Bayonetta 2 earned plenty of plaudits in 2014 - critically acclaimed and with terrific fan feedback, it also made regular appearances in Game of the Year shortlists. We'd certainly agree that it's an outstanding game, but it's picked up a notable award that reflects an appreciation of some key design choices that Platinum Games made.
The AbleGamers Charity has named Bayonetta 2 as its Accessible Mainstream Game of the Year, praising its multiple control schemes that make the game more playable for those that may find complex button inputs or combinations physically challenging or inaccessible. With multiple controllers and the GamePad option to play with a stylus, in addition to the assist combat option that allows single button combat, it was praised in the announcement for succeeding where other titles either fail or make no attempt to support accessibility.
Bayonetta 2 stands out among other accessible mainstream games by paying careful attention to user friendly game experience. The inclusion of a one-button combat mode creates an experience other character action titles should implement. As a proof of concept, this game demonstrates that accessibility can be implemented into a mainstream AAA game without harming any of the gameplay. Popular titles such as Shadow of Mordor could easily implement one-button mode for those who need such accessibility while leaving a complicated controls for those who prefer those methods, and still award players with a top-notch game that is accessible to everyone.
Multiple control schemes interchangeably allow combat to be as streamlined as possible without degrading any of the overarching game play design choices. Touch and motion controls are optional, quick time events are of minimal impact to the game play thanks to the one-button mode, and yet still allows for more experienced players to set up challenges they deem appropriate to tackle.
It's certainly worth remembering that accessibility for all gamers can be an important issue, and worth celebrating when a title gets things right. It's worth also noting that Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire was nominated for the same award.
Thanks to Benson for the heads up.
[source ablegamers.com]
Comments 24
I wonder if this was part of nintendo's influence in the design of bayonetta 2....either way good for them for making it as accessible as possible
Bayonetta never occured to me as accessible, but hey, more exposure for this masterpiece is always good!
I despise the perception that the Bayonetta series is somehow over-sexualized, or gratuitously violent. These games deserve to be enjoyed by all, despite prejudice or preconception.
Honestly, they are no worse than your average comic book, or anime... In fact, they're likely much tamer... Especially considering the vast majority of violence is against angelic , or demonic monstrosities. In fact, both games are among the least offensive M-rated games I've played and barely inappropriate for adolescents, despite some unfortunate language. And that's coming from someone who gets offended by the drivel on American broadcast TV during primetime...
@Kaze_Memaryu Come on now, Bayonetta 2 is easy as pie compared to 1... The improvements in design are obvious and striking. Bayonetta is a game I would only recommend to the most dedicated and forgiving gamers. Bayonetta 2 is a game I would recommended to gamers of all experience (ignoring that knowledge of the first is basically required to follow the sequel's plot). Everything from the progression to the dynamics to the difficulty has been altered to be accessible to all. Despite any predispositions toward the series, that is a commendable, worthwhile evolution.
Nice! I've played through the first couple on Bayonetta. I plan on taking my time though and still look forward to Bayonetta 2. I've been using the Pro controller as it's most comfortable and I prefer button controls to swipe or motion schemes.
I do like arcade buttons and I've built several oversized arcade joysticks for various classic systems. I've read some people who are unable to grasp traditional gamepads can perform quite well on fight sticks. I can attest to this as the utilize completely different muscle groups. I can also make certain moves which are difficult on a Game pad, in Super Mario world, for instance the running spin jump which can be performed by holding Dpad + Y and tapping A.
@ACK I agree that the first two or three chapters are somewhat easier, but that's going out of the window with the first duel boss (who's ridiculously fast with counters), and once the infernal demons are on the table, it actually gets a lot harder (until the major boss of Inferno, who is just a pushover) than Bayonetta 1 was.
It's not that I'm disagreeing that Bayo 2 is a bit easier, but for my taste, it's still not easy enough to be truly called "accessible".
I was only aware of the default scheme.
Its really nice, reading this, I was wondering of how bad it would feel to loose some fingers or a hand, or 100% capacity of it, a traumatic experience for sure. But keep playing something important, could affort to reduce the stress of situation like this.
Bayonetta 2 is just one of those games that's the best game ever made.
As one with limited hand / finger function myself, this game has been the best time that I could truly enjoy a game without the difficult controls that many games have with button layouts that are often not easily changeable. Games I have loved in the past that were easy or somewhat easy have been on the classic Wii. Super Mario Galaxy (both games) and Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. I want to love Skyward Sword but it's too much for me. I kept it anyway as I love the soundtrack or watching my nephew play.
