Sega Describes Bayonetta As Old-School Arcade Button Masher
Sega’s Wayne Shiu did an interview with MCNBC recently, in which he described Bayonetta as a game that takes things back to the “action arcade roots” of gaming with a “pick up and play” style accessible to those who want to “mash the buttons.”
At what point did button mashing become the equivalent of “arcade throwback” action? I played in the arcades during the 80s and 90s and not only did I never find myself smashing my head against the buttons to beat any of the games, I sure as hell never played anything that remotely resembled a hot chick in a hair suit that gets butt naked every time she unleashes a powerful attack on her enemies. I’d remember that. Trust me.
I mean, did someone at Sega just sit down and make a list of all the “hip” buzz words they thought kids would want to hear? Bayonetta is Twighlight! She’s totally rad with kung-fu grip! Bayonetta is Angela Lansbury with four shots of Tequila in her system! Wha? Who? Huh?
If I have to hear that another game is a “button masher” I think I will shoot myself in the head. “Headshot!” Seriously, every game has the potential of allowing you to sit there and mash buttons like a two year old who wants out of his stroller because he just went poopy — but the chances are you won’t get nearly as much enjoyment out of playing the game that way.
The landscape of games today is very competitive and Sega has a potential blockbuster game on their hands. While it may sound cool to say things like “throwback” and “old-school” I’m not sure that it’s the best way to market a unique and sexy character like Bayonetta. Come on Sega! The UFC sponsorship is cool. The latest commercial is cool. No more silly interviews with MSNBC calling the game a throwback ok? … Promise?
Source: MSNBC
