Bayonetta returns to set the world alight in Bayonetta 2 on Wii U

21st October 2014 – Over the top. Breathtaking. Out of control. Stylish. Beautiful. Any of these words can be used to describe Bayonetta 2, which launches exclusively for Wii U this Friday, and is developed by action-game maestro PlatinumGames. Fans of the original Bayonetta game know that the series stands out from almost any other video game series, delivering intense action, massive set pieces, gorgeous HD graphics and fluid, responsive controls. With Bayonetta 2, all this is dialled up, with the titular Bayonetta more powerful than ever, using wild new moves and weapons in single- and multiplayer to take down both angels and demons in a thrilling quest to save a friend from eternal damnation. Just another day in the life of the Umbra Witch herself.

With her magic-imbued hair, chic glasses and gun-toting high heels, Bayonetta is one of the most original characters in video games – and she doesn’t just sit back and wait to be rescued. In Bayonetta 2, players take control of this damsel-that-causes-distress to slash, shoot and guillotine through multiple chapters that find our heroine going head-to-head with a towering enemy while flying outside a skyscraper, taking down an ogre-sized angel on the back of a speeding train or confronting angelic foes while standing on the wing of a fighter jet; amongst other magnificent set pieces. By performing well in battles, players earn medals that reflect their performance, ranging from the room-for-improvement Stone to the perfect Pure Platinum medals.

For the first time in the series, players who want to take on battles with a friend can team up online with another player in Tag Climax. In this co-op mode, two players with a broadband internet connection can destroy legions of enemies together, playing as a variety of characters from the game. As players journey through the main story mode, they will unlock Verse Cards that can be used to unlock additional stages in Tag Climax, and the halos earned in Tag Climax can be used to buy new moves and weapons to bring into the next battle.

Both the original Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 games include in-game costumes that will be a treat for any Nintendo fan. Bayonetta can wear exclusive costumes modelled after fan-favourite Nintendo characters such as Princess Peach, Samus Aran and Link. These amazing outfits aren’t just for looks, as the game changes in fun and unexpected ways when Bayonetta dresses up. For example, whilst wearing the Princess Peach costume, Bayonetta summons Bowser's claws instead of infernal demons. Donning the Samus Aran costume allows Bayonetta to use the Arm Cannon to blast away foes. Dressed as Link? Bayonetta wields the legendary Master Sword – and you may hear a familiar chime after a puzzle is solved.

Critics have been unanimous in adoration for Bayonetta 2:

One Large Prawn, Fayyaad Hendricks - "What is immediately evident is that [Bayonetta 2] is improved in just about every single way possible without detracting from what made the first game great. Graphically, the game is simply beautiful."

Primedia Online, Hadlee Simons - “The action gets frantic, boss fights are epic and over the top. You'd be excused for thinking you just defeated the last boss after every boss fight, but the wild ride continues, and it only stops when you want it to.”

SA Gamer, Dawid Venter - "Bayonetta 2 cements itself at the top of the action genre with its combat system near perfection."

ITF Gaming, 10/10 - "The Umbra Witch is back and she is better than ever! Everything in Bayonetta 2 is twice as fun, sexy, addictive, and polished to perfection."

IT News Africa, 95/100 - "Overall, Bayonetta 2 can be summed up as roller coaster ride of epic proportion, which not only brings an iconic video game character back to life – but also offers thrilling gameplay from start to finish."

If your appetite has now been whet for Bayonetta 2 ahead of her arrival this Friday, you can try the free demo available on Nintendo eShop which allows you to try out a slice of the non-stop climax action.

Fans will have two retail editions to choose from at launch: the Special Edition which bundles disc versions of Bayonetta 2 and Bayonetta together, or the solus edition which includes just Bayonetta 2.

Bayonetta 2 launches on 24th October in South Africa at retail in two editions, or on Nintendo eShop as digital versions, with the opportunity to purchase Bayonetta 2 or Bayonetta at a discounted price for those who buy either title first.