How Bayonetta 3's Developers Overcame the "Threequel Curse"

Table of Contents:

• What is the "Season 3 Crisis" and the "Threequel Curse"?
• The Multiverse Threequel
• Borrowings and Reimaginings
• What Do Bayonetta 3 and Beyoncé Have in Common?
• Bayonetta's Horror Elements and Mortality
• No One Is Safe
• Love and Death

Bayonetta 3 has become one of the most anticipated games of 2022. The developers faced many risks: there was a possibility that they would not be able to surpass the success of the previous two parts, the development process could be suspended, and the game itself could be canceled. Nevertheless, Bayonetta 3 has reached the market, and the PlatinumGames studio has successfully avoided common pitfalls that can occur when creating sequels. Journalist and game writer Vladimir Shumilov shares an analysis of how the developers were able to overcome these difficulties and create a high-quality project.

Bayonetta 3 has undoubtedly become a success. Despite difficult development conditions, a scandal involving the voice actress, and discussions about a possible replacement for the main character, the new installment of the charming witch's adventures offers players high-quality gameplay and exceptional action. This game sets new standards for the genre, combining a gripping storyline and impressive graphics with dynamic battles and diverse mechanics. Bayonetta 3 deservedly takes its place among the best games in the series and continues the traditions that made it popular among fans.

Bayonetta 3 has received high praise from both the press and players, confirming its status as one of the best games from PlatinumGames. It stands out as one of the best action games on the Nintendo Switch platform and is considered one of the outstanding fighters of the current console generation. Below are some typical reviews of the game:

Bayonetta 3 beautifully combines exciting battles with a stylish, deep combat system that has already been highly praised in previous installments of the series. Despite the sometimes absurd scenes, the main value of the game lies in the gameplay. If you can handle the action packed action in Bayonetta 3, you should definitely give this action game a try.

Bayonetta 3 is not only a standout in the series, but also one of the very best games PlatinumGames has ever created. This title raises the bar with its gripping gameplay, thoughtful storyline, and stunning graphics. Players can expect dynamic combat and unique features that make for engaging and varied gameplay. Bayonetta 3 confirms PlatinumGames' reputation for high-quality games, blending innovation with tradition to appeal to both longtime fans and new players.

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Unlike Devil May Cry 5, where Capcom focused on streamlining and refining the combat system, Bayonetta 3 offers players a vibrant and dynamic experience. This game immerses you in a world filled with exploding colors and fast-paced action that can leave you feeling overwhelmed. Bayonetta 3 is a frantic adventure that borrows elements from other projects, including the unreleased Scalebound. Players will encounter intense combat and unique mechanics, making the game a standout in the action genre.

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Popular action series often experience a decline in quality by the third installment. They become repetitive, lose focus, and can resort to experimentation, leading to the so-called "threequel curse" or "third season slump." Notable examples of such projects include Dead Space 3, Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones, Ninja Gaiden 3, and F.E.A.R. 3. These games demonstrate how a lack of fresh ideas and originality can negatively impact a franchise's perception.

Bayonetta 3 not only overcame the slump but also significantly improved, becoming richer, livelier, and more energetic. How did the developers do it? The reason lies in several key aspects that PlatinumGames focused on. Let's examine the main components and their impact on gameplay. This text contains plot spoilers, so proceed with caution. We encourage you to read through the analysis and discussion of key plot points to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and development. Our focus is on the main themes and motifs that permeate the story, as well as the importance of the characters and their interactions. We will take a closer look at how various plot elements affect the overall experience of the work. Get ready to dive into a world full of unexpected twists and deep emotions that leave a mark on the hearts of viewers and readers.

What is the "Season 3 Crisis" and the "Curse of the Threequel"?

The terms "season three slump" and "threequel curse" have become common among viewers and refer to problems that sequels to popular projects face. While these concepts originated in film and television, they can be applied to various forms of media, including video games, books, and music albums. Such phenomena are often associated with the loss of the original idea, a decline in the quality of the content, or insufficient character development. This can lead to audience disappointment and a decrease in interest in the work. Understanding these concepts is important for creating successful sequels that can maintain appeal and retain fans' attention.

Consider the series "Prison Break," "The Walking Dead," and "Dexter." All of them faced significant viewer loss in their third seasons. During this period, series began to repeat what they had seen before, slowed down, and deviated from the themes they had initially established. This led to disappointment among many viewers, with "boredom" and "sluggish plots" being the main reasons for stopping viewing. This situation highlights the importance of maintaining interest and storytelling quality in long-running projects.

