Style and substance

This generation has seen its fair share of remasters and remakes. Almost every game from the previous generation has made its way onto these new consoles in one form or another. When Sega announced that it was delivering two of Platinum’s most cherished titles in full 4K/60fps glory, it was one of the most exciting announcements. These two games still represent what I consider the best the company has ever crafted. Bayonetta is still the pinnacle character action game, yes I still consider it better than its sequel. Vanquish was a combination of a legendary creator and a wacky game studio crafting something that has never been seen -both of these games as one package…legendary.

Bayonetta was originally released on the 360/PS3 and still sits as the benchmark for action titles. The smooth combat is accompanied by intelligent level design, incredible combos, and some of the best enemy design ever. Returning to this game only further proves that Platinum can craft the best action games of all-time. This version blazes past without ever dropping a frame, and the 4K coat of paint simply amplifies its already incredible art design.

MSRP: $39.99 (bundle), $24.99 (individual)
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4
Price I’d Pay: $39.99

If there is one blemish in this version it is that it lacks the exclusive Nintendo additives tossed into the Switch/Wii U versions. While understandable, it still holds it back from being the definitive version of the game. I would certainly trade those costumes and Easter Eggs for the blistering 60fps at 4K, but it still stinks not having them here.

Bayonetta still plays amazingly even if it does come with some of the speed bumps of games of that era. The quicktime events are still present and take away from the action. The camera can also go a little wonky when action gets hot and heavy. Still, this remains the most stylized action game ever crafted. Bayonetta is just a fantastic character that begs to be played. The upgrade system feels archaic at times, but everything else just bleeds style.

Vanquish is a beast all its own. Built by Platinum and headed by the father of survival horror Shinji Mikami, this shooter breaks every barrier. The action is fast and the goofiness is apparent. From the dialogue to the dedicated smoking button this game oozes style. Getting back the game it felt like a warm blanket right out of the dryer. It was so cozy and reminded me once again that Mikami teamed up with anyone else equals immediate bliss. Shadows of the Damned anyone? Still, Platinum’s exquisite action mechanics excel this game to its height. Everything is so fast and feels so good. It is a game I think a lot of people missed, but should not duck out on the second time.

Funny enough Vanquish seems to be a better game after all these years. The cover-based combat just feels so much better now than I remember it. Not sure if that has to do with the rock-solid frame rate or just the passing time, but this game is sublime. Pulling off stylish actions feels natural. The sliding mechanic just works, and makes combat more fun than most cover shooters. This is a game that has stood the test of time and somehow works better today than it did ten years ago.

There really isn’t much else included in this package. No special features, just a 4K coat of paint and a steady frame rate. Still, it is hard to believe it has been ten years since these games released. They are good enough to feel like modern games. The art styles have held up, and revisiting them has been nothing but pure joy. The package is worth the $40,and being able to buy them separately just means it is easier to jump into two of Platinum’s finest works. Do not hesitate, grab these games now.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.