We finally got Bayonetta 3 news for the first time since it was announced four years ago. Fans feared the game had entered development hell and might even be secretly canceled. While the silence points to issues with the game’s development, things seem to be on track now, and we’ve even got our first hint at when Bayonetta 3 might release.
What’s Bayonetta 3’s release date?
You’ve waited long enough. The witch. Is. BACK!
A new-look Bayonetta returns to battle foes with her signature Witch Time! This time, she’ll wield her new Demon Masquerade ability to channel the power of demons and engage in larger-than-life action.#Bayonetta3 dances in 2022. pic.twitter.com/kVPaMdTmoR
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 23, 2021
While we didn’t get a specific release date for Bayonetta 3, we did get a launch window. The game will come out sometime in 2022 if PlatinumGames keeps things on track.
Surprisingly, during the Nintendo Direct, we got to see gameplay for the first time. It looks like it’ll continue the hack-and-slash gameplay the series is famous for, and Bayonetta’s new design looks stunning.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get any details on what the story will be about in Bayonetta 3. Bayonetta will almost certainly be fighting angels and demons again, but other than that, we have no clue as to what the plot will entail. Jeanne also wasn’t present in the scene presented, though we’re almost sure she’ll be included again.
It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since the last game was released. Bayonetta 2 was critically acclaimed (though our reviewer was less than impressed), and it was thought a sequel would come pretty quickly. In fact, when Bayonetta 3 was announced at The Game Awards 2017, many thought the title was near launch. However, either development was just beginning at that point, or something must have happened to slow it down or cause PlatinumGames to postpone or restart it completely. The latter wouldn’t be without precedent as PlatinumGames dev Hideki Kamiya restarted development on Resident Evil 2, which resulted in a massively different game than the first version.
Regardless of the reasons for its absence, Bayonetta 3 is looking great, and we can’t wait to play it sometime next year.