The first, second, and third seasons of most series vary significantly in content, pacing, structure, and presentation style. In the early seasons, creators actively experiment, exploring plot dynamics, and striving to surprise viewers, producers, and the platforms on which the series airs. These initial stages are often full of innovative solutions, allowing for a unique approach to storytelling. With each subsequent season, the focus may shift, and creators begin to delve into character development and plot complexity, which can lead to more predictable yet nuanced content.

In the second season of a successful series, creators are given more resources and creative freedom. Their task is to improve on the first season, making it higher quality and more appealing to viewers. The team strives to implement new ideas, deepen character and storyline development, and create a foundation for long-term storytelling. This is a time for experimentation and the introduction of new elements that can enrich the overall narrative and retain audience interest.

In the third season, series creators often face a serious crisis. Audiences and networks demand "same thing, but new." This creates a difficult situation for creators who strive to maintain the original quality and interest while avoiding repetition. By leaving everything as is, they risk dissatisfaction with viewers, who believe the series has become predictable and stagnant. At the same time, significant changes can alienate a portion of the audience accustomed to a certain style and plot. This phenomenon is known as the "third season crisis" in television series and the "threequel curse" in film. Prominent examples of this can be seen in films like Spider-Man 3 and Blade: Trinity, which faced criticism for a lack of novelty and excitement. The "threequel curse" is a common phenomenon in the world of video games. Often, it is the third installment of a franchise that proves to be the most unsuccessful and receives the least praise from fans. The threequel examples listed above are just a small selection. Other examples include Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, Diablo 3, Postal 3, and even The 3rd Birthday, which is an indirect threequel to the cult horror RPG Parasite Eve. All of these games illustrate how high expectations can turn into disappointment when the third installment fails to live up to fans' expectations.

Dead Space 3 has been criticized for its shift to a cooperative, cover-based shooter. Diablo 3 has also drawn negative reviews for abandoning its dark aesthetic and shifting to a games-as-a-service model. Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3 has been criticized for its failed attempt to combine the mechanics of the first two games with MOBA elements, failing to meet the expectations of series fans. Each of these projects faced challenges related to the disruption of traditional game formats and fan perceptions.

Many games aren't outright failures, but creative and technical decisions often lead to mistakes in third installments that jeopardize entire franchises. Franchises like Dawn of War, Ninja Gaiden, Dead Space, and Army of Two, which all settled on the number three, are prime examples. These cases highlight the importance of a high-quality approach to sequel development to maintain player interest and brand recognition.

Bayonetta 3 endured a difficult road, fraught with scandal and intrigue during its five-year development. The developers' silence only exacerbated the situation, and the lack of gameplay footage for three years did little to foster a positive image of the game. However, despite all the difficulties, the series may end with the third installment, and if so, it will have concluded spectacularly and emotionally.

Multiverse Threequel

Game sequels, including sequels and threequels, can be classified into several categories. First, there are sequels that deepen the story and develop characters, giving players the opportunity to explore new aspects of the game world. Second, there are projects that focus on improving gameplay mechanics, offering new features and improved graphics. The third category includes sequels that seek to satisfy players' nostalgia, preserving elements of the original while adding fresh ideas. Finally, some sequels can represent dramatic changes to the gameplay, which can either attract or repel audiences. Each of these approaches to creating sequels has its advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of one path or another depends on the goals of the developers and the expectations of the players.

• "Cautious" sequels, in which the developers improve the mechanics of the original, add new details and write a new story, but by and large change nothing (Dark Souls 2 or Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3).
• Reimagining sequels, in which the authors try, with varying success, to reinvent the original and give its ideas a new context (The Last of Us Part 2 or BioShock Infinite).
• Exaggerated sequels, in which the developers increase the distinctive features of the original tenfold or even more (God of War 3 and Bayonetta 2).

The game Bayonetta, published by PlatinumGames, was highly praised by critics and players for its unique style, impressive spectacle and well-thought-out combat system. However, despite positive reviews, the game failed to meet Sega's financial expectations, leading to the sequel's development being put on hold. Nintendo came to the rescue, investing in Bayonetta 2 and making it a Wii U exclusive. Unfortunately, the console failed to achieve commercial success, negatively impacting the game's sales. However, after Bayonetta 2 was re-released for the Nintendo Switch, the game regained attention and recognition, confirming its status as a landmark action game. Bayonetta 2 is not just a successful sequel, but a model sequel that significantly improves on its predecessor. Visually and in terms of gameplay, the second part demonstrates impressive progress, making it more immersive and dynamic. A comparison with the first game clearly shows how significantly the graphics, mechanics, and overall feel of the game world have improved. Bayonetta 2 not only preserves the spirit of the original but also builds on it, offering players new challenges and variety in gameplay.

