Okay, I just played the demo...good GOD, this game is amazing so far. The play mechanics are paced pretty quickly, but it's easy to get into.
You've got your standard punch and kick buttons, of course, but alternating between them is the basis for getting combos on the ground and in the air. RT(Right Trigger) lets you dodge attacks, but timing it at the very last second puts Bayonetta into Witch Time, a slow motion state that lets her rack up counter damage and higher combos.
The Magic Meter under the Life Bar fills up as you deal and take damage. When it's full, you can unleash Torture Attacks on enemies and these things are bloody as hell. One of these involves kicking an enemy into a spiked iron maiden and then it slams shut, blood spurting all over the place. There's another Finisher called a Climax I used that I'm assuming works on all Bosses, but one of them involves Bayonetta's hair(and I'm not kidding) forming into a giant dog's head, grabbing the Boss up in his jaws and literally chewing and biting it in half. Tapping on the X button racks up the damage further. Enemes and Bosses also drop weapons you can use, like a giant axe, a spear and a trumpet that shoots energy bullets.
So yeah...I think I'll definitely be picking this one up when it hits. :thumbs: