Henshin a Go Go Baby!

As I sit here trying to write these impressions, my head is still swirling with all of the gorgeous imagery I have just seen over the past few hours I have spent playing this game. Without a doubt, Viewtiful Joe is a looker. Bright colors, detailed environments, and smooth animation combine to make this game truly beautiful. In fact, I think it gives Wind Waker a run for its money as far as visuals are concerned, and that is saying a lot. Epileptics beware, for this game has more bright flashing colors than those Seizure Robots everyone is talking about.

The game plays from a perspective that is similar to the exploration levels of SSB:M, where the world is rendered in polygons but all the action takes place on a 2D plane. However, Viewtiful Joe improves on the formula by adding corners and curves that  you automatically turn. This helps the game seem much more dynamic.

The gameplay itself is a striking mix of both the simple and the complex. It is simple because there is only a kick and punch button, but it is difficult because of the "VF" powers you can use, which allow you to speed up or slow down time and zoom in on yourself, which boosts your power. The challenging part is knowing when to use what ability, and this is pretty much a process of trial and error. This makes the boss battles a challenge until you figure out their patterns. To be honest, this can get frustrating, but it only increases the sense of satisfaction I get when I do finally beat the boss.

So this game is incredibly addictive and entertaining. I wasn't sure that I would like this game based on what I had read before hand, but those fears have been laid firmly to rest. It is a Viewtiful life!

By: Andy Rucker