Bayonetta 2

Bayonetta 2 is an action-adventure game from 2014, developed by PlatinumGames and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. It follows the 2009 original, with Yusuke Hashimoto directing and Atsushi Inaba, Akiko Kuroda, and Hitoshi Yamagami producing, under the supervision of series creator Hideki Kamiya. The game was first revealed during a Nintendo Direct on September 13, 2012. Unlike its predecessor, which Sega published across multiple platforms, Bayonetta 2 became a Wii U exclusive through a publishing deal with Nintendo. The main character, Bayonetta, appears with a new outfit and hairstyle, and the game introduces a two-player mode. It is the second Bayonetta title to include Japanese voice acting, using the same cast from the Gonzo anime film *Bayonetta: Bloody Fate*. The game launched in Japan in September 2014 and worldwide in October 2014. Special and First Print Editions came with a Wii U port of the original Bayonetta. Critics widely praised the combat, visuals, and improvements over the first game. A Nintendo Switch version followed in February 2018, and a sequel, Bayonetta 3, arrived on October 28, 2022.

In terms of gameplay, Bayonetta 2 continues the action style of its predecessor, where players control Bayonetta as she battles angelic and demonic foes with melee attacks and gunplay. Dodging enemy strikes at the last moment triggers Witch Time, which slows enemies and helps with counterattacks and environmental puzzles. Torture Attacks return, trapping enemies in infernal devices for bonus points. Weapon customization is back, letting players equip new weapons on both hands and feet, including signature guns, a bow, swords, and other projectiles. Combat earns grades, with the highest, Pure Platinum, requiring fast combos and no damage. A new feature, Umbran Climax, activates when the magic gauge is full, strengthening attacks with Wicked Weaves and Infernal Demon summons for a short time, increasing range and damage while restoring health.

The story is set mostly on the sacred mountain Fimbulventr and the nearby town of Noatun in the Middle East. Bayonetta (voiced by Hellena Taylor in English and Atsuko Tanaka in Japanese) travels there to reach the Gates of Hell and save her friend Jeanne (Grey DeLisle-Griffin / Mie Sonozaki).