I pride myself on not succumbing to the gaming forces to purchase a GameCube.  Sure Nintendo has a proven track record for delivering solid and innovative titles for many years, but many gamers like myself have a more mature taste for games that the GameCube has yet to satisfy.  When Viewtiful Joe hit the shelves for the GC, I had hopes (maybe fantasies) Capcom would eventually publish it for other systems.  Until now, that dream seemed lost.  Viewtiful Joe for PS2 is an exciting non-stop action 2D/3D side-scroller unlike any other before it.  That coupled with bonus features exclusive to the PS2 version makes VJ brilliantly entertaining to play!

An average guy named Joe takes his girl, Silvia, to a movie featuring his favorite film hero, Captain Blue.  Just when she gets ready to cuddle, movie baddies grab Silvia and pull her into the movie screen.  If it were me, I'd just demand a refund.  But Joe decides to leap into the movie as well to fight the baddies and rescue Silvia.  He meets Captain Blue who gives Joe a V-Watch, allowing him to transform into...VIEWTIFUL JOE!

The premise would sound unbelievably cheesy if the game wasn't so COOL!  The gameplay is bizarre but fun and strangely easy to control.  In most action side-scrollers, you're attacks are based on long and difficult sequences (Up, X, Down, O, X, Right, Left, Turn, Up...No, I meant Down!).  In Viewtiful Joe, Capcom has taken button-smashing to a whole new level.  At times, there can be a dozen baddies fighting on screen simultaneously so you'll have to put your thumbs to good use. 

Besides fighting with the normal punch/kick system, VJ's superpowers are beautiful to perform.  The powers include VFX SLOW (sort of a bullet-time mode), VFX MACH SPEED (kick your attacks up a notch), and VFX ZOOM (to pull off unstoppable special attacks).  The powers runs off the VFX Gauge and when it hits zero, you go back to regular Joe before it replenishes.  Though the powers work very well, I would have liked to have seen more of them available to use (The greatest superhero of all time deserves more than 3).The powers do more than defeat enemies; they are also vital to the game's progression.  For example, hovering platforms will fall to the ground when using VFX SLOW because the propellers are moving too slow to stay up.  They will also rise when using VFX MACH SPEED because the propellers are moving faster.

After completing a level, the game opens up the option of purchasing "Power Ups".  Here, you can use V-Points that you collect in game to purchases extras like bonus moves, more life marks, and longer lasting VFX power.  And once you beat the game, the PS2 versions contains exclusive unlockable characters to play as including Dante from Devil May Cry.  His presence definitely contributes a great deal to the game. 

The game wouldn't be the same if it wasn't for the unique graphics.  Blending 2D action with 3D cell-shaded animation and design, everything from the visual effects to the fighting sequences makes Viewtiful Joe the best looking side-scroller ever.  The sound isn't remarkably impressive; it can get quite annoying when engaging a persistent enemy.  The voiceovers are okay, but the sound effects left me feeling unimpressed.

All in all, Viewtiful Joe is a great game you have to experience.   If you have the GC version, however, you aren't missing out on much for the PS2 version.  But if you have a PS2, or are a VJ fan, the $29.99 cost is a great bargain for such a fun game.

Gameplay: 9.4
The game offers a smooth control scheme and even though I would have liked to have seen more powers in Joe's arsenal, its a blast to play.

Graphics: 9.6
It's called Viewtiful Joe for a reason!

Sound: 8
Sound is the least impressive element of the game by far.

Difficulty: Any
The game options Easy to Ultra Hard.

Concept: 10
Easily the coolest superhero game out there.

Overall: 9.5
Viewtiful Joe is a creatively insane title for GC and PS2 that simply must be played.