The lights are on
Bayonetta is first and foremost over-the-top action. The only way you could get more intense violence is actually having the blood shoot out of the TV onto the player's face (someone jot that down for me.) However, what really sets it apart is that it takes just enough from other games (like God of War) and changes it just enough to be original in its own right. Finishers usually consist of either button mashing or joystick rotating, but battle is so frantic you actually use the time to let your reflexes rest and just punish the square button. The story is cliche at times, but the Bayonetta has style to spare. Every time I found myself thinking, "Dear lord... did they really just say that...?" Bayonetta would chime in to let me know I wasn't playing this game because I thought it was realistic. I played Bayonetta through three times because of just the opposite. It was ridiculously unrealistic. On the easier modes, you feel like a God trampling foes beneath your stillettos; on the harder ones you feel like a master of your reflexes for overcoming obviously stronger foes. This game bridges the gap between hardcore action gamers of Ninja Gaiden and more casual gamers that play the normal mode of Devil May Cry while throwing in the over-the-top feeling of God of War. The upgrade system is also just enough. Almost everything has to be bought after your first play through (You'll never have enough "money" to afford probably even one accessory on your first play through.) This leads me to my next point; Bayonetta is amazing for replayability. You'll have to play through a few times to purchase everything (costumes, weapons, moves, accessories, etc.) If you want a solid action game, at least give Bayonetta a chance. Just don't take the game too seriously. Play it like it's ridiculous and you'll find you couldn't ask for more from a girl pitted against an army of angels.