The developers have significantly strengthened and expanded all the elements that were popular with players in the first game. Bayonetta 2 has become a real attraction that offers a thrilling journey to hell and back with vivid and memorable moments. This adventure can be compared to the third part of God of War, which also became the culmination of the legendary adventures of Kratos. Bayonetta 2 amazes with its crazy style and dynamic gameplay, making it one of the best games in the genre.

In God of War 3, the protagonist Kratos faces colossal titans that fall on him, creating an atmosphere of epic confrontation. In Bayonetta 2, the heroine Bayonetta also deals with powerful opponents - enormous angels from the local pantheon. While Kratos gouges out the eyes of one of the gods in a tense QTE scene, Bayonetta demonstrates her power by throwing one of the bosses into the mouth of a giant dragon from hell. Both characters represent the struggle against forces superior to them, while also highlighting each game's unique style and approach to depicting mythology and epic battles.

If the God of War traversed the labyrinth dragging the corpse of one of the bosses' mother, the Night Witch raced through hell on a unicorn with a blade for a horn. These events and images are not identical, but they are united by a powerful mythological foundation and the developers' grandiose creative approach. The games immerse us in unique worlds where mythology and epic motifs create an unforgettable experience.

I expected the developers to return to proven techniques in the threequel, increasing the scale of events and amplifying the elements of madness. However, my expectations were not met. Bayonetta 3 is a completely new experience.

Borrowing and reimagining

The third film is noticeably different from its predecessors thanks to its numerous quotes from games, films, anime, and music videos by various artists, such as Hidetaka Miyazaki, Shinji Mikami, Luc Besson, and Michael Jackson. These influences create a unique atmosphere and emphasize the originality of the third film, setting it apart from the first two parts.

The ideas, themes, and mechanics of Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 are based on the design experience of Hideki Kamiya. These games draw heavily on elements of Devil May Cry, which allows us to see what the "real" Devil May Cry 2 could have been if Kamiya had remained at the helm of development. The first Bayonetta combined all the aspects Kamiya liked about DMC and excluded those elements that evoked negative feelings. Thus, the Bayonetta games not only continued the genre's traditions but also reimagined them, creating a unique gaming experience.

The sequel took a different tack, offering players a unique experience that speaks to the modern gamer. It appeals not only to fans of the previous installments in the series but also to those familiar with other PlatinumGames and Clover Studios titles, such as Astral Chain, Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance, NieR: Automata, and Viewtiful Joe. This approach creates a deep connection with the audience while bringing in elements that have already become beloved by many.

If you loved the witch's dancing from the first two games, you'll find even more content in a new style. If you enjoyed playing as Jeanne in the second installment, you'll enjoy a standalone spy action minigame that parodies Metal Gear Solid and Cowboy Bebop. If you were a fan of Bayonetta herself and couldn't tear yourself away from her adventures, you'll be treated to over a dozen different versions of Bayonetta from various universes. If you were captivated by cutscenes featuring colossal demons and spectacular enemy executions, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy numerous interactive segments where you can control these demons. Some of these sequences are reminiscent of the thrilling moments from Pacific Rim and the latest Godzilla films in scale.

One of the key innovations of Bayonetta 3 is the Demon Slave mechanic, which allows players to summon and control powerful demons on the battlefield. This system combines powerful attacks with the agile combos that are characteristic of Bayonetta. The developers took inspiration for this mechanic from the canceled project Scalebound, which involved controlling a massive dragon. Creative director Hideaki Kamiya repeatedly expressed regret over the cancellation of Scalebound, as development lasted several years and left a significant amount of unused content after its completion. As a result, this content was integrated into Bayonetta 3, creating a game that stands out not only from previous installments in the series but also among modern third-person action games.

Bayonetta 3 actively utilizes ideas and concepts from other well-known games, making it more appealing to modern players. For example, the semi-open environments are reminiscent of the level design of Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, offering players varied routes and branching paths to explore. Furthermore, one of Bayonetta's new demons, the Fire Spider, is borrowed from the first Devil May Cry, where it was introduced as a challenging boss. These elements give the game a familiar yet fresh experience, making Bayonetta 3 an intriguing choice for fans of the genre.

