Anyone who fears that games are becoming too easy and dumbed down don't need to look any further than Bayonetta to eliminate their concerns. Beating this game isn't easy. What's worse is trying to beat a level with a platinum trophy. A few days ago I decided to to get platinum trophies for all the chapters (on Normal) because I hear you can unlock Jeanne for your trouble.
 
The problem is that the scoring system in this game has me at a loss. I thought I had it figured out until my most recent playthrough where I managed to get  7 out of 9 platinum medals on City of Deja Vu and got a... gold trophy for my final score. What? What kind of average is this game running? I've gotten worse scores on Angel's Metropolis and still managed to get a Platinum Trophy. Now I'm not sure what criteria is most important. Combos? Time? Damage Taken? A combination of all three?
 
Does anyone know how the game scores Platinum trophies? I would be nice to figure out what I'm doing wrong here.

It has a lot to do with the optional verses in each chapter.  The Alfheim Portals and the hidden enemies will often impact your score more than just getting a gold or silver somewhere in the middle.  You can still get a platinum and skip a few verses, but if you pass up more than about two, your chances of getting a Platinum pretty much go out the window.  Also important to note that a Pure Platinum technically doesn't seem to improve upon your final score any more than a normal Platinum.
Also, yes, you can get Jeanne.  It's awesome.  And way more difficult than playing as Bayonetta.

All verses affect the chapter trophies, including Alfheims. And combo score, time and damage taken are equally important.

Okay. Thanks everyone. I guess I just need to keep trying (which what I was afraid of). Do you think that doing the Alfheims would help getting a Platinum by throwing in more medals that the game has to take account of? That was my plan at least. the Alfheims I've done so far aren't so bad.