Bayonetta 3 gameplay was finally shown off during the September Nintendo Direct. The gameplay reveal for PlatinumGames’ upcoming title was long overdue. The game is the third installment in the series and was first announced during the 2017 Game Awards. Since then, there has been little to no news at all – which had left fans wondering whether the development was proceeding as planned. The Bayonetta franchise is well-known for its action-packed, stylish gameplay; as well as its flamboyant, time-twisting witch protagonist.

It isn’t too surprising that there was so much unrest about the game, considering Bayonetta 2 came out back in 2014 on the WiiU – before eventually being ported over to the Nintendo Switch. The 2017 announcement for Bayonetta 3 included nothing more than a brief teaser.

Fans can finally rest easy: the Bayonetta 3 gameplay reveal looks fantastic – with the game set to release in 2022.

Bayonetta 3 Gameplay Reveal: Style And Substance

Bayonetta 3 is likely going to pick up where the previous game left off, in terms of gameplay. PlatinumGames has built its reputation on creating fine action titles, and this game looks like it’s going to continue the trend. The trailer showed the franchise’s usual flair, as well as frantic, action-packed sequences. Bayonetta herself returns with a new look – which isn’t surprising considering she did look different in each of the other two titles as well.

PlatinumGames enthusiasts might have even recognized the Lappy cameo before the witch showed up – the police dog that figured as Astral Chain‘s mascot (another PlatinumGames Switch exclusive).

While we would have appreciated a more precise release date, players will likely feel reassured that gameplay has finally been revealed. It’s also worth noting that previous installments did particularly well with critics, with Bayonetta holding a 90/100 aggregate score on Metacritic, and Bayonetta 2 scoring an aggregate of 91/100.

Bayonetta 3 is set to release in 2022, exclusively on Nintendo Switch.