Bayonetta (PS3, 360)
The first game in our feature will probably be the first game most of us end up playing on the list, as it’s set for an early January release. The game has been directed by Devil May Cry and Viewtiful Joe creator, Hideki Kamiya, and that alone will make many stand up and take notice. You take on the title role and use a combination of pistols and magical attacks, as well as all of the usual hops, skips and jumps found in modern action games, as you navigate your way through the various settings. There’s also the unique element of being able to slow down time, which may be an over-used ability in games of late, but looks to be implemented well here.
As its release is so near many publications – including Japanese publication Famitsu – have already critiqued the game, giving it glowing reviews and a score of 40 out of 40 on the Xbox 360, and a slightly lower 38 out of 40 on the PlayStation 3. It doesn’t seem like they’re alone in their views either, and the popularity of this game is spreading like wildfire, and is fast becoming the first surprise package of the year.