User Reviews (11 - 21 of 138)

Show these reviews first:

Highest Rated
Lowest Rated Newest
Oldest Most Helpful
Least Helpful

Return of the king

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 3
Date: December 15, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Side scroll action games are the kings during the golden era of video games. Games likes kung fu master, double dragon, final fight, and streets of rage are classic examples. Ones with guns or are mega man, contra, and metal slug. Then other games like castlevania evolved and today these games are made in 3D fashion like dynasty warriors, ratchet and clank, and others. Around late 1980s and early 1990s this genre pretty much extincted. Viewtiful Joe revives this genre and is one of the BEST game ever.

Today most gamers think all games are 3D and scoff at old school 2D concept and games. 3D games is actually less fun than 2D games. 2D is a proven formula, 3D games are still evolving and won't be fully perfect for at least 5 more years. Playing games like super mario sunshine and ratchet and clank were fun but a solid 2D game can be more fun.

The graphics is super. The 3D background effect is cool. For example the street turns at the end of the screen or 'right side', as you approach into the turn the whole background turns. The sound and music is good and goes with the game well. Viewtiful joe is a cool character and resembles Ultramen.

The gameplay is typical beat em up side scroll style with some puzzles, NO guns. You can jump to higher platforms. There are many enemies but variety is suspect and don't expect dynasty warriors amount too. You can purchase more moves and stuff during the game but they are mostly useless. My only complaint about this game is lack of guns and weapons.... The VFX adds to the gameplay, a gimmick that worked and not revolutionary. The zoom and speed effect is more like a type of attack. The only VFX attack that really alter the gameplay is the slow 'matrix' effect, it feels like a cheat effect. Slowing down time allows you to see and perform more accurate but it slows down the gameplay too.... Joe is pretty much invincible in VFX. Sometimes you have to use certain effect to pass a puzzle, stage, obstacles, enemy, or boss. So the VFX attack adds some strategy. Most of the time during gameplay, VFX is constantly used and can take up at least 50 % of time. This gets boring and tedious after a while however the game would be bland without it....

Pro: FUN, 3D feel from a 2D game, feel mix of classic winners.
Con: No weapons, low enemy variety, no multi-player.
Mixed bag: VFX system.

Overall this is a great 2D action platform game! Highly recommended.

Pure. Genius.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 8
Date: May 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

After I purchased this game from the Amazon Marketplace, it took about a week and a half before it arrived. I'd like to say that every minute of waiting was worth it; Viewtiful Joe ranks among the best games I have ever played.
As you should know by now, Viewtiful Joe is a beat-'em-up type game. Therefore, I have gotten a bit sick of the people who complain that 'there is no story'. If there's one type of game that doesn't need a story, it's a beat-'em-up. So, in my opinion, the story that they have works very well for Joe.
Now that's out of way, I'll talk about the only thing that's really worth talking about when it comes to video games: gameplay. As a beat-'em-up, Viewtiful Joe is obviously centered on fighting; trust me, the fighting in this game is a blast. You have several options for dealing with your foes. Should I tear through 'em at Mach Speed? Or should I hammer them with Slo-Mo attacks? How about Zooming In and ripping apart a ton of 'em at once with a 360 kick? Or should I just go through the plain method of dodging their attacks, them pounding 'em while they're off balance? And all of these options don't even count the extra moves you can purchase between levels, such as the voomerang and the red hot kick.
Fighting is fun, but there is more to Joe than that. A wide array of puzzles dot every level, requiring you to use logic to figure them out before you progress. The most interesting thing about this is figuring out what logic is in a world seemingly devoid of any. You can make drops of water grow to monstrous proportions by slowing down time, you can catch things on fire by punching them repeatedly at Mach Speed, and you can smash through ceilings by Zooming In and jumping. These puzzles usually aren't too difficult once you get the hang of how things work, but they do the job of giving the logic portion of your brain a workout in between bash fests.

Bottom Line: I've barely been able to put Viewtiful Joe down ever since I got it. If you can appreciate what video games are supposed to be, do yourself a favor and give Joe a try. If you can't, go play Grand Theft Auto or something.

Over rated

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 12
Date: October 22, 2006
Author: Amazon User

WAY WAY too difficult. Don't bother taking time to look at the scenery on this game, you'll be back to look at it again soon. When you get killed (and this will happen a LOT) you start at the way way beginning of a level, so you'll get plenty of opportunities to see the same scenes again and again. I'm a fairly sophisticated gamer, and I regret chosing the "adult" difficulty setting. I don't know who they think they're selling these games to. If you do risk buying it, chose the easy setting. There are very very few save points. The only reason you make progress, if you tough it out, is because you make "money" when you beat up bad guys and eventually you can buy power ups that get you through tough areas.