In later installments of the Devil May Cry series, interesting parallels can be seen. For example, the ultimate villain from Bayonetta 3 shares similar traits with Urizen from the fifth game. Also, the new witch Viola resembles Nero from the fourth game, displaying the same level of awkwardness. These similarities highlight shared elements of character design and storylines that may appeal to fans of both franchises.

What do Bayonetta 3 and Beyoncé have in common?

I often draw parallels between games and music albums. In my view, games are more than just a collection of visual and technical elements such as graphics, sound, art design, mechanics, and optimization. Games are holistic works of art that can evoke emotions and immerse the player in unique worlds. Each game, like a music album, has its own atmosphere, plot, and character, making them important cultural objects.

Games are complex emotional and sensory experiences that are formed through the harmonious combination of various elements. Just as a music album consists of successive compositions, each of which includes multiple soundtracks—vocals, drums, guitars, and additional arrangements—games should not be judged by their individual components. For example, you can't judge a game solely by its frame rate or texture quality in a few locations. It's important to consider the game as a whole, taking into account all its aspects, such as the story, gameplay, graphics, and sound. This will provide a true sense of the quality and depth of the gaming experience.

Bayonetta 3 displays a musicality similar to Beyoncé's recent album, Renaissance. Both works are a unique blend of borrowed material and the original sounds of their creators. Each successfully combines elements, creating a new experience that differs from the original sources of inspiration, even despite the presence of direct quotes. This highlights the creators' mastery of creating original content that attracts attention and generates interest.

Beyoncé and her team of collaborators, like the developers at PlatinumGames, have successfully overcome the crisis by creating new and engaging content based on existing ideas. Essentially, these are reworkings of familiar plots, but their uniqueness lies in their original presentation, expressive intonations, and rhythms. This approach allows for a fresh approach to familiar themes, captivating audiences and generating interest in the title.

Bayonetta 3 is a unique action game that combines the best elements of the most successful action games and films, complemented by PlatinumGames's original concepts. This year, a similar approach can be seen in Elden Ring, created by Hidetaka Miyazaki. This game combined the best practices of the soulslike and RPG genres, offering players vast open worlds to explore. Bayonetta 3 and Elden Ring demonstrate how to effectively utilize elements of the genre while creating a fun and innovative gaming experience.

Bayonetta 3 can be considered a museum of action games, especially in the context of PlatinumGames' work. The appearance of this threequel confirms that the studio, despite past failures, continues to create unique and popular projects. It maintains its signature style and reimagines previously released games, including those that were canceled. Bayonetta 3 demonstrates how to combine innovation with classic elements, bringing fresh ideas to the genre while maintaining a recognizable feel.

PlatinumGames, like Beyoncé, has continually evolved throughout its creative journey while remaining true to its roots. This also applies to the character of Bayonetta in the third installment. It has undergone significant changes and has become even more perfect.

Horror elements and Bayonetta's mortality

Now that we've covered the borrowings and reimaginings, it's time to turn our attention to other important aspects. One of the most significant innovations in Bayonetta 3 isn't the controllable demon mechanics or the bonus stealth game about Jeanne, but the introduction of horror elements. This distinguishes Bayonetta 3 from other action games, both old and modern, giving the game a unique atmosphere and depth. Horror elements in the context of dynamic gameplay add tension and surprise, making the gaming experience more memorable and exciting.

In the early 2000s, riding the wave of the genre's popularity, developers actively incorporated horror elements into their games. Slashers were no exception to this trend. A prime example is Devil May Cry, which not only effectively utilized horror elements to create a tense atmosphere but also largely grew out of the Resident Evil 4 prototype. This combination of style and horror became defining for many subsequent projects in the genre, influencing the development of slashers and their perception by players.

Following the success of Resident Evil 2, the publisher began development on the third game under the direction of Shinji Mikami, and the fourth under the direction of Hideki Kamiya. Kamiya sought to create a new game that would differentiate itself from previous installments in the series. He decided to increase the dynamism of the gameplay, focusing on active combat and increasing the protagonist's movement speed. Drawing inspiration from the Castlevania series, which also incorporates horror elements, Kamiya set out to develop the game in full 3D while maintaining the franchise's signature atmosphere of terror and tension.