I'm proud to see that accessibility in gaming is something to be noticed and a game of year award to an already deserving game on so many other factors.
Bayonetta....mainstream..
bwahahaha! sure whatever floats your boat!
Did you guys here about the new game Puzzles and Dragons: Super Mario Bros. Edition for 3DS that was announced today?
@amiiboPUANCH probably not coming to north america, just like the others never came to the west
This kind of positive buzz, not coming just from poeple who love it tough, or people digging the visuals, is what Nintendo could do with more of these days.
They had it in spades with the Wii, particularly from the accessibility crowd, what with Tennis only really requiring you to somehow graft the Wiimote to the end of your arm.
I don't understand why there are still games being made that lack the ability to freely remap control functions - I'm looking at you Koei-Tecmo and your Warriors series...
@minotaurgamer
I think you and others here are ignorant to the actual story here- it is accessible to those who have physical problems with complex controls- ie it is more user friendly for disabled or physically challenged gamers, due to its open, customisable control scheme- it does not mean accessible to 3 year olds or non-gamers. It is mainstream in the sense that it is a high budget game on a mainstream platform.
I'd like to be further proof that physically disabled people can be interested in video games (such a shock, I know), I'd like to say something. Oh, and, if you think I'm an old pensioner with parkinsons, I'm 17.
As a person with limited capabilities (moderate on the left hand, mild on the right), Bayonetta 2 has been the most accessible console game for me in like, forever (excluding JRPGs, Spirit Tracks/PH and maybe SSB). Whenever I got to a QTE, I switched to touchscreen controls to get it done, then switched back.
I only wish that the GC controller was more widely compatible, as often my left palm (specifically the bit below your thumb) accidently hits the D-pad, but then again B2 resolves this by allowing you to bind the D-pad to items which you have nothing of, and allows item use in the pause screen.
Thank you Nintendo Life for highlighting this. Hopefully more developers follow this route, then people like myself will be able to actually get excited about a game without worrying about the controls.
If by accessible you mean awkward and off-putting, yep.
@Kaze_Memaryu
I found it way easier to pick up and play than the first game. It was probably the sharpest and most responsive combat I've ever seen in an action game of this nature.
I was really surprised, as the gameplay was about the only good part of the first game, but that they improved it so much was impressive--as well as making Bayonetta an actual likable character this time around!
Good thing that "accessibility" was not put in Tag Climax mode, that would be . . disappointing.
@Pika2346
Well said indeed- I agree that for such a mainstream activity, Videogames developers are horrendously ignorant to the needs of disabled/ needs specific customers. It seems to me that by now, all who wish to participate in gaming should be made to feel welcome and thanked for their custom. It's ridiculous to treat people so poorly in an educated, participative society. Gaming can also be a huge healing outlet for anyone who just wants to escape their day to day lives, regardless of age, gender or ability.
Where are those developers standing up for the rights of all to participate? It is a serious issue, long overdue a solution, or at the very least, a discussion amongst the gaming community.
Please email Nintendo and let them know how you feel about this, I will too. Thanks!
@gage_wolf
I think you missed the charm of the game, specifically relating to all the points you made. I just love that the game has a strong, independently minded female lead that kicks serious ass. Is it a crime to be sexy, and know it?!
@gage_wolf I can understand your points, and share a similar dislike of tribal tattoos.
I don't really see Bayonetta as a lust object- she not some doe eyed moron for starters. I see no problem with making a character attractive, so long as she's not an idiot.
Bayonetta simply could not pull off a grounded and articulate plot, because the gameplay itself is ridiculous- it's about letting go of sensibilities and allowing yourself to have fun- a quality sorely lacking in most games these days, apart from Nintendo, everyone is desperate to be gritty, realistic and tell p*** poor hackneyed stories which are hailed as friggin masterpieces by the numpties who forget that a game is not a bloody c grade movie!
I digress- Platinum games are fun to play- that's why I play Videogames. If I want to be intellectually moved or challenged, I'll choose the superior medium of reading a good book, or watching a good film. Not to say I disagree with everything you are saying, but Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 are good games, whether you can appreciate them or not, because of their gameplay.
I also appreciate that it is possible to have emotive, challenging experiences in Videogames, of which I have experienced a few, but that is not the purpose of Bayonetta, or W101. If a game is fun, and crafted as such, it deserves praise.
@gage_wolf @HappyMaskedGuy saying that however, everyone has their own tastes
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