Bayonetta will appear as a playable character in Anarchy Reigns

Fans of Bayonetta are getting a surprise this summer. No, it's not a sequel. The stylish witch will return as a playable character in the upcoming Anarchy Reigns, or Max Anarchy as it's called in Japan.

The character was recently announced as a pre-order bonus in Japan, and the same incentive would certainly help push copies of the game here in the North America. Developer Platinum Games and publisher Sega have yet to confirm the same details for the game's Western release.

Anarchy Reigns is an online beat-'em-up coming to the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. It offers a diverse selection of multiplayer modes, including Tag Team and Battle Royale.

Last year game director Masaki Yamanaka explained what separates his game from other versus multiplayer experiences. "Anarchy Reigns is unique in that allows a large number of players to go fist to fist in online multiplayer battles. The challenge of creating a brawler like this is second to none, but neither is the gameplay. The thrill of victory and the agony of defeat are both amped far beyond what you would ever experience in a shooter."

The title also includes Jack Cayman from the two companies' mature-rated Wii exclusive, MadWorld.

Look for Anarchy Reigns for consoles on July 3.

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