In a recently featured article by Gamepro, contributor Leigh Alexander praised Bayonetta for its provocatively empowering gameplay. But the truth is that Bayonetta is about as empowering as being hitched to a plow. According to Alexander, the context is what should be judged when determining appropriateness. With scenes that involve masturbation, nudity, plus an end-credit scroll superimposed over an erotic pole dance performed by the title character herself, I fail to see how this game should be considered empowering in any context.
— Bayonetta: The Virtual Barbie on Game and Player
