Viewtiful Joe is scheduled to ship in the US this summer and possibly as early as March in Japan. So if you don't mind I'd like to help out GameTavern.net by writing a preview of this amazing game.
Publisher:
Capcom
Developer:
Capcom
Genre:
Action
Platform:
Nintendo Gamecube
Number of Players: 1
Expected Release: Spring 2003
To start off, the graphics are gorgeous. Everything from the level design to the characters look beautiful. Viewtiful Joe is set in a crazy world with nice rendered backgrounds. You play as
Regular Joe, a man set with a goal which he cannot acquire unless he gets some sort of super powers. Once Joe acquires his awesome new super powers, he becomes known as
Viewtiful Joe, just like the title says it. Once Joe recieves his Viewtiful powers, the game suddenly starts to shine with addictive and tremendously fun gameplay! While playing with Joe you run through 2D-like cel-shaded environments and do battle with all sorts of acrobatic foes. As the game advances, Joe acquires some abilities which are called "visual effects." This special ability allows you to slow down time and act fast which resembles both the Matrix and Max payne. When time is slowed, Joe can outmaneuver his foes and inflict damaging blows and kicks upon them. With these special "visual effects", Joe will be able to dodge a number of series attacks. For instance, he will be able to slow down the time and spin through or duck enemie's bullets. From what I've seen, the game looks truly amazing and gameplay plays like a dream.
Video #1
When the game starts, Joe begins as his original form. While playing throuh the game, you meet up with a series of cel shaded characters. Shortly into the adventure, this strong man challenges Joe to a battle and we are introduced to some of the initial strategies of fights. Right after the tutorial battle, the real adventure begins.
Controls are yet to be finalized, but I can give you an idea of what to expect. The analog stick moves Joe through the imense 2D/3D worlds of the game and from what I have seen the setup is really good. The simple acts of making the character run and jump (A button), or soar into the air to execute a mid-float double-jump (A again), feel astonishingly responsive and polished. Probably what makes Viewtiful Joe so incredible is the fact that you are able to go anywhere in the level leaving you with a lot of freedom. Joe is able to perform many solid moves in battle like combo attacks, air attacks, a series of kicks and punches, and not to mention the ability to hover through enemies and use some special abilities.
While playing as Regular Joe, combat is said to be original. But once Joe goes Viewtiful, things go from orginal to supreme gameplay. Even if side scrollers aren't your type of genre, this game still has a few 3D elements. The game is all about style. The X button kicks and Y punches. The most useful button has to be L, yes, the L button allows Joe to slow down time and perform awesome combos allowing him to easily defeat his foes. Don't believe me? Then check out this next video...
Video #2
From what I've heard from the sound effects to the music in the game, the game adds some wacky content. Yes, it can get a little funny at times. The phrases Joe uses on his enemies or on some items he picks up are pretty cool which is probably another reason why the game feels enjoyable to play.
There's a "special effects" meter located at the top of the screen which shows you how much energy Joe has to either slow down time or speed it up. For every second the L button is held down, time is slowed and the energy bar is drained. When the bar goes completely empty, Joe returns back to his orginal form until the the bar refills. After the bar refills, it's Viewtiful time!
I'd honestly say my favorite and the best feature in the game has to be the ability to stop time. There are times when Joe will need to stop time to solve some simple puzzles or defeat some mighty foes. Even though you're able to defeat enemies without the slow-motion feel, it takes away half the fun of the game. Annoying enemies or speedy foes which you aren't able to catch will be solved by "visual effect." If it sounds confusing, this third video will show you what I am talking about.
Video #3
The things that make Viewtiful Joe so amazing are the amazing animation, solid combo attacks, the stylistic set of backgrounds, and the lastly, the game runs at 60 frames without any slowdown. Viewtiful Joe has gone from a interesting title to a beautiful rendered game which many can't wait to pick up.
Truly amazing! Viewtiful Joe is definitely one of the best hitters this year for the Nintendo Gamecube. Set to hit sometime this year, you will not regret picking this unique adventure up.
-Crono_Link
Viewtiful Joe Preview
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