However, the puzzles can get very repetitive, and you will find yourself doing the same thing over and over again.

Cereza and the Lost Demon art style and graphics

One of the strongest points of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is its beautiful art style. The game is set in a colourful fairytale world that is filled with vibrant colours and detailed environments. The levels, characters, and monsters all look incredible, instilling a child-like sense of wonder as you play.

"The levels, characters, and monsters all look incredible, instilling a child-like sense of wonder as you play."

Both characters also have access to a host of powers that create beautiful blooming effects that look straight out of a watercolour painting. The game runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, and I didn't experience many performance issues during my playthrough.

Audio and sound design

The audio and sound design of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon are also top-notch. The story is told by a single narrator to make it feel like what you are playing is a story being read to you. The voice acting is excellent, and the sound effects and music are well done. The game's soundtrack is especially noteworthy, and it adds to the overall feel of the game. Overall, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a fun and enjoyable game that is perfect for fans of action-adventure games.

Final thoughts on Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

Overall, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is an enjoyable action-adventure game that features a great story, interesting combat, and stunning visuals. The duality of the gameplay makes for engaging puzzles and surprise encounters. While there are some repetitive elements in the puzzles, it still manages to keep you interested throughout with its charming art style and fantastic music. If you're looking for a lighthearted adventure with just enough challenge, then Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is worth checking out.


Cereza and the Lost Demon PROS

+Beautiful art style

+Excellent narrative direction

+Great narrative with strong voice acting


Cereza and the Lost Demon CONS

-Repetitive puzzles and encounters

-Dual controls can get confusing

-Cheshire is a little too powerful taking the challenge out of combat

Gameplay: 7.5/10

Graphics: 8.5/10

Sound: 8/10

Replayability: 7/10

Overall Rating: 31/40 (78%)

A copy of the game was provided by Nintendo to conduct this review.

 

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a veteran of the video game and tech industry who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. Along with being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on twitter, Instagram and join in on the fun!

 

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