Bayonetta 3 dev on maintaining Bayonetta’s characterization while adding “cuteness”
Bayonetta 3 lead facial animator Akifumi Sengan recently gave some insight into what it was like working on the game, including character designs.
With Bayonetta herself, Sengan pointed out how she has a new hair style for this title. The new entry also introduced a “cute” theme. That meant Sengan had to maintain the type of characterization Bayonetta is known for while also bringing along “that additional layer of cuteness.”
Sengan said:
“The 3D modeling of Bayonetta’s face is a little more realistic this time compared to the previous installments, so I was very particular about how to make sure her expressions didn’t break her character. She has a brand new hair style this time, so at first it was incredibly tough to make her seem like Bayonetta.
For the third installment, in addition to the Bayonetta-like expressions, she also has the addition theme of being “cute’.
I had to work very hard to not stray from Bayonetta’s characterization while also adding in that additional layer of cuteness.”
Sengan touched on new character Viola as well, noting that she “demonstrates a variety of expressions akin to the main character of a Japanese comic book” and “shows us a lot of expressions depending on the situation.”
You can find a video highlighting facial expressions in Bayonetta 3 below.
