Itagaki on "Bayonetta"

1UP: What do you think of Bayonetta's character design? She's covered in hair.

TI: Covered in hair, is she? I dunno, Mr. Kamiya must have a lot going through his head. Well, in any case, I would first recommend laser eye surgery. I'm sure he's not that strapped for cash, right?

Source

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.






Brad

Bayonetta is the most beautiful video game avatar I've ever seen.

I know, I know. I'm crazy, right? My guess is you have yet to watch the video below.


Quantifying my excitement for this game is not easy. I would say the last time I was this excited about a game was... maybe... Final Fantasy 7?

Who knows...

Brad

Grin's "Terminator Salvation" sold more than their "Bionic Commando".

27k sold in May for Bionic Commando. Across both platforms too I believe.

What the hell is wrong with people?

I worry more and more about the sales of Bayonetta and the future of Platinum Games.

Brad

This is the Bayonetta trailer Sega doesn't want you to watch!

**This video was removed as politely requested by Sega**


This is the leaked trailer that Sega keeps taking off Youtube and gaming sites. Watch it while you still can.

Things I learned from this trailer.

1) There will be a motorcycle driving sequence in the game. During "Verse 3" to be exact. This could be good or bad.
2) That motorcycle is started with a middle finger.
3) Hair centipede is summoned.
4) There appears to be a timed sequence with some QTE in it. ACK!
5) "Xbox Live" tag on the end of the trailer. Do all single player games have this?
6) It appears she can use "Witch Time"(slow-mo activated after a perfect dodge) to stop enemy projectiles and send them back at the enemy.
7) She seemed to get really series and have a "Super Saiyan" moment when her "daughter" was being attacked.
8) The trailers and Kamiya keep stressing the importance of the "balance" she is trying to keep between good and evil.
9) "Orphaned. Exiled. Imprisoned."
10) "A child of impure blood". She might be only a half witch or something.
11) Story seems VERY prominent in this game. There may be more story in just the trailers of Bayonetta than the entire first Devil May Cry. Also, Platinum Games seems to be very protective of it.

and of course...

12) You can add "in bed." to pretty much anything Bayonetta ever says and have great results.


Brad

Recognizing Developers - Hideki Kamiya

With the exception of Miyamoto and Kojima, most Japanese developers are unrecognizable to the average video game player. Very few of these Japanese developers have the kind of celebrity status to receive instant recognition. I especially had this problem at E3 as I was not able to identify some pretty awesome Japanese video game designers who I was apparently standing right next to at times.

Though there was one person I recognized instantly. He is one of my favorite developers ever, and although I was able to recognized him, would you have? You would have kicked yourself to find out you didn't notice this great video game mind.

Hideki Kamiya's games:

Resident Evil 2 - Director
Devil May Cry - Director
Viewtiful Joe - Director
Okami - Director, Writer
Bayonetta - Director


Other games he has worked on:

Resident Evil - System Planner/Camera Works
Resident Evil Zero - Original Game Deisgner
Viewtiful Joe 2 - Writer
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trials and Tribulations - Voice of Godot


Here is a really great profile on him over on 1up.

A resume like this and people barely know his name or face...

Well, now you know.


Brad

Some Bayonetta gameplay for those who have only seen the trailers.

I spent a lot of time with this game at E3. I played through the entire demo about three times and I spent an extra 15 to 20 minutes just practicing moves in the tutorial room. This is how I know Bayonetta is already one of the best action games I have ever played. People who have just seen the trailers or only played the game for a few minutes seem to be largely ignoring this title. This is a fucking shame. Here are some gameplay video from just the first part of the demo.






Brad

In The End

E3 is now over. I'm all packed for the airport. Nick is taking a shower and cleaning up his things. Brad is checking over some blogs while lying in bed like a school girl.

There was a lot going on over the past few days. There's lots to talk about and even more to post about. The last few days have been a blur and you can see from the site that it was getting harder and harder to keep pace with all the things going on.