During development, the game, originally conceived as part of the Resident Evil series, underwent significant changes and increasingly deviated from its predecessors. Upon seeing the final result, Capcom's management decided to remove all references to Resident Evil. Despite developer Hideaki Kamiya's efforts to convince the publisher to maintain ties to the renowned franchise, his attempts were unsuccessful. As a result, the project was renamed Devil May Cry. Nevertheless, the dark locations, terrifying monsters, tense atmosphere, and terrifying transformations remained in the final version of the game, becoming key elements defining the franchise's unique style and atmosphere. Devil May Cry stands out from other games thanks to its vibrant visual aesthetic and memorable gameplay elements, contributing to its popularity among fans of the genre.

Devil May Cry 5 takes a step further, expanding the series' signature gothic aesthetic. The second half of the game plunges players into dark and intricate Giger-esque tunnels crafted from slippery flesh, creating the sensation of the characters crawling through a womb. This approach adds a unique atmosphere to the game and increases the sense of tension, which makes the gameplay even more exciting.

In the Bayonetta games and its The sequel features horror elements that play a significant role in creating the atmosphere. These include vile biblical angels in various forms and terrifying hellish demons, ready to devour not only their enemies but also Bayonetta herself if she shows weakness. The game's creators constantly explore the themes of heaven and hell, emphasizing that for a mere mortal, there is virtually no difference between them. The innovative and sometimes shocking boss transformations in the first two games also add an element of dread and unpredictability. These aspects make Bayonetta a unique representative of the genre, where horror and action intertwine to create an unforgettable gaming experience.

The third game features virtually no angels, just as there is no literal hell. The game does feature demons, whose designs can be considered truly terrifying. They are perfect for any horror project. However, Bayonetta 3 offers players more than just horror elements. The game combines a unique style, a gripping storyline, and dynamic gameplay, making it appealing to a wide audience.

Nobody is safe

In the threequel, the authors do not directly apply horror elements. Instead, from the very beginning, they focus on the theme of the protagonist's mortality, demonstrating that her life will change, and the old realities will never return. This concept creates an atmosphere of tension and anticipation, forcing the viewer to consider the inevitability of change and the consequences they may bring.

This section contains plot spoilers. We will discuss key plot points that may affect the perception of the story. If you do not want to know important details in advance, we recommend refraining from reading. Plot spoilers may reveal unexpected twists and final events that may spoil the viewing or reading experience. Prepare for in-depth analysis and discussion of themes, characters, and motivations to better understand the big picture.

At the very beginning, in a prologue that meticulously recreates scenes from the first two games, Bayonetta is defeated and dies. Throughout the story, dozens of alternate versions of her are encountered, all of whom also perish. Towards the end, just when it feels like the worst is over, a dramatic scene occurs that could be considered the conclusion of the entire trilogy. This ending leaves a sad and unsettling impression.

In Bayonetta 3, the characters' safety is at stake. The developers, like George R.R. Martin in A Song of Ice and Fire, create a tense atmosphere, making players care about the fate of the main characters. This is a new feature for the series, adding depth and emotional engagement to the game.

In the first part of the story, we empathized with little Cerese, but we didn't feel the same emotions towards Bayonetta. Bayonetta was a true heroine, confident and strong. We never doubted for a moment that this witch would easily overcome any difficulties and overcome all obstacles, including those connected to her complex past. Her confidence and powerful abilities are inspiring, creating the confidence that she can handle any challenge.

In The sequel maintains the same dynamic. The focus is on worrying about Jeanne, but confidence in Bayonetta remains unwavering. Although the overall tone of the story has become darker and more serious, the game did not cause me anxiety. The first two parts felt more cozy, reminiscent of Devil May Cry 4, where the player knows in advance that the hero will achieve their goal and everything will be fine. The storyline continues to develop, but remains predictable, which creates a feeling of comfort for players.

Bayonetta 3 immerses the player in an atmosphere of serious trials from the very first minutes, emphasizing that both Bayonetta herself and her allies may not survive the trials. This concept of mortality and danger permeates the plot and is revealed through the theme of multiverses, which plays a key role in the narrative. Multiple worlds and heroes increase the stakes, making every event fateful. In this game, the price of defeat is incredibly high, which adds depth and tension to the gameplay.

