You can't say PlatinumGames doesn't know to strike while the iron is hot. Just as fans are still reeling from the doozy of a conclusion to Bayonetta 3, which came out to positive reviews in October, the long-time series developer and Nintendo was present at The Game Awards to announce a franchise first - Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon.

The first in what we can presume is a potential subseries, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon is the first Bayonetta prequel and will step away from the usual formula. You won't find the established combat actions here. Instead, the prequel will have a cel-shaded art style and an isometric camera angle. The game is reminiscent of the Viola chapters from Bayonetta 3, complete with Cheshire, who was Viola's only summon in the game.

Narratively, Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon will follow a young Bayonetta, whose actual name is Cereza.

Check out the trailer below to get a better feel for the story and the game in action:

PlatinumGames cheekily hid a playable teaser for the prequel in Bayonetta 3 and it's been available since launch. According to Nintendo, "Players who purchased the Old Picture Book at Rodin’s shop, The Gates of Hell, using in-game currency and unlocked it with three keys will be able to access the teaser."

Opening the book will transport you inside the very Alice in Wonderland-like world. It's not long enough to tease an actual game but it gives enough to hint at what the origin story is going to be all about - Cereza wants to save her mother.

Fingers crossed, the next Bayonetta game won't face similar issues with its voice actor that mired the otherwise stellar release of Bayonetta 3.

Bayonetta Origins: Cereza and the Lost Demon will be out on March 17.