Polygon's review of Bayonetta 2 is getting a lot of attention in the review thread. The review spends a lot of time talking about sexualization. In the end it bothered Arthur Gies so much he gave the game a 7.5, even though he thinks the gameplay is top notch.
The issue of Bayonetta and sexualization has been discussed to death, but I think it's worth discussing again because I think a lot of people are still getting needlessly confused. The discussion seems to be centered on whether Bayonetta is a progressive empowered female or a sexualized male fantasy. However, I think it's pretty obvious Bayonetta is both.
Bayonetta is an empowered female who rocks her sexuality with confidence. She dominates over all male characters in the game. Her sex appeal is part of her persona and she wields it like a weapon. This is all pretty rare for a big budget game to have and should be applauded. At the same time it's undeniable that the numerous 'tits and ass' shots and closeups on her crotch are there for titillation. These shots in no way empower Bayonetta as a woman, they are there to please a male audience. In fact, any casual anime-watcher will recognize them immediately as 'fanservice'.
So, there is a weird duality going on here where Bayo is both a strong sexy female lead and a sexualized woman. In reality, this situation doesn't seem uncommon in Japanese media. For example, I'd argue the female leads in the Kill la Kill anime are very similar to Bayonetta.
I like to think of Bayonetta (the game) as a really cool story of an empowered female, but this story is being filmed by a really pervy director. And we're all somehow playing that movie. Personally, it doesn't bother me enough to really detract from my enjoyment of the game. But I still think it's useful recognize some aspects of the game for what they are.
The issue of Bayonetta and sexualization has been discussed to death, but I think it's worth discussing again because I think a lot of people are still getting needlessly confused. The discussion seems to be centered on whether Bayonetta is a progressive empowered female or a sexualized male fantasy. However, I think it's pretty obvious Bayonetta is both.
Bayonetta is an empowered female who rocks her sexuality with confidence. She dominates over all male characters in the game. Her sex appeal is part of her persona and she wields it like a weapon. This is all pretty rare for a big budget game to have and should be applauded. At the same time it's undeniable that the numerous 'tits and ass' shots and closeups on her crotch are there for titillation. These shots in no way empower Bayonetta as a woman, they are there to please a male audience. In fact, any casual anime-watcher will recognize them immediately as 'fanservice'.
So, there is a weird duality going on here where Bayo is both a strong sexy female lead and a sexualized woman. In reality, this situation doesn't seem uncommon in Japanese media. For example, I'd argue the female leads in the Kill la Kill anime are very similar to Bayonetta.
I like to think of Bayonetta (the game) as a really cool story of an empowered female, but this story is being filmed by a really pervy director. And we're all somehow playing that movie. Personally, it doesn't bother me enough to really detract from my enjoyment of the game. But I still think it's useful recognize some aspects of the game for what they are.
