Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon - all about it!

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a prequel to the popular Bayonetta series by PlatinumGames (published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch). The game follows the story of a young witch in training, and her demonic companion, as they venture into a mysterious forest.

 

This article will tell you what you need to know about the gameplay, storyline, and overall gaming experience to see if this prequel can live up to its predecessors.

Bayonetta series

If you're new to Bayonetta and don't know much about the beloved series, here's a mini synopsis of it:

Bayonetta is a highly energetic hack-and-slash video game series created by PlatinumGames. Its first installment, Bayonetta, was launched back in 2009 and has since then been made available on multiple gaming consoles, as well as on PC. 

The franchise revolves around the character of Bayonetta, an Umbra Witch who can transform herself and use an assortment of firearms. Her magical prowess enables her to execute various attacks, including summoning demons with the help of her hair. 

The series has garnered a reputation for its fast-paced, high-octane, action-adventure gameplay, elaborate set pieces, and eye-catching graphics.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the lost demon

Bayonetta Origins tells the tale of Cereza's adventure with the very first demon she ever summoned. 

The game has a narrative filled with heart and soul, which sets it apart from the other games in the series.

The game revolves around a young Cereza who wanders into an enchanted forest, seeking a way to free her imprisoned mother. As an enthusiastic but unskilled Umbra Witch, Cereza must learn to summon and control demons while navigating Avalon forest with her demon companion, Cheshire.

Meet the main characters:

• Cereza:

Cereza is a ten-year-old girl with ear-shaped cat hair and a single red gem hanging off her left lens. She wears a black dress, red bow, puffy skirt, long black socks, and ribbons-tied flat shoes.

Cereza's history is one of tragedy and sorrow. Born to parents of two different clans – the Lumen Sage and Umbra Witch – her birth broke the ancient laws between them, resulting in her father's exile and her mother's imprisonment.

Abilities and powers

Cereza is a powerful young witch whose abilities initially support her companion Cheshire in combat. She can bind enemies with her magic and replenish Cheshire's magical power. 

Outside combat, her Witch Pulse allows her to manipulate objects in the environment, unlock new paths, and temporarily repair broken things. Despite her limited experience, Cereza has the power to make a difference and is an invaluable asset to Cheshire.

• Cheshire:

Cheshire is a ragdoll stuffed toy shaped like a cat. It first appears in Bayonetta and makes frequent appearances in the Bayonetta series.

He's a demon summoned by Cereza on the night of the full moon. He can't harm her due to the nature of his summoning. So, albeit reluctantly, Cheshire helps her find a way back home.

Abilities and powers

Cheshire can also be powered up using different Elemental Cores to grant him new abilities, such as a damaging water spray or a vine to break enemy shields, which aid in puzzle-solving and combat.

Bayonetta Origins confirms that Cheshire became the vessel for the demon of the same name during Cereza's journey to Avalon Forest. While it is unknown what became of the doll after the ritual, it remains a recurring figure in the Bayonetta series.

Cheshire is integral to the gameplay, providing puzzle-solving and combat support. 

Controlled with the Right Joy-Con controller, Cheshire uses physical strikes with his claws to defeat enemies while Cereza binds them with her magic. Players can also power up Cheshire using different Elemental Cores, granting them new abilities such as a damaging water spray or a vine to break enemy shields. 

During exploration, Cereza can recall Cheshire into his doll form and unleash him when necessary. However, there are some paths that Cheshire needs help to follow Cereza down due to obstacles like narrow walkways or rosemary, requiring the player to navigate both characters separately to progress.

Gameplay

The gameplay of Bayonetta Origins is split between Cereza and Cheshire, both controlled simultaneously using the left and right Joy-Con, respectively. 

Compared to previous Bayonetta games, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon places less emphasis on complex combo attacks and more on exploring the game's lush, dreamy, cel-shaded visual style. 

The game has a storybook framing, which brings whimsy to the Bayonetta lore. As the witch and demon duo move through Avalon, they encounter different types of faeries lurking throughout the forest, leading them to their demise. The pair must work together, relying on each other to overcome the challenges posed by the enemies.

While the gameplay could have been more intuitive, the chemistry between the two characters evolves at the same rate as we learn to deploy their powers simultaneously. 

The combat mechanics are relatively simple, and as players progress, Cereza and Cheshire gain more powerful attacks that are easy to pull off.

The game presents little of a challenge when fighting baddies. However, the game keeps combat fresh by giving Cheshire a variety of new elemental physical forms that grant him unique abilities.

Graphics and sound:

The graphics and sound of Bayonetta Origins are stunning. The game is set in a magical forest with lush, colorful backgrounds, and the character models have beautiful designs. The sound effects and music are immersive, adding to the gaming experience.

Price and Duration:

You can get Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon for 59.99 $ at the eShop.

The game lasts around 20 hours of gameplay, although it can take longer if you decide to explore and collect all the items.

A newfound delight

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is a delight to play, offering a refreshing take on the Bayonetta franchise. 

The game differs from previous Bayonetta games in terms of its visual language and how much more oriented it is toward a younger audience. 

The game boasts eye-catching character designs and a world full of fantastical creatures and lively forest spirits that infuse it with a distinct charm. Its visual style is finely tuned to showcase the Switch's capabilities, evoking a Nintendo-esque aesthetic.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is an enjoyable prequel to the Bayonetta series. If you're a fan of the Bayonetta series, this game is worth checking out.

If you have played Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, we would love to hear your thoughts! 

Share your experience in the comments below, and let us know your thoughts on the game's storyline, gameplay, and overall gaming experience. Here at Gamestate, we appreciate your feedback and look forward to hearing from you!