How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 90 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 92 | 281 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Acclaim gate: the raw blend lands at 89.0, but scores above 88 must be earned in front of a mass audience; this verdict rests on 1,258.884 player reviews, a largely self-selected fanbase. As more players weigh in, the ceiling rises (full scale unlocks at 100,000 reviews).
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 4h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (27)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“It still feels wildly incongruous that this series wound up as, ostensibly, a Nintendo exclusive property considering how hard it works to earn that M for Mature ESRB rating, and yet, after the series spent eight years bouncing around gaming platforms, it finally feels like it's found a true home on the Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Bayonetta is one of the best series of the hack and slash genre and this port is true to the Wii U versions with some small improvements. It is a good version for new players or for fans who want to remember the action of these games anywhere.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Between the tongue-and-cheek gameplay and the upgraded playability, Bayonetta 1 & 2 for the Nintendo Switch are remarkably polished ports.”
read full review ↗ - 93
“The original Bayonetta and Bayonetta 2 are still magnificent these days, and the Nintendo Switch version succeeds in allowing you to re-experience them on the latest console, even in a portable way. If you are a fan of action games but haven't tried the original version before, don't hesitate to buy the bundle. They might be the greatest action games until the releases of God of War or Bayonetta 3.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Bayonetta 1+2 are spectacular entries in the hack-and-slash genre, and playing them on the go is a surreal experience that vastly diversifies the Switch's library. Rewarding skillful play with gorgeous, satisfying action while being thematically engrossing, these games are a breath of fresh air, even today.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“These are two of the most enjoyable and finely crafted action games ever released. While the lack of meaningful new content or resolution bump is a bit disappointing, if you’ve yet to experience these bats–t crazy but beautiful brawlers, this is the perfect time to discover what makes the Bayonetta series so bewitching.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“If you've managed to miss the two Bayonetta games previously, or you just want to have them available on a portable format, this collection is a must buy. If you've already played the two adventures however, there is nothing new to find here - even though the improved framerate is docked mode is a notable improvement over the Wii U versions.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The queen of stylish action has now made her way to the Nintendo Switch, and along with Bayonetta herself comes two of the best action adventures money can buy. While both games have minor nitpicks and there, overall they’re fantastic experiences enjoyable by casual and hardcore players alike, giving form to quality re-releases on Nintendo’s latest platform.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Put simply, if you're a fan of the series, Bayonetta 1 & 2 are essential on the Nintendo Switch, especially if, like me, you only plan to play them in handheld mode. It's undeniably disappointing that they're less attractive in docked mode, but nevertheless they're still wildly enjoyable and engaging, just not as sharp as you'd probably expect.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Bayonetta 1 & 2 rank as two of the best action games of all time, and now you can play them on the go. What’s not to love?”
read full review ↗ - 100
“While the first game shows its age a little, Bayonetta 2 looks as if it were released last year. The graphics are better, the gameplay has more nuance, and the presentation is even more outrageous. And best of all, both games run like a dream when taken off the dock. It still blows my mind that Nintendo was able to get high-end games like this and Skyrim to run so well when played on the go. If you haven’t played Bayonetta before, then this two-game collection is the perfect opportunity to get on board. And for those anxiously awaiting the release of Bayonetta 3, there’s no reason to not dip back into the well with this fully featured, amiibo supported, and now completely mobile, Switch reproduction of Platinum Games’ best franchise.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The Bayonetta games remain near-perfect examples of pure, unfiltered action and spectacle.”
read full review ↗
Slant Magazine
LevelUp
Gamersky
We Got This Covered
Fandom
M3
EGM
GameSpew
Wccftech
Darkstation
DualShockers…and 15 more tracked reviews.