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Malphas, also known as the Harbinger of Finality, is a crow-like Infernal Demon that acts as one of the many demonic allies that Bayonetta can summon her battles against the heavens and otherwise. It appears in some form throughout every game in the series, gifting the witch with both flight and combat prowess.

Book of Infernal Demons[]

Bayonetta[]

An enigmatic raven-black bird shrouded in the mysteries of the sky. Ever curious, Malphas has filled itself with all the world's knowledge and mysteries.

However, this same curiosity has led to a rather brutal demeanor, causing the bird to tear those it encounters to shreds with its sharp beak and razor-like talons.

Bayonetta 3[]

The ruler of dark skies, with wings large enough to block out the sun and covered in iron scales.

Ever curious, Malphas continually observes not only Inferno but the human world as well, and has filled itself with all their knowledge and mysteries.

It also likes to preen, and decorates itself with gems and jewelry in the manner of human nobility.

However, this same curiosity has another facet of stark cruelty, and the bird immediately tears those it encounters to shreds with its sharp beak and razor-like talons.

Appearance[]

Malphas takes on the form of a giant bird, possessing features of avians such as crows or parrots. It has multiple eyes, a large central one surrounded by three smaller and a sharp beak it uses to tear through opponents. A necklace of skulls hangs around Malphas' body, and a red crescent moon pierces through its forehead. Malphas' talons are red and sharp; the demon has elegant red wings, and three long tails. Two of these tails end in red, thorny bulbs.

In both the original game and the sequel, Malphas is wrapped up in Bayonetta's hair due to the method of its summoning, but makes full bare appearance in Bayonetta 3. Here, Malphas also possesses a pair of trailing fabric ribbons attached to its wings and the majority of its body appears to be a pale blue-grey.

Story[]

Bayonetta[]

Bayonetta summons Malphas to eliminate Fortitudo. Manifesting in midair, Malphas spreads its wings and dives at the Auditio, pinning it to a piece of debris and beginning to peck at its victim with increasing speed. It eventually attacks so severely that it punctures through Fortitudo's head, leaving a gigantic gaping hole in its wake before it returns to Inferno.

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate[]

Malphas does not appear during the events of the film itself, but does appear above Gomorrah and Hideous on a stained glass window during the opening narration that describes the nature of the Clan Wars and the Witch Hunts.

Bayonetta 3[]

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Abilities[]

Malphas as a demonic bird, can use its wings not only to fly, but to make hurricanes, and strong winds. It also has strong talons and a sharp beak that can tear its prey to shreds, for example, it could break a hole in Fortitudo's face.

Gameplay[]

Bayonetta[]

Malphas primarily appears in gameplay as the finishing move used to destroy Inspired. Once it appears, Malphas grabs Inspired's neck and tears the angel's head off after some effort, eventually eating the severed head and flying away to be returned to Inferno.

Bayonetta 2[]

Though not making a complete physical appearance, Malphas' wings are used by Bayonetta, Jeanne and Rosa in order to fly and face enemies during air battles. During this time, the three can only used what would be considered ground-based combos.

Bayonetta 3[]

Malphas Masquerade

Bayonetta fused with Malphas during Demon Masquerade

Malphas can be summoned to the field using the Demon Slave ability, where the bird swoops at enemies with swooping strikes and firing off its feathers as projectiles to hit from long range. Its special ability allows it to conjure a miniature tornado, sweeping foes up into it and damaging them as they collide with each other.

Demon Masquerade also allows Bayonetta to fuse with Malphas while wielding Simoun, becoming a harpy-like creature that can use Malphas' wings to quickly soar towards foes or for traversing the environment. The form's combo finishers allow Bayonetta to rapidly slash at enemies with her new talons.

Malphas also appears during an on-rails shooting segment, where it carries Bayonetta upon its back through a series of caverns while she attempts to ward off pursuing Homunculi.

Skills[]

SpecialSpecial[]

  • Talons Of Solomon (R)
    • Clutches and picks up enemies with talons, following up with a variety of attacks. Larger enemies can't be clutched at first, but become vulnerable if stunned.
      Enemies that resist after clutching can be weakened by repeatedly tapping an action button and then taken into the air.
      • The following actions are possible once enemies are picked up:
        Punch Peck / Kick Slam
        Shoot Throw / Jump Rise
        R Drop
  • Turbulence
    • Increases the size range of enemies affected by Malphas' wind pressure.
  • Turbulence II
    • Further increases the size range of enemies affected by Malphas' wind pressure.

PunchPunch[]

  • Karaburan (Rotate Left Stick+Punch)
    • Does a vertical loop that launches enemies.
  • Mistral (Left Stick DownLeft Stick Up+Punch)
    • Charges forward while spinning.

KickKick[]

  • Ribut (Left Stick DownLeft Stick Up+Kick)
    • Drops down on enemies while stomping with sharp talons.
  • Khamaseen (Rotate Left Stick+Kick)
    • Does a snapping tail sweep in a wide arc.

ShootShoot[]

  • Luosanfung (Left Stick DownLeft Stick Up+Shoot)
    • Deploys feathers and fires them off like missiles.
  • Tempest (Rotate Left Stick+Shoot)
    • Creates a whirlwind that draws in enemies and nearby objects. Enemies caught in the whirlwind are picked up and spun around before finally being flung away.

Gallery[]

Bayonetta[]

Bayonetta: Bloody Fate[]

Bayonetta 2[]

Bayonetta 3

Trivia[]

  • Malphas' name and birdlike appearance are derived from the Grand-President Malphas of the Pseudomonarchia Daemonum and Ars Goetia, who commands 40 legions, builds large citadels and towers that can withstand anything, and destroys his enemies with powerful magic. Malphas takes on the form of a small crow to spy on others; his true form is that of a large, well-built man.
  • Malphas is a reference to Griffon from Devil May Cry, another game directed by Hideki Kamiya.
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