We'll be home in a few hours and then we'll begin sorting through all the aftermath. For now here are a couple pictures. Above is from the meet up with Davethezombie, corvus, baroquesilver, and cafela. Also Bobby Lee is in the picture.

Below is Brad meeting Bayonetta.

More stories to come.
David

New Bayonetta trailer will suck your brain out through your nipples.

Even Kamiya is using quick time events (QTEs) these days. *sigh*

At least he is doing something different with them. If you look closely, you can see that the face button prompts also give the position on the face button diamond. This could possibly speed up reaction times with the QTEs and allow for more fluid sequences (and less failing).

With that said... this trailer is further proof that Kamiya is making the most insane video game ever to grace this industry. Bayonetta is still my #1 most anticipated of 2009.


Brad

MadBrad - A shitty start for Platinum Games?

How many fucking Wii consoles are out there? Eleventy Billion? Why does it matter that Nintendo is dominating the console war if the games that matter don't sell.

Madworld, which came out fairly early in the month, sold a pathetic 66k in March.

Nintendo HAS created a different market. Yes, the industry did grow, but those people that are the new consumers in this market are not buying anything but casual games. Who does this help?? Big publishers who can churn shit out to make the money to fund the projects they actually want to be making? Nintendo, EA, Activision??? The smaller companies who, god forbid, only have teams who want to make real games--what are they supposed to do? Give up? Make Mini Ninjas?

So guess what? Third party games, that are not Guitar games, DO NOT SELL for shit on Nintendo systems. Sure there are some exceptions, but guess what else also sold like shit last month? Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars--a game from possibly the biggest hardcore franchise in the industry, a game that received stellar reviews (sits around 94% on GameRankings), a game that only had a Teen rating, did not make the top 10 games sold in March--it didn't even break 90k. A fucking Grand Theft Auto game!

There is no PS2 this generation. There is no PS1 this generation. Meaning? There is no "sure thing" that developers can put their games out on. From the smallest dev teams to the biggest publishers, during the last two console generations, companies had a console that they KNEW had the audience they needed to sell their game.

I have no doubt that Madworld WOULD have sold way more on PS3 or 360. Why? It has a lower install base and a higher game price. So why? Because we are the people who would have bought the game. So do you all own Wiis? Did you all buy the game? Who owns a Wii and chose not to buy the game? Would you have bought the game if it were on PS3 or 360?

This isn't Nintendo's fault. I think we just need to come to the realization that this hobby of ours that we all love so much--the industry that spawns it has never belonged to us. You know why PS2 was a success? Because Madden was on PS2. Because GTA was on PS2. Because the PS2 was affordable. Not because PS2 had Shadow of the Colossus or Okami. The mainstream, non enthusiast consumers have always determined the fate of the industry. Well... their interests have changed it seems.

Who needs a cool new action game when we could just play Guitar Hero? Who needs a $400 console, when we can play Guitar Hero on a $200 one? Oh look... we won't have to save up money and buy it ourselves because Mom wants Wii Fit.

66,000. For shame. What does Platinum Games do now? Hopefully Bayonetta will do a bit better.


Brad

New Bayonetta trailer - Your opinions?

There is only one answer.


Brad

Brad's Scattered Thoughts

- 2009 has so much potential to be an amazing year. I dare you all to look into what is confirmed and what could potentially come out this fall. I started to make a list, but I got overwhelmed and stopped. Most anticipated for the confirmed/semi-confirmed? Bayonetta, Brutal Legend, and Dragon Age. But really... there could be so much more.


- Please. In the name of all that is holy, don't let this be true. There are rumors that Lord of the Rings Online is coming to Xbox 360. This is the well received PC MMO that came out in a post WoW world. Why do I not want this on consoles? Because the Ring is too hard to resist. Seriously. This could be disastrous.


