very odd random game..
User Rating: 9.4 | Viewtiful Joe 2 GC
Viewtiful Joe is structured like side scrolling beat ’em ups of yesteryear; meaning, you travel from left to right and sometimes, right to left, beating on the various characters as you progress. Obviously, something would have to be added to keep Viewtiful Joe from becoming tedious, and that’s where VFX powers come in. VFX powers are the ability to alter time and perception in real time. Starting with the ability to only slow down time, Joe is able to dodge anything from fists to bullets. Some enemies need to be struck with a slow motion hit to be left vulnerable and finish off. Later you gain the ability to speed up time and lastly, zoom-in. Zooming-in allows Joe to perform powerful moves to a greater number of enemies on screen, like a split kick. As you use the powers, the VFX gauge decreases, if it gets to empty, you revert back to plain ol’ Joe.
The way Viewtiful Joe plays is near perfect. The GameCube has been waiting for a game that took advantage of the design of the controller. Switching to slow motion, to fast mode, and following it up with zoom-in to finish off an enemy within a few seconds is pure magic. Viewtiful Joe, despite one hang-up, is amongst the greatest playing game in the last few years. Anyone who passes up Viewtiful Joe because of its 2D roots is depriving themselves of a great experience. Strong, strong gameplay – I can’t say it enough.
