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Publisher: Capcom

Ages: ten and up.

Parental Advisory:
Arcade violence

It initially feels like a throwback to a different era. But Viewtiful Joe is far more than a 2D platform title and it's a blast to play. Yes, the main character, Joe, runs from one side of the screen to the other. However, players of Capcom's latest game are in for a rollicking good time.

It seems that average Joe, a movie fanatic, has taken his girlfriend to the movies to see his favorite action hero, Captain Blue, a Power Ranger-style character. When Captain Blue is defeated and Joe's date is pulled into the movie by the bad guys, it's up to Joe to jump into the movie fray, rescue his girl and clear the way for truth, justice and 2D platform games.

Like most arcade characters, Joe can run, jump, kick and punch and collect cash that may be used to unlock new moves and abilities. Joe's adversaries include a barrage of lizard men, monkeys, cowboy robots and more. And throughout, he's coached by Captain Blue himself.

Joe's special powers, which he collects along the way, are lots of fun. There's cinematic slow motion that makes enemies move at slower speeds and changes a the game's physics in creative ways; and there are also speed kicks and mach speed. Since this is a movie, Joe has to please his audience. After each segment, the game rates a player's performance and the audience responds accordingly.

The game also features some fairly challenging puzzles that may frustrate gamers. The graphics are fantastic and do a great job of bringing a different look to a new cartoon world. As in most arcade games, the action is fast and violent.

Viewtiful Joe is hard to describe and initially sounds like a simple game. But the title offers innovation and a refreshingly different platform experience. It's definitely one to consider.

11/06/03 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff

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