Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon Review

As a spinoff game, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon takes some creative risks with its narrative. Existing Bayonetta fans may be disappointed with its lack of references to the mainline games, but anyone seeking a charming action puzzler should enjoy this one.

In addition to combat, several levels feature puzzles that use both characters. For example, the L button allows players to shrink Cheshire into a stuffed form so he can be carried over a gap or tossed up a ladder.

Gameplay

As the pint-sized spellcaster and her reluctant companion explore a twisted fairy tale forest, Bayonetta Origins offers a delightful twist on Platinum Games’ signature action. The prequel to the series rewrites its mature-rated, stylish combat within the pages of a storybook, crafting an endearing tale of an inexperienced witch’s quest for self-worth.

Labeled a pariah for her Lumen Sage father and Umbra Witch mother (a forbidden pairing), Cereza finds solace in the teachings of her stern mentor Morgana and trains to become more powerful. However, a botched demon-summoning ritual leads to the creature inhabiting her beloved stuffed animal, which she dubs Cheshire.

Unlike most Bayonetta games, players control Cereza and her fanged companion simultaneously, using one analog stick for movement and another for attacking, dodging, and interacting with the environment. This allows players to use each character’s unique capabilities in tandem to overcome environmental puzzles and fend off foes.

Graphics

Arriving only a couple of months after Bayonetta 3 but avoiding the kind of spinoff disaster many feared, Cereza and the Lost Demon genuinely feels like a worthy addition to the series. It may not re-create the kinetic ballet of violence that made the franchise famous, but it delivers plenty of fun mechanics and expertly executed fan-pleasing moments.

Rather than a bullet-hell set piece, this fairytale adventure puts you in the shoes of a pint-sized witch in training, chasing a vision of power into a forbidden forest. Gone are the guns and kinky executions, replaced with fairy dust, cuddly toys, and a surprisingly heartwarming tale.

Much like a 3D Zelda or Okami game, you control Cereza and her demon cat Cheshire with the left Joy-Con, with combat and puzzle-solving often intertwined. Although Cheshire only has a limited ability early on to fend off enemies (he can pull shields off, wrap enemies in vines, and crush them), the later unlocks of elemental forms give him much more flavor.

Soundtrack

The game’s soundtrack and audio effects are a real treat. The soundtrack eschews the bombastic action of the main series for a more fairytale feel that complements the story and world well. It features cute sound effects and Zelda-esque piano jingles, and the voice work of Cereza’s VA is superb as she progresses from a scared little witch in training to the confident Umbra Witch that we all know and love.

As the title suggests, this Bayonetta spinoff focuses less on combat and more on a puzzle adventure in which players control both Cereza and Cheshire simultaneously, using their combined powers to navigate and solve puzzles in the fairy tale world of Avalon Forest. It’s a unique take on the franchise that does not try to compete with the spectacle of the main trilogy and instead focuses on Metroidvania-like level design, exploration, and storytelling. It’s an excellent Bayonetta spinoff that all fans should check out.

Story

At first glance, Bayonetta Origins wouldn’t work as a spinoff because it lacks the glitz of the leading franchise, but it’s a delightful adventure that lets you see another side of one of gaming’s most beloved female characters.

The game’s story is a lovely tale that follows Cereza, the future Umbra Witch, as she learns confidence and trust in her demonic partner, Cheshire, on an adventure to the Avalon Forest. Against her will, she summons the demon who takes up residence in a doll she received as a child to help her gain the power needed to reunite with her imprisoned mother.

Unlike the other Bayonetta games, this game doesn’t overdo its combat and instead allows exploration to be the main focus while incorporating some clever battle mechanics that keep things interesting. For example, the game employs a circus theme for battles with trickster faeries that require timing and teamwork to take down or the climactic fight with the fabled Jabberwock, an imposing dragon that involves planning, execution, and a good dose of luck.