"Life is Viewtiful!"

I've played Viewtiful Joe since it first appeared on the GameCube back in the day. I loved the mix of action and puzzles. So does the DS version live up to its older brother? Read on and find out.

Story:
Simple. Joe's sister is shooting a film and the shoot is interrupted by Joe, then some baddies run off with the film so it's up to Joe to get it back. (I know, not the most interesting sounding plots, but it gets better)

Sound:
I'm not a big music fan and as such I don't actually hear the in-game music most of the time. I did load up my game to give a listen however, and I have to tell you that it's not half bad.

Graffix:
"Freakin' Sweet!" The game is gorgeous. The cel-shaded look is about as good as the 'Cube's version. The frame rate and animation is near flawless, tho there are a few spots where the gameplay slows. The 2 screens show different perspectives. The top screen is a close-up view of the action that is just great to look at, and the bottom is the more zoomed-out view where you get to see more of the gameplay and scenery. The bosses are spoofs of real movie characters, and The mid-bosses are definitely unique. Simply put: Amazing.

Gameplay:
The real "meat & potatoes" of any game. The battle system is a near mirror image of the GameCube. Run, jump, punch, kick, dodge, V-Powers...the usual, it's all here. A side-scrolling beat 'em up platformer, JV stays true to the original formula. Dodging an enemy's strike will "dizzy" them, but the bosses, mid-bosses, and some "big" enemies will just keep coming. This version offers some obvious differences from Viewtiful Joe 1, mainly the new powers are what makes this title truly unique.

Slow- Just as it was in the beginning is now and forever shall be. Time slows and allows you ample time to react and even evade an opponents attack. Slow also makes Joe's punches and kicks more powerful... 'nuff said.

Scratch- A new ability exclusive to the DS, this move is activated by tapping the R button once and with your thumbstrap, stylus or even your fingernail you "scratch" the touchscreen and cause an in-game earthquake causing junk to fall upon your opponents. This can also be used in many of the puzzles/obstacles in the game. Pretty much a gimmick move than an actual attack.

Split- A great new V-Power that lets you split the bottom screen into 2 horizontal sections. By touching the bottom screen and sliding either left or right you can shift areas to accomplish goals. This allows yo to move a section of the field that may be on fire over a hydrant that's spewing water to put out the flames, for example. you can also use it to access certain out of reach areas too. In my opinion a fantastic new ability.

Slide- Pretty much the same thing as Zoom from the original Joe game. The difference is that you activate this move by touching the bottom screen and sliding either up or down. This swaps the regular view with the zoomed in view. By activating this you can "stun" smaller enemies and do extra damage like in slow mode. This also lets you solve some of the puzzles in the game. one example is a number pad that needs you to tap a code on the numbers with the touch screen. There are also some enemies that can only be beaten when you are zoomed in on them. To beat them you simply tap them and they "pop", no really, they pop!

Results Show:
This game plays as good as it looks. Although the game's short, it's not so short that you feel stiffed. It's just long enough to let you feel like you've accomplished something and short enough that you would want to run through the game again to best your score and try a new difficulty level. I liked it so much I actually played it through 3 times and then some! If you like a good side scrolling battler this is a good pick. If you like the Viewtiful Joe series I highly recommend checking this one out. If you're at all curious I say give it a shot, you might be surprised at what you find.

Last Call:
This is by no means a bad game! Henshin-a-go-go Baby!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 05/14/06