NYCC: Bayonetta 2 is Wild, Wicked, and Completely Unbelievable

Bayonetta 2's E3 demo -- a vertical slice that has found it's way to New York Comic Con -- unfolded like a twisted mad lib. A nitro-infused rollercoaster that started on the back of a twin-engine fighter jet, our heroine fought off centaurs (each sporting a gaudy gold trim) with masterful precision and two weapons to choose from -- her signature oversized pistols or a set of dual blades.

Meanwhile, the rest of the world spun around in the distance. In the midst of this out-of-control thrill ride, the developer's intent becomes clear: Bayonetta, and her snazzy new hairdo, sit at the center of the action. And god forbid if you're her opponent.

This combat-driven ballet became an incredible sight for on lookers. And if you stood around in the Nintendo area and gawk at the sublime combat long enough, you could start to feel a little embarrassed. At least that's how I ended up, as random Comic-Con attendees exclaimed and shouted at the sight of another cool combo that ended in satisfying punishment.

I'm not embarrassed to admit I enjoyed what I saw -- I consider the first game one of the best action games ever made. However, a few times I wished the developers would tone it down a notch, but such a change would ultimately betray the character. Bayonetta is a devilish symbol of empowerment, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

The hyper-sexualized and ultra-violent heroine had all the right moves, from the way Bayonetta gratuitously glided across the floor to the sharp poses she assumed at the end of a powerful combo string. A last second dodge launched Witch Time, one of the most satisfying payoff moves that served a dual purpose: It encouraged player's to develop their skills and also take advantage of a huge attack window. From there the fight moved onto a moving train against a boss called Belief, an anthropomorphic orb that swung a mighty tentacle. Once again, the set piece is in motion. The train barreled forward and the camera swung around quickly to frame the advancing enemy, as it ran alongside and switched up the attack patterns.

I defeated one boss only to uncover another, as the once loyal Infernal Demon that came to my rescue turned and attacked Bayonetta. After a lengthy bout, the final scene of this roughly 10-minute demo ended in dramatic fashion: Bayonetta fell through the air and started to summon another demon. The camera takes a position over her shoulder and shows Gomorrah slowly advancing forward in a memorable slow-motion drop that felt ripped from a blockbuster action movie. Of course, it ended with Gomorrah becoming another (much bigger) demon's lunch. I suppose that little revolt was squashed.

Clearly, the creators of Bayonetta 2 don't know the meaning of subtlety, and they don't have to. The hyper-exaggerated, combo-driven gameplay delivered a fantastic power fantasy that few games can imitate. Now that the E3 demo has made its trip around the world, it's time to answer the real questions: How does multiplayer mode work? And what else can we expect? At least, for Wii U owners who crave action experiences, Bayonetta 2 is another reason that 2014 shouldn't be a disappointment.