I’ve been a fan of the Bayonetta franchise from the very beginning. Bayonetta 3 was an interesting shift for the franchise, but it is clear that the series is in an experimental phase moving forward. Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon serves as a prequel to the series, but it also showcases the unique ways Platinum Games could utilize the Bayonetta IP moving forward.

Bayonetta Origins tells the story of Cereza’s childhood as she learns to become an Umbra Witch. After being separated from her mother due to Rosa’s imprisonment (Play Bayonetta 1 for the backstory) Cereza is ostracized by her Umbran Witch peers due to her parentage. While living with an exiled witch named Morgana, Cereza has a dream that encourages her to venture into Avalon Forest to gain the power to save her mother.

Against her mentor’s wishes, she ventures into the forest, discovering that a demon she attempted to summon bound itself to her stuffed doll named Cheshire. Together, the two venture into the forest not only to save Cereza’s mother but also to figure out how to return Cheshire to Inferno. Now, without spoiling anything, I should mention that it is somewhat ambiguous how much of Bayonetta Origins is canon.

The game unfolds as a storybook, with painterly visuals and the turning of pages for scenes. Plus, there are certain elements that somewhat contradict the story elements set up in the first two games. However, with Bayonetta 3 taking on a multiverse plot, it is possible that Bayonetta Origins’ plot takes place in a separate timeline from the first two games and is closer to Bayonetta 3.

This is supported by certain characters (such as Cheshire) who make appearances (in various forms) throughout the third Bayonetta adventure. Regardless, it is clear that Platinum Games (and Hideki Kamiya) intend for this game to have bearing on the franchise moving forward, based on connections that the game has with Bayonetta 3.

Unlike most Bayonetta games, Bayonetta Origins plays more like an action-puzzle game than a purely action-focused experience. Cereza cannot fight enemies directly but can utilize Umbran Arts to do things like pin enemies down and perform other actions to solve puzzles. Cereza is controlled by the left side of the controller (or left Joy-Con) while Cheshire is controlled by the right side (or right jJoy-Con). Cheshire will be the one to do the vast majority of the fighting and will be able to protect Cereza from the Faerie enemies in Avalon Forest.

As you progress, completing Tir Na Nog challenge areas and opening up new areas of the map, you’ll be able to find items that will allow you to level up Cheshire and Cereza’s abilities. There are lots of collectibles throughout the world, but some can’t be collected until later in the game. Over the course of the story, you’ll unlock various elemental abilities that will allow Cheshire to do different things and also let you reach previously inaccessible areas. The organic nature of progression means you have plenty of time to become used to each element of your tool kit before something new is added.

I was concerned about controlling Cereza and Cheshire independently at the same time. However, unlike in Bayonetta 3, Cereza can move while Cheshire is attacking and moving around. The only time she can’t move is if she’s utilizing Umbran arts in battle. Additionally, there are several accessibility features that make combat easier, such as auto-completing QTEs and automatically performing combos for you.

With its beautiful aesthetic, smooth controls, and intriguing story, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is an absolute treat. It is a different sort of affair than your usual Bayonetta experience, but it is no less satisfying. I love an experimental take on a beloved franchise, and I’m honestly surprised at how much Bayonetta Origins works in the natural formula without feeling out of place.

While it isn’t as crazy or over-the-top as most games in the franchise, fans of the Bayonetta series will enjoy this game. Even if you’ve never played a Bayonetta game before if you’re interested in the franchise this is a shockingly good place to start. It’s also just a solid puzzle game all around.

A Nintendo Switch review copy of Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon was provided by Nintendo for this review.

Phenixx Gaming is everywhere you are. Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

Also, if you’d like to join the Phenixx Gaming team, check out our recruitment article for details on working with us.

Phenixx Gaming is proud to be a Humble Partner! Purchases made through our affiliate links support our writers and charity!

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon

$59.99 USD

10

Score

10.0/10

Pros

• Gorgeous Painterly Visuals
• Smooth Controls
• Fantastic Accessibility Options
• Fun Puzzles
• Interesting Storyline