Summary
- PlatinumGames is celebrating Bayonetta's 15th anniversary with a yearlong event, thanking fans for their continued support of the series.
- The original game was praised for its creativity and fast-paced gameplay, leading to sequels on Nintendo platforms.
- Special Bayonetta-themed products and announcements are planned for 2025, with more details set to be revealed soon.
Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames is celebrating the original game’s 15th anniversary with a special yearlong event in honor of the franchise’s fans. The original Bayonetta was released on October 29, 2009, in Japan and January 2010 across the rest of the world. It was directed by Hideki Kamiya of Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe fame, featuring his trademark stylish action as players stepped into the role of Bayonetta, a powerful Umbra Witch who fights supernatural enemies using guns, over-the-top martial arts, and her magically-empowered hair.
15 Years Ago, Bayonetta Grabbed the Character-Action Genre by the Horns
In 2009, Bayonetta broke into the competitive world of character-action games, challenging and, in many ways, surpassing its contemporaries.
2025 marks the 15th anniversary of the original Bayonetta, and developer PlatinumGames recently posted a message thanking fans for their support over the years. This heartfelt message also heralds PlatinumGames’ “Bayonetta 15th Anniversary Year,” which will be celebrated throughout 2025 and feature a variety of special announcements. There aren't many details about the studio's 2025 Bayonetta plans yet, with the developer advising fans to stay tuned on social media for future developments.
2025 Marks the 15th Anniversary of Bayonetta
So far, Wayo Records has released a limited-edition Bayonetta music box, which features a design based on the original version of Bayonetta’s Super Mirror and plays the melody of "Theme Of Bayonetta - Mysterious Destiny" by famed Resident Evil and Okami composer Masami Ueda. PlatinumGames is also giving away special Bayonetta-themed smartphone calendar wallpapers every month, with January’s featuring Bayonetta and Jeanne dressed in kimonos beneath a full moon.
Even 15 years after its initial release, the original Bayonetta is hailed by many for refining the stylish action established by Devil May Cry and similar titles by introducing unique concepts like the slow-motion Witch Time mechanic and paving the way for future PlatinumGames titles like Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Nier: Automata. Fans will need to keep their eyes peeled for future announcements during Bayonetta’s special 15th anniversary year.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 85 /100 Critics Rec: 92%
- Released
- October 29, 2009
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Partial Nudity, Strong Language, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Platinum Games
- Publisher(s)
- Sega
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Bayonetta
WHERE TO PLAY
From PlatinumGames’ legendary director Hideki Kamiya of Resident Evil and Devil May Cry fame, SEGA brings one of the most universally acclaimed character action games of all time to PC.
Bayonetta. The last survivor of an ancient witch clan who keep the balance between light, dark and chaos. Entombed to protect herself – and the world as we know it – Bayonetta is discovered and revived after 500 years, sparking a chain of events with cataclysmic repercussions.
Thrust straight into battle, with only one clue to her past, Bayonetta must discover the truth and fight for the future. Her daunting conquest sees her face off against countless angelic enemies and giant foes in a game of 100% pure action.
