Viewtiful Joe 2

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Dec 7, 2004
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 29 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 28 out of 29
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 29
  3. Negative: 0 out of 29
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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. Just RPG
    92
    A solid game.
  3. 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.
  5. PSM Magazine
    90
    A worthy sequel to one of the better games of the last year. It's simply awesome. [Jan 2005, p.68]
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  6. IGN
    90
    The introduction of Joe's girlfriend, Sylvia, is a great addition that just adds depth to an already deep and thoroughly satisfying game experience...A super stylish, extremely challenging and riveting time in Movie Land.
  7. 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.
  8. 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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  9. GameZone
    90
    An awesome game that every player should have in their collection. It is a homage to older games that proves that 2D side-scrolling games are a blast to play.
  10. TotalPlayStation
    90
    Genuinely tough puzzles mixed with constant and varied challenges from enemies and bosses alike make this of the best mixes of old-school action and progressive gameplay themes ever seen in games.
  11. GamePro
    90
    Expectations for its follow-up were lofty, and though Viewtiful Joe 2 is a total blast, the new features it introduces don't stack up against its reliance on rehashed ideas enough to keep you from feeling you've tread this path before.
  12. 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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  13. TotalGames.net
    87
    In fact other than the addition of Silvia, Viewtiful Joe 2 is remarkably similar to the original - the majority of flaws included. But when the game still feels fresher than the crisp clean smell of a bath towel washed in Daz Ultra we have no reason to feel aggrieved.
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  14. GameSpot
    86
    A few additions to an already proven formula make Viewtiful Joe 2 another great and quirky action game.
  15. Gaming Target
    85
    It presents a great challenge and a unique, if cheesy, style that has appeal, and if it does appeal to you, you’ll love it.
  16. Pelit (Finland)
    85
    An entertaining action flick with nice special effects and some amazingly innovative puzzles. Not recommended for those who do not like huge level bosses and playing the same episodes again and again. [Mar. 05]
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  17. 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.
  18. 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.
  19. 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]
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  20. Official U.S. Playstation Magazine
    80
    VJ2 is the better overall game, but it's a very rudimentary and evolutionary step rather than a revolutionary leap forward. [Jan 2005, p.108]
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  21. 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.
  22. GameSpy
    80
    The only real problem with VJ2 -- it's too darn similar to the previous one.
  23. GMR Magazine
    80
    The worst thing that can be said about Viewtiful Joe 2 is that it's a lot like the first game, and that's a good thing. [Jan 2005, p.123]
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  24. Edge Magazine
    80
    Levels feel more segmented and less regimented, and the better for it. There’s no cheap, wholesale reduction of difficulty, just what feels like a more balanced play experience. [Jan 2005, p.84]
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  25. GameShark
    80
    If I could venture one bit of advice to Capcom, I would suggest that they not fall into the rut of offering a new Viewtiful Joe game every year and actually make the next installment a meaningful upgrade in 2006. Perhaps add in a cooperative mode for two players to tackle.
  26. PSX Nation
    80
    A textbook case of a videogame sequel done right.
  27. Pelaaja (Finland)
    80
    Even if the game is basically a rehash of old ideas, something this lively and stylish is well worth repeating. It’s good to have a bit of henshin a gogo amongst all the fps- and stealth action game clones. [May 2005, p.76]
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  28. Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK
    80
    Cartoon-style action adventure with great fighting controls. [Jan 2007, p.106]
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  29. Detroit Free Press
    75
    There is also constant, driving techno music that isn't overwhelming and meshes pretty well with all the craziness.
  30. 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

20
#20 Best PS2 Game of 2004

User Reviews

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User Score
7.6

Generally favorable reviews- based on 28 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 28
  3. Negative: 3 out of 28
  1. KendylKlownfish
    Apr 26, 2011
    8
    An arguably glamorous beat em' up, sequel, and sleeper hit. Pros: Beautiful graphics; even more VFX attacks for Viewtiful Joe and Sexy Sylvia.An arguably glamorous beat em' up, sequel, and sleeper hit. Pros: Beautiful graphics; even more VFX attacks for Viewtiful Joe and Sexy Sylvia. Cons: Too familiar, too soon; no multi-player; it's often frustratingly difficult, and doesn't offer many hints.… Full Review »
  2. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GOOD.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue: GREAT.
  3. 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 »
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