- I started playing Shadow of Rome due to a recommendation from a commenter, and a video review from the great Greg Kasavin. Well the game is pretty good, but it needs less pretty boy segments, and more gladiator arena fights. I've also been considering picking up Gladius for the PS2 or Xbox. I hear you can recruit armored bears in this strategy rpg. A Rome week in the making perhaps?


- Where are all the quality, current generation action adventure games out right now? I asked this question in chat and got some pretty sad answers. Devil May Cry 4 was pretty good, but it could have been better. Ninja Gaiden 2 was a letdown. Zelda was last generation. Heavenly Sword wasn't bad. Uhh... Anyone have any great recommendations for current gen action adventure games? No shooters please.


- Sexy.


- What the fuck!? I think I completely missed the boat on Shenmue. I seriously doubt I could ever enjoy the series at this point. I popped in Shenmue 2 the other day and the results were terrifying. How could I possibly enjoy such a story and character driven game with such horrible voice acting. Even the first Yakuza was exponentially more listenable. The only way I will ever play this series is if Sega does some sort of retro re-release with full Japanese language options. It was so bad...



Brad

What's in Brad's head atm?

- Aside from Bayonetta, I think Bioware's Dragon Age: Origins might be my most anticipated game of 2009. Why? I think this is the game Bioware really wants to make. I think they will be giving me the Baldur's Gate experience I love, without the Baldur's Gate battle system that I hate. Sorta. The battle system is there, but they are streamlining the experience with, from what I understand, an AI system similar to Final Fantasy 12's gambit system. This is a very good thing.



- I'm super excited to play Muramasa: The Demon Blade. Is it because of the graphics? Yes. Do they still look good on the Wii? Yes. Does it matter that interest behind this game is driven by graphics? No. Will the game sell well enough so that we may see Vanillaware tackle their art style in HD? Probably not. Here is a new trailer:





- This guy is smart.



- I never have time to play my handhelds. Why am I getting a DSi again? 170? The fuck!?



Brad

So Good Thing or Bad Thing?

Brad,

You're a very hard person to read at times. Sometimes I'll call you with news that I think you'll be excited about, but you aren't. Other times the smallest thing we talk about for hours. I'm not sure.

But I do feel like this is news worthy so....

Thanks gray_snake for emailing me and letting me know that Ryū ga Gotoku 3 (Yakuza 3 for PS3) will be getting a demo tomorrow on the Japanese Store. (Credit: vg247.com)

For those who are new to the blog we've been really supportive of mostly anything Sega. Valkyria Chronicles won Game of the Year from us for 2008. They are working with new developers like Plantinum Games on projects such as Bayonetta and MadWorld. And of course, they're always still putting out "high quality" Sonic titles.

Their biggest release of the year, however, has a chance that it won't even make it outside of Japan. It's a game that we've been really trying to push community support in an effort to let Sega know that there are people who want this game and they should take the time to bring it here.

Brad's been vocal about the OnlinePetition. Here's your chance to help out.

David

56 seconds in, David ordered 3 more copies of Yakuza 2.

OMFG 1 MINUTE IN AND I BOUGHT 84 MORE COPIES!!! SING YOUR HEART OUT KIRYU!!

HOLY SHIT THE REAL TIME BATTLE TRANSITIONS!!! LOOK HOW EVERYONE IN THE AREA RUNS AND FORMS A CIRCLE CAUSE A FIGHT IS STARTING!!!!! FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCCCCK I WANT THIS GAME!!!

The best thing I've seen from TGS thus far is this video. Well.... maybe Bayonetta.

Sega and Level 5 have been the show stoppers for me so far. Hopefully SquareEnix and Sony have something up their sleeves.


Brad

TGS 08 - The Videos & Announcements Keep on Comin

So the game that I wanted to see probably the most at TGS is Bayonetta and i'm pleased to present you with the new trailer for the game that just hit the net from TGS. Check it out:



So my excitement for Resident Evil 5 just went through the roof! Wesker looks like a badass in this game. Sheva is hot. And the overall artistic style of the game is just mind numbing.




