http://ps2.ign.com/articles/540/540668p1.html
9.0 Presentation
The character designs, use of color, and humorous approach are a nice change of pace. And until the sequel comes out later this year, there's still nothing quite like it on the market.
9.0 Graphics
There's a bit of slowdown compared to the Cube version and a few other minor downgrades, but the game is still in ownership of an incredible art design and a likeable visual package.
8.0 Sound
Viewtiful Joe's voice acting is hilarious (Dante sounds like Austin Powers) and the music and audio effects are pretty solid. Admittedly, it is hard to understand the dialogue occasionally.
9.5 Gameplay
IGN Cube proclaimed that Joe was one of the best action games for the system -- and we agree. High-intensity action, deep flexible combat, and super challenging enemies make it great.
8.5 Lasting Appeal
VJ's addicting nature is sure to hook determined players while the various hidden characters offer plenty of incentives for those brave enough to beat it. We wouldn't mind a few more levels, though.
9.1 OVERALL:
(out of 10 / not an average)
Despite the faults we listed above, none of them are actually severe enough to hamper what Viewtiful Joe ultimately brings to the table: which is nothing short of pure unadulterated entertainment. And while the game may not push any technological boundaries or attempt some kind of mind-numbing new game design, it does manage to accomplish its goal with a ruthless and laudable precision. That goal, by the way, is fun.
But you know what? In this day and age of menu-driven, overly complicated super-adventures that require players to memorize lists, contend with lengthy cutscenes, and weed through exploration hell, Viewtiful Joe's simplistic stab at fun is a breath of fresh air -- even if it is a full year after the original game's release. Throw in the fact that it costs less than $30 bucks and that it boasts one of the most flexible and enjoyable combat systems around, and you have yourself plenty of reasons why every PS2 owner should own one.
9.0 Presentation
The character designs, use of color, and humorous approach are a nice change of pace. And until the sequel comes out later this year, there's still nothing quite like it on the market.
9.0 Graphics
There's a bit of slowdown compared to the Cube version and a few other minor downgrades, but the game is still in ownership of an incredible art design and a likeable visual package.
8.0 Sound
Viewtiful Joe's voice acting is hilarious (Dante sounds like Austin Powers) and the music and audio effects are pretty solid. Admittedly, it is hard to understand the dialogue occasionally.
9.5 Gameplay
IGN Cube proclaimed that Joe was one of the best action games for the system -- and we agree. High-intensity action, deep flexible combat, and super challenging enemies make it great.
8.5 Lasting Appeal
VJ's addicting nature is sure to hook determined players while the various hidden characters offer plenty of incentives for those brave enough to beat it. We wouldn't mind a few more levels, though.
9.1 OVERALL:
(out of 10 / not an average)
Despite the faults we listed above, none of them are actually severe enough to hamper what Viewtiful Joe ultimately brings to the table: which is nothing short of pure unadulterated entertainment. And while the game may not push any technological boundaries or attempt some kind of mind-numbing new game design, it does manage to accomplish its goal with a ruthless and laudable precision. That goal, by the way, is fun.
But you know what? In this day and age of menu-driven, overly complicated super-adventures that require players to memorize lists, contend with lengthy cutscenes, and weed through exploration hell, Viewtiful Joe's simplistic stab at fun is a breath of fresh air -- even if it is a full year after the original game's release. Throw in the fact that it costs less than $30 bucks and that it boasts one of the most flexible and enjoyable combat systems around, and you have yourself plenty of reasons why every PS2 owner should own one.
(and please let's not argue over this, as I'm joking just as I know you were)
