Viewtiful Joe Preview
As an avid gamer, I am very picky about what goes into a good game. Not a 7.5 good game, I mean a 9.75 or higher good game. Control, Story, Sound, Graphics and Innovation are few of many. Viewtiful Joe is more then a 9.75 in each of these categories, and is looking to give my favorite games of all time a long and painful run for their money. Joe’s coming in just over a month; here comes a hands-on preview.
In the control category, the game is excellent. Where in a normal 2D platformer, average control will suffice, Joe’s control is very exacting. Holding Jump gives you a longer jump with extra trajectory, while tapping it performs your basic jump. When you have VFX powers and become Viewtiful Joe, tapping ‘Jump’ while in the air allows for a double-jump. The layout is natural, very efficient, and can adapt to combo-attacks and new weapons.
Love Hurts. Joe and his girlfriend Silvia are finally going on a movie date, but all of Silvia’s seductive attempts to make out are futile as Joe is intent on watching Captain Blue, his favorite Super Hero. Silvia gets sucked into the movie - how and why is still unknown - and Joe goes in to rescue her. Original: yes. Corny: I guess so, but compared to some other games, like Super Mario Sunshine, it’s wonderful.
The voice acting and quirky sound effects add volumes - literally - to the impressive comic-style graphics. These areas of the game work hand-in-hand to immerse the gamer in the comic book world. Viewtiful Joe’s Slow-Mo and Mach Speed powers and their accompanying effects further the already convincing comic book style. Finally, Capcom’s added a “dirty-filter” that blurs the screen when you use up all your VFX powers.
The innovation of VJ is obvious through its extremely zany graphics, but also due to the “corners” of the level. Let me explain: The level is like a level from Super Smash Brothers, with no depth, but there are areas of the level where a corner appears and the direction of the level changes. Enemies whiz and curl around the level’s corner and it looks - well - Viewtiful.
The game comes out in a month. Know what I have to say to that? HENSHIN-A-GO-GO, BABY
Final Score: 8