All we know right now is that it supports two players
Bayonettais one of my favorite action games of all time. Not only is it legitimately challenging even on hard mode (who would have thought), but it offers up that frame-perfect technical action you’d expect from a studiolike Platinum Games, with a ton of weapon variety to boot.
Although we don’t know much aboutBayonetta 2, I’m still pretty excited given the team’s pedigree, andthe multiplayer modehas me intrigued. Going into 2014 and the inevitable release of more information on the sequel, I’m starting to wonder whatBayonettawould be like with another person.
Competitive:
Astute Platinum fans will notice that the above screen is actually fromAnarchy Reigns— one of my favorite games of 2013. As a cross-promotion of sorts Bayonetta was implanted into the game, which features a good old-fashioned rumble-fest with multiplayer arena combat.
This is easily howBayonetta 2‘s multiplayer component could end up, as her inclusion inAnarchycould have been foreshadowing a full-on competitive mode for up to four players. Assuming that Nintendo and Platinum are able to get the game up and running online, both parties really need to address the immediate drop in the online community, a problem that plaguedAnarchy Reigns.
With Nintendo at the helm and a bigger budget, they could work with Platinum to achieve a superior netcode, resulting in less dropped games. They could also collaboratively decide to cut down on the gametypes, so that players could easily jump into another session without too much trouble.
Nintendo showed their resolve by publishingBayonetta 2, one of their only M-rated games on record. Now they can show that they have what it takes to back up Platinum and provide a solid online experience with a hardcore action game.
Co-op:
Playing nice is also an option, and co-op would easily work if Nintendo and Platinum decide to ditch online play entirely. I think this is the likely option for multiple reasons, including the ability to use the GamePad and a Wii U Pro Controller in tandem. Similar toSonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, one player can use the GamePad as a screen while the other player gets free rein of the TV.
It would be perfect for ensuring that each player has an ample camera angle to perform their maneuvers, and very easy to engineer with only two players to account for, offline. In all likelihood this mode would feature Bayonetta and her rival Jeanne in a format similar toDante’s Inferno’s Trials of St. Luciamode, with both players battling off hordes of enemies.
While I wouldn’t mind an “endless mode” to tackle with a friend, I think specific levels and waves would be ideal, and it would be consistent withBayonetta‘s “grade” and ranking system. In short, it could implement concepts found inNinja Gaiden‘s Ninja Trials mode, and present a “mini-story” — even if it was just clips of Bayonetta and Jeanne bickering.
Personally, I’d find a well designed co-op mode to be superior to the competitive option, especially since we already got a taste of it withAnarchy Reigns. A truly well balanced co-op mode with the same technical action from the core game would provide endless hours of entertainment for myself and another like-minded friend.
Both?
Of course, this list is non-exhaustive, and doesn’t spell out every option for Platinum Games — just the more likely ones. It would be great if both of them were included, as well as local and online play. Leaderboards would also be perfect for either mode to add a friendly competitive element to them.
Either way, I’m hoping we hear 2sooner than later.
