Bayonetta bewitches retail January 2010

Although Japanese gamers are still set to receive the fantasy action title Bayonetta on October 29, Western players will now have to wait until the following year. Today, Sega announced that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game won't hit North America and Europe until January 2010.

"Bayonetta is an extremely important new IP for Sega and adds a new level of depth to our growing portfolio," said Mike Hayes, president and COO of Sega West. "As a result of market analysis, we have taken a publishing decision that January 2010 is the optimum release time in the western markets to maximize this exciting new title's potential."

The title is produced by Hideki Kamiya, the man behind the original Devil May Cry and the critically acclaimed Viewtiful Joe. As outlined in GameSpot's previous coverage, Bayonetta features over-the-top combat reminiscent of Kamiya's past creations, though he says the story is "completely original." When the game is released, players will take control of the titular character, a reborn witch who battles angels with guns equipped to her hands and feet.