I judge a game's success by how I feel after playing it. If I feel amused and entertained, and I can't wait to find out what happens next then it's a good purchase. With Viewtiful Joe, it's like a angry grudge. I played about half way through it and I've been irritated and angry at Capcom the whole time. What a horrble way to spend a night.

I will never pay retail for a Capcom game again. Buy it from a second-hand seller.

Greatness

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: September 26, 2003
Author: Amazon User

Well, it's about a dude name Joe. His girl gets kidnapped into a movie world, and now it's his duty to retrieve her The game is generally a 2D beat'em up. here's why it's so good....

Graphics"
Just plain good! Sooooo much detail. Colorful. Just bursting off your screen.

Control:
Super easy to get used to. X is the punch button.Y is the kick button.To do Joe's signature moves, you use the L and R buttons.
Slow down time with the L button. Mach speed is set to the R button.

Gameplay.
The best! Super addictive fun!You can kick ass with all the style you want.You will be bustin' awesome combos till the very end of each level.Brilliant.

Overall, just get the damn game.It gets released on october 7th.
Major fun with this one.

A reason to pick up a Gamecube

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 3 / 4
Date: February 17, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Viewtiful Joe is the best and most original game that I have played in quite some time. It combines sidescrolling beat'em up gameplay with 2-D cell-shaded graphics. The story consist of Joe, who is a big movie fan, who must save his girl Silvia from the clutches of the Jadow. Interesting twist and dynamic cutscenes help to boost the story a bunch. The main character Joe is always a pleasure to watch from cutscene to cutscene with his cool one-liners and other super hero gags. The ability to slow down and speed up time really add up to some interesting and explosive combinations. Bombs can be thrown at enemies and the blast can be slowed down for increased damage, or a normal punch can turn into a giant whallop.

A word of warning, this game can be extremely hard your first time through, but the level of difficulty helps to make the experience extremely satisfying. There is an easy mode, a normal mode, and two extreme modes. There are also plenty of unlockables waiting for players that can finish the normal mode, such as secret characters and music video.

If you have a Gamecube, it is a crime to not own this game.

- Berserker

Henshin-A-Go-Go, BABY!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 27, 2003
Author: Amazon User

This is Capcom's latest work, and let me tell you, this game is worth every single penny or credit point. Here's the facts: before you start, choose either "Kids" (easy) or "Adults" (hard), after that, the game starts out as Joe (the main character) and Sylvia (Joe's Girlfriend) are out on a movie date, when suddenly, the bad guys jump out of the screen and take Sylvia hostage! Joe is also brought into the movie by Captain Blue's (the movie's hero) machine. Basically it's a 2&1/2-D side scroller, but the games meat is in the fighting, action, puzzles, and boss battles. As you progress through the game, you'll earn "Special Abilities" like Slow (allows you to dodge attacks and packs serious walloping power), Mach Speed (allows you to throw "Mad Speed Attacks") and Zoom-In (allows you to see things that aren't normally visable, allows you to throw rapid punches, and Screw Attack like jumps)! After you get hooked you'll be saying "Henshin-A-Go-Go, BABY!" This is Capcom's ultimate golden game, don't miss out on such a hot game!

Henshin a Go-Go, Baby!!! Don't Let That Title Fool You!!!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: December 23, 2003
Author: Amazon User

I have a few words for all of you. Viewtiful Joe is seriously, awesomely cool. I don't actually own it myself, but that's not stopping me from writing a review for those of you who journeyed to the very back of the website to see this. Yes, yes, I have played the demo, and I just have one, mild-mannered, perfectly mature and responsible thing to say about Viewtiful Joe...HENSHIN A GO-GO BABY!!!!!!!! WAHOOOOO!!! This game rocks. I do not lie to you. In fact, I feel pretty bad that people who haven't played this game judge it on how it looks! That's pathetic, people! Play the game before you go telling all of your friends that you think it's utterly and incredibly stupid! Alright, to get back to the subject, I'm gonna go on with the storyline (don't worry- it doesn't spoil it!) of the Cube's greatest game ever- Viewtiful Joe.

