Bayonetta 3 is PlatinumGames' most mechanically ambitious entry in the beloved witch action series — introducing the Demon Masquerade system that lets Bayonetta partially merge with her summoned demons for new moves, and the Demon Slave system that lets her fully command kaiju-scale demons against giant enemies. The result is the most visually spectacular and mechanically deep Bayonetta yet, even if the narrative decisions surrounding protagonist Viola prove divisive.
The signature Witch Time mechanic — triggered by precise dodges to slow enemies and environment — returns fully intact and as satisfying as ever. Bayonetta's weapon versatility expands significantly: mixing and matching weapons equipped to hands and feet creates a matrix of combo possibilities. The Demon Slave summons (Phantasmaraneae, Malphas, Gomorrah, and others) each have distinct movesets and tactical roles against different enemy types.
Viola, a punk-rock witch-in-training who serves as a secondary protagonist, plays with a completely different system — parrying rather than dodging for Witch Time, with a single katana and her own demon familiar Cheshire. Her sections are polarizing but her parry-based combat has genuine depth for players willing to learn it.
Partially merge with your demons mid-combat for new moves and enhanced attacks. Each weapon enables a unique Demon Masquerade transformation.
Summon and directly control kaiju-scale demons against giant Homunculi enemies in spectacular large-scale battles.
The series' signature mechanic — a precise dodge at the last moment slows all action, creating a punish window for massive damage.
A second playable protagonist with parry-based (rather than dodge-based) Witch Time and a completely distinct combat system centered on her katana.