Viewtiful Joe 2

"Life is still Viewtiful!"

Introduction
Viewtiful Joe 2 is an almost perfect sequel to one of my favorite games, Viewtiful Joe. Continuing with the same style of the first game, VJ2 is a beat 'em up game with you being the hero (or heroine) of Movieworld. Thats right, two heroes to control, each with different attacks.

The game is better in some aspects, while losing some charm in others, however VJ2 is still one of the best beat 'em up games today, coming close to the originals perfect formula. Now, to find out what makes this game so special.


Story 9/10
Picking up right where the original left off, Joe, and his new partner and girlfriend, Sylvia, are off to save Movieworld once more, this time from the evil Black Emperor. Joe and Sylvia must now find the precious Rainbow Oscars and save Captain Blue from the army of Gedow. Corny? Yes a little bit, but thats fine just the way it is as it makes the game fun and I doubt you never wanted to be a hero and save your friends or girlfriend. Last but not least a new character is introduced, Joes father, Jet, who is the owner of the movie theater of the first game (the one that got thrashed). Finally, remember that: in a movie there has to be a plot twist before the happy ending.


Gameplay 9/10
The gameplay is exactly like its prequel (which is a very good thing), plus some new features. Back from the first game are the VFX powers, Slow, Mach Speed and Zoom. Slow does just that, slow down time, making your attacks stronger as well as letting you dodge most attacks that come your way. Mach Speed makes the whole world go faster, so fast that you end up in flames, causing more damage as well as lighting up bombs and torches. Zoom makes the camera zoom in to yourself making your normal punch a rapid attack and making your kick become a 360 degree kick.

This time Joe is not alone, as with a press of a button, Sylvia comes in play, opening a whole new set of moves, as she doesn't punch, but instead attacks with her Desperado gun, which can target a pack of enemies or just be shot one by one. Sylvia has VFX powers as well, good old Slow and Zoom are the same as Joes, however, instead of Mach Speed she gets a new power called Replay. If you attack an enemy with replay, the damage will be tripled (as you see the same attack repeat itself twice), don't get too excited though, because if you get hit while using Replay, you get 3x the damage too.

Now whats a beat 'em up game without enemies? Nothing. Capcom decided to keep a few of the more basic grunts, while others are gone and replaced with even more baddies just waiting to be taken down. Bosses are not as good as the originals, personality wise, but the battles are still good.

You can still buy power ups like the red hot/cool blue kick and more life. You get points to buy them the same way as last time and that is to kill everything on sight, and by taking out a large number of enemies in a combo, those points are multiplied. Good thing is now there are actually a few exclusive moves to each character like Joe having a grab and throw attack, while Sylvia gets a second gun, so there's a lot more variety over the first game.

Difficulty is still high, but not even close to the impossible level of its prequel. The modes remain the same, you start out with Kids and Adults mode and unlock higher difficulties later on. So as you can see, the game is awesome, the only problem is there isn't too many new features introduced here. The only new thing are the 36 chambers of viewtiful, which are challenges you must complete in a time limit. Its a fun nice addition, but there could have been more. Puzzles are back and are a big part of the stages, but they don't feel as fun anymore, specially since some are the same. Still its a game with a very solid gameplay.


Graphics 10/10
The cel-shaded graphics continue and they are better then ever, finally getting rid of those thick outlines around the character, which to me, was the only problem with the original. Backgrounds are looking as good as ever and enemies have much more detail into them then last time. Pieces still go flying everywhere when you destroy the enemies which is cool, since it seems like you're obliterating everything in your path.

Characters like Joe and Sylvia also look more polished, especially on the little details like Joes helmet when it closes for a boss fight. Good old six machine and six majin are back and look much better and more like a cartoon than before. The graphics have definitely improved.


Sound and Audio 7/10
The one aspect of the game thats always not perfect. The audio is much better and you can understand all of it now, so that means you don't have to look for subtitles anymore. Voice actors are the same as last time making the game feel like it should. However the music is a bit more uninspired than last time. It doesn't make you hate it, but you'll probably not even notice it sometimes. So the audio is better and the music is a bit worse, makes me wish they made a third game where they could improve on both aspects. Sound and audio get an above average score.


Controls 10/10
Exactaly the same as the original, making it perfect. With the addition of just one button (in order to switch the heroes around) the controls are flawless, even with a lot of action happening, they will always respond immediately after you press them. With a button for punch, one for kick, one to jump and one for each power, there is never a time where you might mess up thinking it was the Slow button and not the Mach Speed one. Capcom nailed it in the head again.


Play time/Replayability 10/10
The game like its predecessor is only about 10 hours or so, depending on your skill level and difficulty setting. Even so you will definitely play it over and over in order to improve your skills and records or play the new mode of the 36 chambers which will keep you occupied for a while, as you first have to unlock the challenges, then beat them. Also, who doesn't want to just play it again in order to completely overpower your enemies and bosses or just watch the game like it was a movie?


Closing
Viewtiful Joe 2 is a tight game and a worthy sequel that should be bought or at the very least rented. With new modes and powers, this is worth a buy even if you played the original to death as it will feel like a whole new experience. With perfect gameplay, controls and even better graphics, I suggest buying this game as is it pretty cheap right now. Pity, that it isn't as well known as it should be, but trust me, go and try it out, after all, who doesn't want to be a hero even if its just fiction?

Final Score 9/10

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 01/09/08

Game Release: Viewtiful Joe 2 (US, 11/18/04)