Viewtiful Joe 2

 GameCube
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 39 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 37 out of 39
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 39
  3. Negative: 0 out of 39
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  1. Play Magazine
    100
    Among the myriad of reasons why I loved this game more every second I played it...is the way the puzzles and especially the visual presentation evolve. [Dec 2004, p.70]
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  2. NintendoWorldReport
    95
    Movie buffs will adore its tongue-in-cheek style that lampoons a slew of classic films.
  3. Nintendo Power
    92
    What pushes VJ2 over the top, and again into perfect-score territory, isn't its tag-team dynamic but rather its even edgier sense of humor. [Jan 2004, p.135]
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  5. Cinescape
    91
    What does change up quite a bit is the amount and complexity of the puzzles in the game. It's actually pretty refreshing to have so many situations that require something besides combat.
  6. TotalGames.net
    91
    A title that really has to be played to be believed and if you want to get the most out of the game, see everything and take advantage of the unlockables you'll be playing and believing for a long, long while.
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  7. Armchair Empire
    91
    Though there are minor improvements over the original, Viewtiful Joe 2 is a rip-roaring ride with plenty of fun packed into the experience.
  8. GamePro
    90
    Don't expect a re-invention of the wheel and you'll be provided for; otherwise here's hoping that the hinted-at third installment will be a bit more inventive.
  9. AceGamez
    90
    Viewtiful Joe 2 is as big a triumph as the original, resisting the urge to change a winning formula but building on it with even cooler settings, funnier bosses, more variety in the gameplay and a cool new way to manipulate time.
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  10. IGN
    90
    A super stylish, extremely challenging and riveting time in Movie Land.
  11. GameZone
    90
    An outstanding game that offers top notch addicting gameplay.
  12. Gamezilla!
    90
    There's nothing new here, just more of the same Viewtiful Joe goodness.
  13. Game Informer
    90
    Viewtiful Joe 2 rejuvinates my obsession, but it doesn't take it to the next level. The changes to gameplay are miniscule at best, and I wouldn't necessarily say I'm fond of them. [Dec 2004, p.160]
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  14. Cheat Code Central
    90
    It's hard not to like this game. The presentation is near perfection. It's got a great sense of humor and it's full of personality. The control system takes some getting used to but it's really effective and responsive.
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  15. GameBiz
    90
    With rockin' visuals, sound and gameplay, it shines as the antithesis to churned out sports sequels and World War II FPSs.
  16. eToychest
    90
    With all of the additions Viewtiful Joe 2 introduces, the game is still very similar to the first game, right down to a final showdown prefixed with having to fight all of the previously defeated bosses. Not that I mind terribly, as this is a functional formula that proves it still can deliver in spades.
  17. N-Insanity
    90
    Old-school gamers rejoice-VJ2 is somewhat of a second coming.
  18. GameSpot
    86
    Delivers more, more, more of what made the first game superb--but it's so similar to its predecessor, it's inherently less inventive.
  19. 1UP
    85
    A whole lot like the game before it, except better in just about every way.
  20. Inside Gamer Online
    84
    But really, why fix what isn't broken? It's great to have a new iteration in a potentially classic franchise, and Viewtiful Joe 2 is as joyous to play as the first, some slightly more frustrating puzzles notwithstanding.
  21. Game Revolution
    83
    The inclusion of Sylvia doesn't really add much to the sequel. But this kind of thing doesn't come along very often, so embrace Japan's love of nonsense and make this Joe a real American superhero.
  22. Gaming Age
    83
    Graphics and gameplay probably don't get much better in a 2D game than they are in Viewtiful Joe2. The faint of heart might long for a few more difficulty options, as the action can get hairy in a hurry. But this is still a fun, challenging game that's extremely easy on the eyes.
  23. Nintendojo
    82
    A more than worthy sequel to VJ.
  24. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    82
    All it really offers over the first game is a second character and a new skill or two - yet it never feels tired or rehashed. [Holiday 2004, p.101]
  25. My Gamer
    82
    It is this excellent implementation of teamwork between the two that makes Viewtiful Joe 2 more than just a cookie-cutter sequel and adds in a new layer of depth to the original formula.
  26. Gaming Target
    82
    VJ2 has plenty of style and furious action but it could be argued that it needs some help in the balancing department.
  27. Yahoo!
    80
    If you played the original Viewtiful Joe and enjoyed it, Viewtiful Joe 2 is a classic case of more of the same: a fairly conservative upgrade to a winning formula.
  28. G4 TV
    80
    In some cases, notably in the variety of bosses and in the unlockable bonuses, the first title is better than the sequel.
  29. Edge Magazine
    80
    As a sequel, it's not so much an extension as a remix, but one so capable and confident that 'remix' could very well be one of Clover Studio's own personal VFX powers.
  30. NTSC-uk
    80
    The overwhelming similarity to the first will leave some with a "seen it all before" feeling and it does nothing to entice back those who have been alienated first time around. On the other hand, the game is still one of the most unique and entertaining experiences around.
  31. Eurogamer
    80
    It's a straightforward sequel with a few more bells and whistles than before, and it lowers the bar of entry somewhat compared to the GameCube original.
  32. games(TM)
    80
    Capcom has provided a sequel that surpasses its predecessor in every way. There are few games that are as stylish and playable, and this is tough enough to challenge even the most dextrous gamer. In short – Viewtiful. [Jan 2005, p.96]
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  33. AltGaming
    80
    An exceptionally good game. Daring to remain different, continuing to be wildly imaginative and striving at being furiously frustrating, those who loved the original will find much pleasure from this sequel and see its price tag as just an expensive luxury.
  34. GameSpy
    80
    It's challenging, but never to the point of frustration; Sylvia makes for a great new character; and the implementation of the VFX Powers adds an extra dimension to what could have been nothing more than a simple punch-fest.
  35. GameCube Europe
    80
    A true sequel; playing it feels more like playing new Viewtiful Joe levels than playing a new game.
  36. Kombo
    80
    This is one of the most difficult games you'll play this year and that's a compliment.
  37. PALGN
    80
    While Viewtiful Joe 2 is more of an extension of the first game than a true sequel, there's no denying that there's some top quality gaming available here.
  38. Detroit Free Press
    75
    There is also constant, driving techno music that isn't overwhelming and meshes pretty well with all the craziness.
  39. GamerFeed
    70
    There's not much to differentiate Viewtiful Joe 2 from the first, as new VFX power and the ability to switch characters mid-level are the only major gameplay changes. That's why it is so disappointing that the new powers are so limited and under-utilized.
  40. Gamer.tv
    60
    The only real problem with Joe 2: It's way too similar to the previous title...Still, a terrific game. Challenging, but never to the point of frustration.

Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best GameCube Game of 2004
27
#27 Most Discussed GameCube Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 20 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 28
  3. Negative: 4 out of 28
  1. guiletheguiles
    Apr 2, 2020
    7
    This game doesn't shine like its predecessor, but it's still awesome!
    Everything about the first one is here but, while it may feel too    This game doesn't shine like its predecessor, but it's still awesome!
    Everything about the first one is here but, while it may feel too similar, it's still fun, charming and challenging as ever. If you are a fan of the first one, you owe it to yourself to continue the adventure.
    But the game has its share of bad things. Sylvia, for example, is useless. The unlockables aren't as good as the in the first game. Repetition of bosses sucks and there are TOO MANY annoying puzzles.
    Like I said, those things prevent it from shining like its predecessor, but if you're a fan of the first one, you'll definitely enjoy this one too.    … Full Review »
  2. 22446688Bb
    Aug 17, 2019
    10
    Viewtiful Joe 2 is a 2D beat 'em up which combines side-scrolling and platforming. The player takes control of either of the characters Joe orViewtiful Joe 2 is a 2D beat 'em up which combines side-scrolling and platforming. The player takes control of either of the characters Joe or Silvia to complete tasks within each stage, such as defeating enemies and bosses, and solving puzzles. Within Movieworld, Joe has "VFX Powers" such as Slow (similar to bullet-time), Mach Speed, and Zoom at his disposal to defeat the enemy. He is joined by girlfriend Silvia, who has also acquired VFX powers. However, Silvia has "Replay", which allows her to record and repeat an event three times in succession, instead of Joe's Mach Speed. The Replay power must be used wisely, as although it allow the player to do three times the amount of damage on an enemy, being hit while using it will incur three times the amount of damage to the player.[7]

    During the game, the player utilize a gameplay mechanic called "Viewtiful Switch" in order to swap between Joe and Silvia at any time. The two characters share both their amount of health and the VFX meter. Holding the switch button down for a certain amount of time enables the two player characters to use a special attack involving the transformable robot Six Machine. At intervals between stages, V-Points can be spent to purchase new moves for either Joe or Silvia, or to improve their existing powers, which includes making Joe's Mach Speed more effective or upgrading Silvia's Desperados. V-Points can additionally be spent to give the player more maximum health, add extra lives, or be used to buy power-ups such as the VFX Turbo Charger, which slows the drainage of the VFX Gauge.

    Aside from the main game, Viewtiful Joe 2 also contains an optional gameplay extra called the "36 Chambers of Viewtiful", a series of stages which test the player's skills. The objectives include defeating a set number of enemies or scoring a number of V-Points within a time limit, and dodging an onslaught of swords without dying.    … Full Review »
  3. chainsawslayer
    Jun 27, 2017
    10
    f you have a gamecube, then there is no excuse not to own this game. This is by far one of the best game of that generation. Henshin A Go Gof you have a gamecube, then there is no excuse not to own this game. This is by far one of the best game of that generation. Henshin A Go Go Baby! @ Capcom please bring a HD Port… Full Review »
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