From the moment Bayonetta’s prologue begins, I was jaw dropped. As soon as you press start, you control the heroine and stylishly dominate an angelic band of enemies while standing on the face of an exploding clock tower as it tumbles infinitely from a mountain. This brief and over-the-top sequence didn’t come with a tutorial, but was immediately forgiven due to its value. However absurd it may appear, do not mistake Bayonetta as all style and no substance. Beneath the (literal) suit of hair, glossy lips, curves and “sexy secretary” face, lies a combination of unique combat systems that allows you to perform impressive and magical moves. Personally, my copy of Bayonetta came from the pre-owned and pre-played bin, and when I was a couple of chapters into the game play for the first time, I wondered “who would trade this back in?” Whether you believe in magic or not, Bayonetta is a truly bewitching game.

After a kick-ass cut scene, practice screens and a few episodes after that, we discover that 500 years is long enough for the entire world to change, which is what the Umbran Witch known as Bayonetta discovers after awakening from a tomb at the bottom of a lake, only with understanding that she is looking for something called The Eyes of the World. She heads to the isolated, ghost-like city of Vigrid where she begins to piece together her history and learn about the downfall of her clan: the Lumen Sages. This all sounds very solemn, but the game ensues a series of hilariously over-the-top moments, gags, sexual innuendos, and gratuitously gorey angelic deaths.

Having alliance with the demons of Inferno, who serve as a source of her power, Bayonetta is a mortal enemy of the angels of Paradiso who seem to emerge at every corner in Vigrid spoiling for a battle. Armed with a rare and unique set of four guns strapping to her hands and two at each foot, Bayonetta punches, kicks, and bullet raids her way through the heavenly monsters that spawn at every corner. Apart from the basic combat moves, she can also perform a number of stylish mana attacks to punish her enemies. Torture attacks offer a damaging bitch move, including the medieval iron maiden, gut ripping chains, giant chainsaws and a sexual, sharp edged horse statue. “Climax” attacks can summon monstrous demons made of hair for a magical end to a boss stage’s finish. Though don’t get it wrong, as ridiculous as imagining a dragon made of hair tearing apart a winged foe is, the idea flawlessly accomplishes full bad-ass potential. You’re able to dish out an incredible amount of violence in Bayonetta, and it’s hard not to be hooked after experiencing the sheer inner pleasure of performing your first outrageous combo which may or may not involve impaling stilettos, portals, and dozens of bullets to compliment your dances of punches and kicks.

The only negative I can speak for this game is the camera is almost always viewing from the wrong place at the wrong time. Even moving the angle is a long and slow process, making it inconvenient for those rushed moments. Nevertheless, some fixings in the options can remedy the camera clumsiness during the rare moments of calm between battles. Adding on for the Xbox 360 players, the achievements are mainly completing chapters, earning trophies and totalling a number of combos. Simple, but something you have to work for. Also a majority of achievements include finishing certain tasks on different levels, which personally was an invitation I could not resist: to play the game three more times, once on each level.

Sega’s Bayonetta is nothing short of a hardcore gaming masterpiece. With deep, fluid combat, a sexy aesthetic, excellent weapon choice and nostalgia of that classic Sega style. I recommend this for any third person fantasy action fan, and those who enjoyed games like Devil May Cry and God of War. Bayonetta is a game everyone should experience at least once, deserving 10 10’s out of 10 from me. So have a little fun being the bad bitch from hell as you take revenge on heaven’s choir - making angels cry has never sounded so good.