Alongside official confirmation of the long-awaited character action threequel’s release, PlantiumGames has revealed that the upcoming Bayonetta 3 will feature a new mode which will allow players to toggle the sexualized aspects of various characters’ designs.
The fan-favorite developer provided a bevy of new insight into the Umbra Witches’ latest outing on July 13th, beginning with their release of the game’s latest trailer.
Therein, it was revealed that the game will not only feature a new playable character in Viola and a multiverse-centric plot, with alternate versions of Bayonetta and who appears to be Jeanne making brief appearances in the trailer, but that the Nintendo Switch exclusive would finally release on October 28th.
Alongside the trailer’s debut, PlatinumGames also took a moment to address fan concerns that the vocal criticisms by the Western gaming media of anything even remotely sexualized may affect the franchise’s art direction and introduced players to the game’s new ‘sexy optional’ Naive Angel Mode.
“Relax, the witch is back and sexier than ever,” tweeted the developer. “We’ve added the revolutionary ‘Naive Angel Mode’ to Bayonetta 3 so more people can fully enjoy it.”
Relax, the witch is back and sexier than ever🌙
We've added the revolutionary "Naive Angel Mode" to Bayonetta 3 so more people can fully enjoy it👍
By turning it on, you can play right in the living room without having to worry about what's on screen… we think😅#Bayonetta3 pic.twitter.com/SEs3vqrdYc
— PlatinumGames Inc. (@platinumgames) July 13, 2022
“By turning it on, you can play right in the living room without having to worry about what’s on screen,” they joked. “…We think.”
As seen in a demo video accompanying PlantingumGames’ tweet, the Naive Angel Mode, when toggled, covers up character models with additional clothing not present in their original designs.
In one example provided by the developer, with the option enabled, Bayonetta herself is seen fully-clad whilst using her powers, despite how subsequent uses of her abilities would normally cause her to grow ever more-nude as her combos went on.
In another, a new butterfly-inspired form for Bayonetta which sports a bear chest, though with her nipples covered by an intricate carapice, receives an extra piece of cloth across the bottom of her breasts.
Notably, however, the mode retain’s the female enemy’s overall voluptuous chest shape, rather than attempting to obscure it with a completely different outfit.
What do you make of PlatinumGames’ inclusion of what has come to be colloquially termed as a ‘video games journalist’ mode in Bayonetta 3? Let us know your thoughts on social media or in the comments down below!