10 Rivalries That Killed Video Games

The Sega-published Bayonetta series - which spans three games and an anime film adaption, Bayonetta: Bloody Fate - has been met with such a whirlwind of positive response that many players forget that it came after its supposed rival, Bullet Witch.

Bullet Witch, Cavia's first FPS for seventh-generation consoles, hit western shelves in February 2007 (following an initial July 2006 Japanese release), meaning it was playable for almost three years before the first Bayonetta title. It was, however, consistently lampooned for its archaic and clunky gameplay, being remembered more for this than it was for its laudable atmospheric, post-apocalyptic setting.

When Bayonetta arrived in October 2009, it, too, drew a grey response in some areas, being questioned for its storyline and quick-time events.

However, its downfalls were backed by its admirable combat and presentation that resulted in a wider negative response aimed at Bullet Witch. One such remark branded the latter 'BETA-netta' in a comical jab.

The two games were never really in competition, despite the rivalry between them. The wholly distinct release dates confirm as such. This was more an example of the games' communities targeting each other for what they perceived as a lesser rip-off; indeed, there were few, if any, resemblances between the two.