Video Game Review: “Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon”

Platform – Nintendo Switch

Developed By – PlatinumGames 

Published By – Nintendo

Released – March 17, 2023

Genre – Action-Adventure

During the 2022 Game Awards, PlatinumGames surprised Bayonetta enthusiasts with a new entry to the game series following the release of Bayonetta 3 earlier this year. 

However, Bayonetta Origins functions as an expansion to a secret chapter in Bayonetta 3 where the player could demo the origin game.

The Origins of the Umbran Witch

Bayonetta Origins, as the title suggests, is an origin story for the titular Bayonetta. The tale takes place during Bayonetta’s childhood where she is called Cereza. 

While doing chores for her umbran witch training, Cereza traveled into the forbidden Avalon Forest to seek power to save her mother. However, her stuffed toy Cheshire she brought with her becomes possessed by an infernal demon. 

Cereza and Cheshire must join forces in order to solve puzzles, fend off enemies and navigate the forbidden forest in order to gain power and escape. 

Cereza and Cheshire

Bayonetta Origins’ gameplay is split between Cereza and Cheshire. The two are controlled simultaneously, with Cereza being controlled on the left Joy-Con and Cheshire on the right. 

Cheshire can switch between two modes. The first is Unleashed Mode, where Chesire transforms into a beast form to attack enemies. The second is Hug mode, where Chesire returns to his stuffed toy form for platforming and reaching certain items. Players must use Cereza and Chesire together for enemies and puzzles. 

In combat, Cereza binds enemies with spells while Cheshire damages them. Cheshire cannot die, but he will likely run out of magic and be forced into Hug mode to refill it. Due to this, combat is more about prioritizing Cereza’s safety. 

As the player progresses through the game, Elemental cores can be broken to upgrade Cheshire’s abilities, making the demon and witch more powerful in battle and granting them access to previously inaccessible areas.

Graphically, Bayonetta Origins evinces a whimsical atmosphere with its fairytale aesthetic. The page turning effects in cutscenes, the style of the narration and the overall voice work and soundtrack push this idea even further. 

Long time Bayonetta fans may be put off by this title, as it does not feature high speed hack ‘n slash action like its counterparts. However, with Bayonetta’s origins being explained in such a charming way, it opens the door to new players for the series. Currently, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is $59.99, but it may be better to wait for a price drop, even if you are a long time fan of the series.