A new chapter unfolds in Bayonetta 3, the newest entry in the franchise since Bayonetta 2 released back in 2014. The game brings back some familiar faces, including some from as early as the first Bayonetta. There are also some new characters introduced, including another protagonist, Umbran witch in training, Viola.
While Bayonetta and her various demons are still the main attraction of Bayonetta 3, Viola takes over from time to time in certain chapters. Her role in the game was more of a mystery leading up to the game's release until a trailer revealed her character only months before. While she has a unique design, her character leaves much to be desired. Essentially, Viola's potential as a new fan-favorite character goes largely unfulfilled.
Bayonetta 3 Provides No Context for Viola's Character
Bayonetta 3 opens quite differently than any other game before it, quickly establishing the multiverse and the different versions of Bayonetta that exist within it. Viola watches as the original Bayonetta dies, and she then teleports herself into the present Bayonetta's timeline. While this works in setting up the plot, Viola lacks development because there's no context to her relationships with the other versions of Bayonetta. In fact, Bayonetta is a bit too trustworthy and seems to accept Viola's framing of the situation with the Homunculi right off the bat. Without any prior development, Viola's initial inclusion in the plot leaves the player feeling unattached to the character.
Viola's Moveset Can Be Quite Difficult to Master
Hardcore fans of Bayonetta are used to Cereza's moveset of punching with X, kicking with A, and dodging with ZR to activate witch time. When Viola becomes playable, gamers quickly learn just how different Viola's moveset is and could experience difficulties adjusting to it. The Y button becomes more present in her combos, and parrying with R not only changes the way Witch Time is activated but shortens the window for said activation significantly. Viola's inclusion adds more diversity to the gameplay, but her moveset can seem daunting to players, especially while also having to learn the movesets for a new roster of demons at Bayonetta's disposal.
Other Bayonetta 3 Characters Like Jeanne Overshadow Viola
While introducing new protagonist Viola, Bayonetta 3 also features returning faces including Rodin, Luka, and Enzo. Fellow Umbran witch Jeanne even gets her own mini-game wherein she infiltrates a secret lab. Since her moveset is so similar to Bayonetta's, it would make more sense to give more chapters in the main story to Jeanne, since fans are already familiar with her. Fans have an attachment to Jeanne, especially since she was saved by Bayonetta in Bayonetta 2. PlatinumGames should have made Jeanne a side character in the main plot because of her already-established history and popularity within the fan base. The fact that Viola is featured more than her is confusing and the comparison between the two does Viola no favors.
On one hand, Bayonetta 3 is a celebration of the franchise that reflects on the series' history. In addition to including returning characters, the game introduces new playable ones with their own unique movesets. Viola is among the new characters introduced, and while she has a unique design, aspects of her character leave much to be desired.
Not only is there no context to Viola's relationship with Bayonetta, but Bayonetta seems to go along with her plans despite this lack of information. Viola's new gameplay style can be difficult to master, and it's questionable why she's included in the main story over Jeanne. Bayonetta 3's ending cements Viola's presence in the series, so fans will have to wait and see how her new role unfolds in the franchise.