Each entry in the Bayonetta series has added new elements to keep the hack-and-slash combat fresh and challenging. The first game introduced torture attacks, which were stylish finishing moves used when the player's magic gauge was filled. Bayonetta 2 added Umbran Climaxes, wide sweeping moves Bayonetta could use against every enemy. It also introduced Umbran Armor, which involved heavier jabs and kicks.
Now, Bayonetta 3 appears poised to introduce a brand-new way for the Umbral Witch to fight her enemies: by commanding her demons from off to the side as they fight giant enemies. While Bayonetta has always fought alongside her demons using wicked weave attacks, things took a turn when she fought against them in Bayonetta 2. Since she has fought with and against many demons, there are many examples to draw from to speculate what Bayonetta's new combat options could be.
Gomorrah: Devourer of the Divine
.png?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
Bayonetta 3's first gameplay trailer depicts this new style of combat when Bayonetta summons Gomorrah, a dragon from hell that she's used in many climax sequences prior. Gomorrah fights a giant angel while Bayonetta commands off to the side. The demon is seen slashing into the angel, then slamming into them. It then breathes blue flames, which fully destroy the angel.
In the prologue chapter boss battle in Bayonetta 2, Gomorrah uses an attack not seen in the trailer: slamming Bayonetta with its tail. Other attacks featured in the boss battle include biting Bayonetta and shooting fireballs.
Malphas: Airborne Fighter
-1.png?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
The next clip shows Bayonetta summoning Malphas, the giant bird demon. In previous games, Bayonetta already had the ability to transform into Malphas to fly. She can also use this ability to shoot feathers at her opponents. Just like at her regular size, Bayonetta can also shoot feathers at giant opponents. The next clip involves Malphas moving in a circular motion, suggesting another move it can use. This gust not only sweeps up the angel she's fighting against, but other objects and debris nearby.
Phantasmaraneae: Twister of Flame
.png?q=50&fit=crop&w=750&dpr=1.5)
The last giant demon Bayonetta summons in the trailer is perhaps the one with the most potential in terms of combat: Phantasmaraneae, the demon spider. It sits on its string and slashes the angel multiple times as it swings from side to side. Then, Phantasmaraneae spits a web onto the angel, holding it in place. Bayonetta then commands the spider to climb sideways onto the wall, where it has the perfect opportunity to stab the angel with its stinger. The game moves in slow motion, and the player is prompted to press X and A. This causes Bayonetta to get hurled into the angel like a rocket, which is where the trailer ends. This suggests that Bayonetta could go in for one final finishing move, like a climax sequence, once her giant demons are finished weakening her opponents.
Phantasmaraneae's boss fight from Bayonetta 2 also suggests other moves the spider could use in combat. In the boss battle, the spider can hold the player down with webs, slashes at them, releases explosions of flames from its body, and is able to stick to the wall using its webs. From there, Phantasmaraneae slams onto the opponent, causing a huge shock wave throughout the room. It's possible any one of these moves could be used while Bayonetta commands the demon spider.
This new form of combat looks incredibly exciting for Bayonetta fans, as it's something the series hasn't done before. While additions like Umbran Climaxes and Umbran Armor changed the game somewhat in Bayonetta 2, this new style of combat could open up many opportunities for different gameplay styles. Bayonetta 3 is one of the most anticipated games of 2022, and despite the lack of information on the game and its long development cycle, it's possible PlatinumGames will rewrite hack-and-slash gameplay in a way never seen before.