Viewtiful Joe

 PlayStation 2
  • Publisher: Capcom
  • Release Date: Aug 24, 2004
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 54 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 54
  3. Negative: 1 out of 54
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  1. SiewWaiT.
    Aug 27, 2004
    10
    I have more than 200++ PS2 games and I think VJ is one of the COOOooooOLest... !! The graphics are superb (though a little messy sometimes). Gameplay is unique and it never gets dull. It's like being a real superhero in an action hero ... WOoh... It's slightly difficult to master at first but once you get a hang of it, you'll be 'Viewtifully' bashing and I have more than 200++ PS2 games and I think VJ is one of the COOOooooOLest... !! The graphics are superb (though a little messy sometimes). Gameplay is unique and it never gets dull. It's like being a real superhero in an action hero ... WOoh... It's slightly difficult to master at first but once you get a hang of it, you'll be 'Viewtifully' bashing and slamming... yeah!! =)… Expand
  2. Sam
    Oct 30, 2005
    10
    A simply gorgeous and wickedly entertaining classic. Not only is Joe one of the most likeable characters ever, but the plot is creative, I laughed alot, and I was worried about the transfer of controls from Gamecube to PS2, but they're actually smoother in this version. If you have PS2, buy it now. If you Gamecube, buy it now. If you have DS or PSP, buy the new game, now.
  3. AKthaBeast
    May 18, 2018
    8
    A very solid and retro but innovative style to the game. Very fun to play and can be challenging at times.
  4. Carlos
    Oct 7, 2007
    9
    A great port to the PS2. The graphics are colorful and flourish each level and nothing ever looking the same. The gameplay is the great 2-D classic feal. You have the same powers as the gamecube. The level design is creative and you never feel like your playing the same level twice as in other games. You gain the ability to play as Dante in this game but nothing really all that changes A great port to the PS2. The graphics are colorful and flourish each level and nothing ever looking the same. The gameplay is the great 2-D classic feal. You have the same powers as the gamecube. The level design is creative and you never feel like your playing the same level twice as in other games. You gain the ability to play as Dante in this game but nothing really all that changes except the way the character looks. But attacks can become repitive and bosses can sometimes be just so cheap. The biggest complaint I have with the game is the jumping mechanics since you can't grab the side of somthing when you jump you have to get it exactly right. But otherwise it was a great game.… Expand
  5. JohnT.
    Sep 26, 2004
    7
    Great fun but too tough too soon and too repetitive, don't be fooled by all those who gave it 100, they're just doing that because it good arcade value- i must warn you that the lifespan is very short.
  6. JermainB.
    Sep 5, 2004
    5
    This is the same game as the gamecube version it was good over a year ago and dante is more of a cool factor than a actual play mechanic and I hate the fact they added a easy setting the point of the game was to make it hard like ninja gaiden man it kills me how on one system they say something makes its new and innovative but when you do the same thing a year later you say the samething.
  7. JonathanH.
    Jan 23, 2005
    6
    It's Not as good as the Gamecube version, and they chickened out with the easy setting, still if you just have the playstation 2, It's worth it.
  8. Unknownslicer
    Aug 16, 2005
    9
    I have just bough Viewtiful Joe about a week ago and it is one of the most amazing games ever. I also played the GC version there wasnt much difference but this is a must have for any person with a PS2. Do Not Miss It Out!
  9. EdwinS.
    Aug 24, 2004
    10
    This the best cel-shaded game i've ever played the graphics are crisp and the side-scrolling action is the shiznet.
  10. llamayarmybar
    Jul 21, 2011
    7
    Style? Yes. Music? Yes. Gameplay? Daunting, confusing, scattered, tedious, ridiculous and lastly full of itself. Okay so its a bit on the overrated side, its got some cool concepts, good action and a fun way to dispatch enemies- cool. Yet, I don't think I've ever been more turned off by gameplay choices in my life. Sure its got loads of comedic (though strange) bits, plenty ofStyle? Yes. Music? Yes. Gameplay? Daunting, confusing, scattered, tedious, ridiculous and lastly full of itself. Okay so its a bit on the overrated side, its got some cool concepts, good action and a fun way to dispatch enemies- cool. Yet, I don't think I've ever been more turned off by gameplay choices in my life. Sure its got loads of comedic (though strange) bits, plenty of funny enemies to beat to a pulp and lots of intricate moves to pull of, but it throws so much in that it lacks focus. Their are so many ways to defeat enemies that the game becomes a bit unbalanced for that very reason. The boss fights are also very challenging from what I recall and I even more so it seemed the lack of (actual) story kind of made me just not give a **** about what I was doing. It seems to have given up cognitive story and balanced game play for stylistic choices and making regular fights look "awesome."… Expand
  11. iKen
    Apr 14, 2020
    8
    Played on PlayStation 2.
    Gameplay: GREAT.
    Story: GOOD.
    Graphic: GREAT.
    Music/Sound: GOOD.
    Dialogue: GREAT.
  12. 22446688Bb
    Aug 17, 2019
    10
    Viewtiful Joe's core gameplay is similar to a traditional side-scrolling beat 'em up. Taking control of Joe, the player is mostly limited to moving left, right, up, and down on a fixed 2D path. The game contains platforming elements such as the ability to jump and double jump. Combat consists of fighting multiple enemies on screen at once, with the enemies appearing from all directions,Viewtiful Joe's core gameplay is similar to a traditional side-scrolling beat 'em up. Taking control of Joe, the player is mostly limited to moving left, right, up, and down on a fixed 2D path. The game contains platforming elements such as the ability to jump and double jump. Combat consists of fighting multiple enemies on screen at once, with the enemies appearing from all directions, including the foreground and background. Joe has the ability to punch, kick, and dodge—which he can do by leaping upward or ducking. Dodging enemies' attacks successfully temporarily dazes them, leaving them wide open for attack.[7] The player has certain number of hit points in the form of "Life Marks" located above the VFX Gauge, which decrease whenever Joe takes damage. Health can be restored by picking up hamburgers.[8]… Expand
  13. Alex_Pilgrim008
    Apr 27, 2023
    9
    Every bit as good as the GameCube version. The game itself is a 2D anime-inspired side scroller that is both retro and modern. It's also more challenging than you'd think. A playable Dante of "Devil May Cry" is a nice added exclusive. The graphics are identical to the Cube version, but are not as sharp or colorful. Overall, this is one of the coolest games from Capcom. I would give it aEvery bit as good as the GameCube version. The game itself is a 2D anime-inspired side scroller that is both retro and modern. It's also more challenging than you'd think. A playable Dante of "Devil May Cry" is a nice added exclusive. The graphics are identical to the Cube version, but are not as sharp or colorful. Overall, this is one of the coolest games from Capcom. I would give it a 9.1 out of 10.… Expand

Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best PS2 Game of 2004
83
#83 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 34 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
  1. GameSpy
    100
    A slightly reduced retail price and the cool unlockable stuff make VJ for PS2 one of the best buys I've seen all year. It offers something great for those of you that already Joe, and something truly epic for those of you that don't.
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  2. RewiredMind
    90
    As games lean increasingly toward po-faced realism, Viewtiful Joe provides a refreshingly irreverent and honest game whose old-school sensibilities prove that old dogs can still learn new tricks.
    Read full review
  3. Cheat Code Central
    80
    About eighty-five percent as good looking as the Cube version. There is some slowdown and some of the more sophisticated special effects have been eliminated or significantly downgraded.
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