For gamers disappointed by the weak, Wiccan hottie-vehicle Bullet Witch, we direct them to Bayonetta, a balls-out (so to speak), stylized actioner that makes Devil May Cry look downright tame. Indeed, Bayonetta actually shares a lot with Capcom’s bullet-sand-blades series; for starters, Dante’s daddy, Hideki Kamiya (he was the creative force behind the original DMC, and more recently directed critical fave Okami), is heading up this new Platinum Games project. Additionally, the game features beautiful cinematic, over-the-top action delivered by an equally eye-pleasing protagonist.

The witch in question is a leather-clad, bespectacled femme fatale whose ass-kicking arsenal includes pistols, bullet-blasting high heels, magic, melee moves, and a tangle of sexy black hair that carries its own deadly secret. We witnessed her lethal locks morph into a variety of demonic death dealers, including a boss-battlin’, dragon-like beastie. But, believe it or not, her magical mane isn’t even her coolest trick. This wicked witch can also summon torture devices such as guillotines and iron maidens for far more creative kills. During one intense showdown, we watched her pause, ever so briefly, from unleashing a barrage of bullets and acrobatic booty-kicking to call up the aforementioned decapitating device; once it appeared, she effortlessly forced her foe into the stocks and let the blade loose for a bloody beheading.

We suppose it’s a good idea to come to this party packing, though, considering the “angels” Bayonetta encounters. Don’t misunderstand: her enemies sport wings and halos, but that’s where the angelic comparisons grind to a screeching halt. These brutality-bringin’ baddies, complete with razor-sharp claws and even more menacing fangs, have more in common with Hell’s spawn than Heaven’s gatekeepers — we’re pretty sure none of them own a harp. Our taste of this promising project was brief, but based on the slick action, sexy star, and stylized approach — all drenched in great Gothic detail — we can’t wait for our next date with Bayonetta.