Joe is just what he sounds like; an average Joe that's infatuated by comics, superhero movies, and 700$ collectibles. His biggest hero, however, is the esteemed Captain Blue (ooooooohhh...!), a (you guessed it!) superhero, with a trademark (you guessed it..... AGAIN!) blue suit. However, after years on the big screen, C. Blue's stomach doesn't seem to be able to fit in that tight spandex of his, and he certainly needs a professional shave and a Swedish facial. Anyways, we see Joe, and, his girlfriend (yessem, he's got one!) at yet another showing of Blue's newest flick, but Joe seems to be more interested in the japanese old-timer kicking ... on-screen, rather than Sylvia, (his g-friend) who desperately tries to rip his attention away from this parasite of their love. Then, with some sort of time-space continuim falter that ties reality and fiction together for a moment, Sylvia is literally taken away by the huge monster battling Captain Blue as it just slips through the membrane of the screen. Also, Joe is taken in with his sweetie, but they do get seperated.

To make the rest of the story short, Joe meets up with the Blue Dude himself after a bit of cleanin' up some bad guys, and Joe is bestowed with a V-Watch, which enables him to tap into the legendary VFX Power, short for Visual Effects. Following his mentor, Joe says the secret word: "Henshin!", which is japanese for "Transform!" But Joe, trying to make things as cool as can be, makes his own hand symbol (lowers his pointer and ring fingers, leaving everything else out-- it's hard to pull off, ya know!), and adds in "a go-go, baby", making the entire catch phrase: "Henshin A Go-Go, Baby!" With this shout, Joe is transformed into the helmet-weilding, pink cape-wearing, ultimate superhero- Viewtiful Joe!!!

The graphics style of the game is amazing; Joe, in both regular and Viewtiful forms, is cel-shaded (which means he looks like a cartoon, just in 3-D), but the environments are a mix of 3-D and 2-D elements, giving the whole game a very comic book-ish look. Also, you'll gain three main VFX Power skills: Slow, which allows Joe to slow down the world around him for ultimate Matrix-style combat moves; Mach Speed, where Joe can barrage his enemies with a flying fury of moves; and Zoom, focusing in on the action, pumping up Joe's powers, and unlocking a super-powerful ground-pound attack. There are also different buyable skills, bought using Viewtiful Points that you build up during your quest, such as the Voomerang, Bombs, Turbo VFX Recharge, and the Red Hot Kick. All of this is done with superb detail, a quality that not many games have these days.

Oh! We can't forget how the game plays, can we? The action is side-scrolling; a style long-forgotten in the competition for more 3-D games. However, I would not rate this game so highly if it was not side-scrolling. It adds alot to the overall gameplay.

All in all, Viewtiful Joe, exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube, is a well-deserved romp for the often misunderstood of the game consoles. VJ will make other players purple with envy, and will certainly spark a huge Nintendo classic. Whether it be the graphics, the gameplay, the humor, or just plain fun, Viewtiful Joe is -and should always be!- one of THE best titles on GC. Thanks for reading! Henshin A Go-Go, Baby!

-Andrew

~ Henshin-A-Go-Go Baby! ~

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: July 04, 2004
Author: Amazon User

This is one of the most fun, action-packed, and original games I have ever played! An impressive mix of story, cool visuals, and action make this a seriously fun GameCube game that is not to be passed up!

The story starts out with Joe and his girlfriend, Silvia, at the movies watching Joe's favorite superhero, Captain Blue. But things really get crazy when the movie villain snatches up Silvia and drags her into the movie itself! With the aid of Captain Blue, Joe must journey through the vast movie world to save his girlfriend from the clutches of evil. But Joe won't go unarmed. Captain Blue bestows upon him the mighty power of VFX, which allows him to slow things down, blast into Mach Speed, and zoom in on attacks, for mighty powerhouse moves and attacks that will let him plow through hundreds of enemies and bosses. Racking up moves and attacks will grant you 'Viewtifuls', which are like experience points. Use them to buy attacks like the Voomerang, which lets you take the 'V' emblem off your helmet and throw it like a boomerang. Use powerhouse combos to tear through even the toughest foes.

GRAPHICS- 5/5

Awesome cel-shaded graphics are perfect in this type of game.

GAMEPLAY-5/5

Great controls and responsive gameplay.

REPLAY VALUE- *****

I haven't done it yet, but after you beat this game in different modes, you can play as a few other characters, including Silvia herself!

STORY: ****1/2

The story is good, although sometimes there is a really wierd plot.

OVERALL *****

This game just rocks. It's one of the best titles for the Gamecube.

Henshin A Go Go Baby!

