Bayonetta 3’s Multiverse Raises Questions

Bayonetta 3 is easily my most anticipated game of 2022. With an already stacked year, the return of one of my favorite action franchises only excites me further. However, the recent trailer for Bayonetta 3 brought up multiple questions for me, namely in regard to what seems to be a Multiverse-focused plot.

From the first time that we got to see Bayonetta’s new look for Bayonetta 3, many people speculated that this would put us in control of a different Bayonetta than the one from previous games. The first two games dealt with time travel, and because of that, the younger version of Bayonetta we saw in the first game has some striking similarities to Bayonetta 3’s design.

However, the new trailer broke that theory wide open with the revelation that we will see not one, but multiple different Bayonettas over the course of Bayonetta 3. Clearly, we’re dealing with a multiverse here, which is a really common theme right now. Does this mean we’ll meet other versions of Luka, Rodin, or even Jeanne?

Well, some fans seem to think that the likelihood of that is relatively high, due to the new playable character Viola. Viola has been jokingly referred to as “Bayonetta 3’s Nero” referencing Nero from the Devil May Cry series. The resemblance makes sense, they’re both younger protagonists that join up with the hero of each franchise.

In Devil May Cry 5 it is revealed that Nero is Vergil’s son, and I mention that because fans believe that Viola might be related to Bayonetta. Specifically, speculation abounds that Viola could be the daughter of Bayonetta and Luka, the journalist who often flirts with Bayonetta in each game. They cite Viola’s use of a grappling hook in the trailer, along with Viola summoning a demonic version of Bayonetta’s old cat toy called Cheshire. This also happens to be what she also affectionately calls Luka.

The strange twist of it though is that neither Bayonetta nor Luka has blonde hair like Viola. However, Jeanne has white hair, which is closer at least. Does this mean we’re in for an alternate universe where Jeanne and Luka connected and had Viola together? The possibilities are truly endless. With that being said, Viola’s hair could be a reference to Baldur from previous games.

It could just be a stylistic choice and could have no bearing on the plot at all. Either way, we’re in for an interesting experience when October 28^th rolls around. We know how Bayonetta got to where she is now, but the events of both games will clearly have consequences for her when Bayonetta 3 rolls around. There is also the problem of the Homunculi, experiments created by humans.

If I had to guess, I would say that Viola is probably from a future where the Homunculi managed to destroy most of the world. It could be that humanity tried to artificially harness the powers once given to Lumen Sages and Umbra Witches. It could be something entirely new. Either way, I’m very excited to see what comes next.