The creators' decision significantly changes the perception of the characters of the third installment and the first two parts. They transform from semi-mythical figures and practically omnipotent beings into more down-to-earth, human characters, demonstrating new traits. Parallel universes offer creators the opportunity to explore these new facets of their characters, enriching their portrayals. For example, Bayonetta develops romantic feelings for one of the characters, adding depth and complexity to her character. These changes make the story more layered and interesting, allowing players to see familiar characters in a new light.

Love and Death

Love and horror are integral elements of many works of art. In Mike Flanagan's series "The Haunting of Hill House," key plot lines focus on the various manifestations of love and the suffering that haunt the characters. These emotions become the cause of tragedies and conflicts, highlighting the complexity of human relationships and their impact on the characters' psyche. The series masterfully combines horror elements with deep psychological aspects, forcing viewers to consider how love can both heal and destroy.

In the cult film franchise "Halloween," the confrontation between the protagonist and the maniac antagonist is reminiscent of an abusive relationship from the very beginning. This conflict reveals the psychological aspects of the interaction between victim and aggressor, emphasizing deep emotional dependence and the struggle for survival. The film touches on important themes of violence and fear, making it relevant for discussing abuse in modern society. Thus, "Halloween" not only entertains viewers but also makes them think about serious social issues.

Love in the horror action game Shadows of the Damned is a key element for both the protagonist and the entire plot. The protagonist's lover was kidnapped and taken to hell, and now he must risk everything, including his own life, to get her back. This love underscores the emotional depth of the game and serves as the main motivator for overcoming the horrors the hero faces in a dark and dangerous world.

Clive Barker, the renowned author of "Hellraiser" and one of the founders of the splatterpunk genre, also touches on the theme of love in his works. Love, with its various manifestations—from sexual relations to passionate infatuations—becomes an important element of his plots. In most of his works, this theme is intertwined with elements of horror, creating a unique combination of emotion and terror. Barker masterfully explores how love and passion can transform into something dark and dangerous, which makes his work especially captivating for readers.

Bayonetta 3 isn't limited to themes of love or horror. While these elements are central to the plot, many other concepts and themes unfold around them. The game is replete with references, reimaginings of legacy, fan service, and borrowings, and also focuses on a new heroine. It also strives for a change of tone, which gives the project uniqueness and depth.

Bayonetta 3's narrative, despite its dynamic pace and emphasis on action, maintains coherence. It is a cohesive narrative crafted with the sole purpose of concluding the old trilogy and opening a new one. The game's ending is full of sadness, anxiety, and even some frightening moments, but it also contains a positive message. This contrast of emotions makes the threequel unforgettable for players, and many will be left with a lasting impression. At the same time, it's possible that some fans may be disappointed.

This entire spectrum of feelings and subtle emotions unfolds against a backdrop of thrilling action, dynamic dances, acrobatic stunts, and urban destruction. This unique combination, in my opinion, was only possible thanks to the mastery of PlatinumGames. Their ability to combine emotional depth with intense gameplay creates an unforgettable experience for players.

Bayonetta 3 overcame the "third part crisis" thanks not only to its scale, borrowings, horror elements, and sad romance. A key factor in the game's successful development was the creative vision of Hideki Kamiya and his team. Their unique approach to content development and attention to detail made the game engaging and memorable. Bayonetta 3 combines innovative mechanics and a deep story, attracting both new and long-time fans of the series. The creative team created not only an immersive gameplay experience but also an atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the importance of artistic expression in game design.

During my school years, I was introduced to the game Stranglehold, starring the famous actor Chow Yun-fat. The famous director John Woo, known for such films as Hard Boiled and Face/Off, was responsible for creating the scenes and the game's concept. On the disc cover, there was a quote from a review in Igromania magazine, describing Stranglehold as "a concentrated, freshly squeezed action game of the highest standard." This game was a real discovery for me in the world of video games, combining a gripping storyline and dynamic gameplay that still leave a lasting impression.

Although the phrase may seem naive and hackneyed, it accurately captures the essence of Bayonetta 3. Currently, there is no other action game that combines such crazy dynamics, vibrant graphics, and emotional depth as this threequel. Bayonetta 3 stands out from the crowd thanks to its unique style, captivating gameplay, and memorable characters. It's a game that definitely leaves an impression and offers players unforgettable moments unmatched by other games in the genre. Don't worry if this game ends up being the final one in the series and a sequel about the "other" witch doesn't happen. The options and ideas presented in the threequel are enough to create several smaller games. Moreover, PlatinumGames studio has the potential to repeatedly reimagine its concepts and characters, which opens up many possibilities for future projects.