The ESRB has rated Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon, giving fans an idea of what to expect regarding in-game violence.

The ESRB rating board has given the upcoming Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon a rating. We have details of what to expect from the game at launch. First announced during The Game Awards 2022, the game will feature the climactic ending and character backstory of Bayonetta 3. Moreover, it comes from an isometric top-view perspective instead of the flashy third-person action style.

This change will also affect the game’s rating. Instead of the bombastic, exciting and expressive battle with giant adult demons, we’ll see a younger and less experienced version of the character, who will experience a more whimsical and storybook adventure.

On the ESRB’s website, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon has been rated ahead of the game’s March 17 release. This gives fans an idea of what to expect from the spin-off in terms of violence and other elements of gameplay.

The ESRB has given the game a T rating. This is a departure from the previous three titles. They were all rated M or Mature. The Bayonetta series previously received these ratings because of the violence, blood, strong language and suggestive themes. As Origins is a more intimate fairy tale game, the ESRB reflects this with a gentler rating that instead includes animated blood and fantasy violence.

Details on the specific gameplay of Bayonetta Origins were also shared in the Rating Summary section, where it is described that Cereza runs around a forest, solves puzzles, and fights not only demons but fairies as well. It also notes that the combat is handled with the player controlling Cheshire for melee attacks while Cereza casts spells at enemies. The summary also describes finishing moves where a creature is placed inside an Iron Maiden. This suggests that the torture attacks of the previous mainline episodes will be used in this spin-off, despite their lighter nature.

Despite Bayonetta Origins’ focus on the younger Ceresa, it seems that elements of the mainline games will still be present in the game, but in a toned-down way that better suits the game’s unique art style and direction.

It really seems to be a far cry from older titles in terms of atmosphere and gameplay. However, it looks like a promising exclusive title for the Switch.

Source: ESRB

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon rated T for Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence

Pre-order physical: https://t.co/c7j4PhbP0U releases March 17, 2023 pic.twitter.com/VvGks7ur0V

— Nintendeal (@Nintendeal) January 1, 2023