Also, the new Halo 3 expansion/prequel got a name and a trailer. Im not a huge Halo fan but it still looks interesting none the less. The game is officially Halo 3: Recon. Check it out:



More to come...

-Nick

Bayonetta Makes Its First Public Appearance

I love you Platinum Games. Your studio is absolutely overflowing with fun and style. Today, the first in game footage of Bayonetta was revealed to the world. The video is not embeddable so you will have to follow the link below to see it yourself. The video is just a minor clip of what is sure to be the first full trailer which will undoubtedly be revealed at TGS.

Click here to check out the Pre TGS Footage!

For those who are unfamiliar with Platinum Games, let me school you for a moment. Remember Okami? That incredible moving painting that was one of the most charming and unique platformers to hit the PS2... ever!? That game was developed by Clover Studios (also known for games such as God Hand and Viewtiful Joe) but was unfortunately closed down because not enough people bought the game... despite good reviews. I don't know why, maybe it was too deep or as Brad would say, Artsy Fartsy, for most "gamers" to embrace. Platinum Games was founded shortly there after by Shinji Mikami (Resident Evil), Atsushi Inaba, and other key members of the Clover Studio team. The studio started as "Seeds, Inc." but was later changed to Platinum Games. "Platinum Games" went on to announce several ambitous future projects such as the ultra violent "Mad World" for the Wii and of course "Bayonetta" for the PS3 and 360. What is so great about this studio is that they are definitely not afraid of trying new things and avoiding the norm. So lets talk Bayonetta for a second.


As you can see, Bayonetta takes some obvious influence from Devil May Cry in terms of environmental design and over the top action. This is probably a direct result of Hideki Kamiya involvement with the project. The game stars Bayonetta, a female warrior with guns on her shoes and lethal hair that can be used to attack foes. Sounds over top? Thats because it most certainly is. The story is still under wraps but from what I have heard from journalists who got a look at the game behind closed doors, the game will definitely be impressive. I can't help but notice her walk as well. The game will definitely feature some sexual undertones and scantily clad characters, a trend that is common among Japanese games. I personally can't stop watching her walk...

So let the ass jokes begin.

I have my eye on this game and I can't wait to hear what David has to say about the game when he returns from TGS!

-Nick

E3 2008 Game of the Show - What was yours?

Leave your answer in the comments section. I will tally the answers later.

What was the game that stood out the most for you at E3 this year? I love to hear what kind of games interest you guys. Are you Fallout people? Maybe Flower people? Possibly even Wii Music soccer moms?


My Game of the Show:
Resident Evil 5

Runners Up:
Little Big Planet
Bayonetta (just the "behind closed doors" reports were excited enough for me)
Fallout 3
Left 4 Dead
Mirror's Edge



Brad

The new Clover Studio...

Clover was the wonderful studio behind the fantastic games Viewtiful Joe, Godhand, and Okami. A couple of years, a couple of name changes, and a new publisher later... they are back and have revealed three new games they are working on. They are as follows:



Mad World - This just looks fucking awesome. They are really pushing the boundaries of video game art styles much like they did with Okami and Viewtiful Joe. This time they are adding blood and violence and lots of it. This is a Wii game and apparently it will use gestural controls for combat. I would have liked to see what this art style would have looked like on a power gen console but I'm excited nonetheless.



Bayonetta - With games like Devil May Cry, Viewtiful Joe, and Godhand in their past, it's no surprise they are making what looks to be a ridiculously over-the-top action game staring a ridiculously over-the-top hero. That is a hawty.... with guns on her feet. Win. This is their PS3/360 game.


Infinite Line - The game I am most excited about from Platinum Games also seems to be their biggest departure. This space RPG has ship customization, crew building, and well... space combat. It doesn't get any geekier than this. Did I mention this is for the DS? Yeah, kinda weird.


Clover is one of my favorite developers and I love all the games they have worked on. I can't wait to see more from each of these games.


Brad