A "Viewtiful" Gaming Experience

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: July 29, 2005
Author: Amazon User

When I first saw this game, I was put off by it. It seemed kind of corny. But when I saw it on CNN's Top Ten Video Games of 2003 (Or was it 2004? I can't remember...actually, I believe it was 2003.) I was blown away. I then told myself I had to get this game. I played it for the first time at a friend's house. Then I borrowed it from another friend. And then, at long last, I bought it for myself. And up to this day I still play it. It's fun, addictive, and challenging.

There are two difficulty levels in this game: "Kids", which is for beginners, and "Adults" (hence the Teen rating for this game, although it's not "Adults Only" material) which is for Viewtiful Joe veterans who have already beaten "Kids" or people who want a good challenge.

The story of this game is cliche, but still good. Joe and his girlfriend Silvia are out on a movie date, watching Joe's favorite movie, "Captain Blue". Suddenly, one of the movie's villians attacks, taking Silvia into the movie itself. Joe involuntarily enters the movie himself, where he is granted superpowers by Captain Blue himself. Joe turns into a superhero called Viewtiful Joe, and he fights various baddies and solves puzzles to rescue the captured Silvia.

The gameplay is where the game really shines. Viewtiful Joe is a 2-D/3-D hybrid game, in which your goals are to beat down various enemies of the evil group called "The Jadow" and solve puzzles. To aid you in your quest, Captain Blue grants you 3 special powers, called "VFX" powers. The first one is "Slow", which causes everything, including enemies, to move in slow motion. While this power is triggered, you can inflict more damage on your foes. The second power is "Mach Speed", which kicks you into fast motion, and allows you to beat some enemies down faster. The final power in "Zoom In", in which you zoom in to Joe and allow him to freeze some foes and take them out effortlessly. As you play the game, you can combine your powers to help you.

The game doesn't end when you beat it. There are a few unlockables in this little wonder game that will keep you coming back for more. I have already unlocked most of the secrets in this game, and I have to say I'm mostly satisfied.

The final word? Viewtiful Joe is one of the best games I've ever played, and I recommend it.

Like an arcade game made for the console

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 2 / 2
Date: October 25, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Viewtiful Joe is a great addition to the lineup of Game Cube titles. This is definately a game you'll want to get if you like a challenge, if you like arcade games or if you like fighting-games.

The storyline is simple: Joe and his lady-friend Sylvia are watching a movie at a cinema. Suddenly, the movie comes to life, and Sylvia is kidnapped into the game by an evil villain. Captain Blue, the hero of the movie, is knocked out of the screen; he returns into the screen with Joe in hand. Joe must go on a journey through Movieland to save Sylvia, with the assistance of Captain Blue's teachings.

Viewtiful Joe's gameplay is similar to the old Battletoads games: sidescrolling mixed with fighting. However, Viewtiful Joe is packed with puzzles, often difficult. Solving puzzles mostly requires using the FX moves: slow-mo, fast-forward and zoom.

Slow-mo (accessed by holding the L-button) slows the game down, allowing Joe to automatically dodge enemy attacks and projectiles. Slow-mo also has odd effects on things--e.g. drops of water expand to huge proportions, laser projectiles expand in size, hovering platforms fall to the ground, and much more.

Fast-forward (accessed by holding the R-button) speeds the game up, allowing Joe to quickly run through long stretches of land quicker or beat up enemies at a high velocity. Fast-forward also causes Joe to ignite, allowing him to burn enemies as he punches them. Fast-forward has many other effects as well.

Zoom, the final FX, is a technique that allows Joe to use new, powerful moves. Zoom can be activated and cancelled with the B-button or the C-stick. While in zoom-mode, Joe can use a powerful, rapid punch (Y-button), a spinning kick attack (X-button) or a launching jump that damages enemies (A-button). The zoom has some other features too.

There is much more to this viewtiful game, but I won't go into much more detail - you can use the instructional manual for that.

The only problem is the length of the game. The game can be mostly finished in just a few days, in easy-mode ("Kids"). In hard-mode ("Adults"), it is much harder, so the length is reasonable in that case. In any case, the game is difficult, and if you don't want a challenge (i.e. you don't want to try Adults mode) then this game will be very short for you.

Graphics: 10/10 (looks a lot like a comic book, it's great)
Sound: 9/10 (the music is great but you probably won't notice is too much in this hectic game)
Gameplay: 10/10 (challenging, fun, addictive)
Replay value: N/A (I haven't beaten it yet! However, I hear that once you beat it there are some secrets to be unlocked.)
Overall: 9.5/10

Review Page: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Next 

Actions