PixlBit

Henshin-a-go-go, baby!

It’s been a while, but you knew this feature couldn’t stay away forever.  That’s right, it’s about time that we had ourselves another installment of Missing in Action!

For those of you who are new to this PixlBit staple, MIA is an ongoing feature where we pick a game or franchise out of the gutter, clean it up and present it for a current/next generation update.

This week we have a special guest taking the MIA reins in the form of PixlBit staff writer Jon Lewis!

To qualify for the MIA spotlight the game or franchise cannot have a new entry on any of the current generation consoles, nor can a new title be in development, though unconfirmed rumors and speculation are admissible.  The title or franchise must also be served well by a current generation.  As much as some of us love Toejam and Earl, games like that are better off staying in the 90’s.  Too bad Duke didn’t take that advice….

This week Jon presents for your consideration, Viewtiful Joe!

Viewtiful Joe was developed by Capcom Production Studio 4 and released in 2003 exclusively for the Nintendo Gamecube. The game was later ported to the Playstation 2 by Clover Studios with additional bonus features, including the ability to play as Dante from the popular Devil May Cry series.  The Japanese release included the subtitle, A New Hope; an obvious reference to the original Star Wars.

The game tells the story of an average guy named Joe and his girlfriend Silvia. While on a movie date to see the film “Captain Blue” things start to get weird and the film’s antagonist reaches out into the real world and pulls Silvia into Movieland. Joe is then brought into Movieland as well, but at the hands of the hero, Captain Blue himself.  While inside the movie, it’s up to Joe to rescue his girlfriend and to do so, he is given a V-Watch, a device that he can use to become a superhero. Upon saying the (now classic) phrase, “Henshin-a-go-go, baby!” he transforms into the titular Viewtiful Joe.

Viewtiful Joe featured a lot of interesting and cutting edge concepts all revolving around movie effects like slow-motion, acceleration, and even the ability to zoom in on the action. These different abilities are acquired as you progressed through the game, and are not only used in combat, but are key to solving many of the game’s puzzles. Using a combination of hand to hand combat and unlockable movies like the Voomerang, and Red Hot Kick, there was plenty at Joe’s disposal.

Each level progressed as an act that, when completed, graded you on your style and speed which encouraged perfectionists to try and master the combat system. The game also featured many memorable boss battles, like Hulk Davidson, and the Fire Leo that challenged player’s mastery of the gameplay systems at hand.

Viewtiful Joe was released to critical praise, with most giving credit to the unique 3D cell-shaded art style, and the challenging, but fun gameplay. The game sold modestly on both the Gamecube and PS2, and though it wasn’t a commercial blockbuster, it was considered successful enough to warrant a sequal.

Viewtiful Joe 2 was developed by the now defunct Clover Studios  and released in 2004 for the Nintendo Gamecube with a Playstation 2 version following soon after. The game’s plot centered around an alien fleet named “Gedow” that invades Movieworld in attempt to steal the Rainbow Oscars which were said to have the “power of the happy ending”. Viewtiful Joe and Silvia witness Captain Blue get turned into an Oscar by their foes, and it’s up to them to make things right.

Viewtiful Joe 2 didn’t stray too much from the formula of the original, but the addition of Silvia as a playable character added for some unique puzzles and gameplay segments. Players could switch on the fly to take down foes. Silvia also had her own new ability, known as Replay, which allowed her to do triple damage to enemies.

Reviews of Viewtiful Joe 2 were positive, though never reached the levels of praise heaped upon the first game. Still, the general consensus by many was that the game was fun and satisfying. The game again sold modestly, though was by no means a smash hit.

The ending of Viewtiful Joe 2 hinted of a possible third installment, but instead two spin-off titles were created with the fighting game Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble, and the portable Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble for the Nintendo DS. Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble was generally seen as a Super Smash Brothers rip-off and only garnered average reviews while Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble was more true to the first two titles, but sold poorly.

Unfortunately, Clover Studios dissolved in 2007 (don’t worry – many of the developers have gone on to form Platinum Games) and with that the hope that we would ever again see another Viewtiful Joe title began to dwindle.  Since then, the series protagonist has appeared in a short lived anime series as well as being a playable character in the Capcom fighting games Tatsunoko vs. Capcom, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 and its expansion, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3.

Seeing Viewtiful Joe in these fighting games reminds me of the great times I had playing the games in the series. With the innovations and power of current generation consoles, a new entry in the Viewtiful Joe series should be a shoe-in. Here are a few things that could help the series carry on with current and next gen consoles:

Utilize HD Graphics: Viewtiful Joe was always known for being visually pleasing. After seeing what Capcom did with Okami HD on the PS3, many of us yearn to see what Capcom other cell-shaded gem looks like on an HD system. Not to mention, the current handhelds like the Nintendo 3DS and PlayStation Vita would do the series visual justice.

Take Advantage of the lack of Mascot Characters: Mascot Characters are much fewer and farther between than in generations past, and Viewtiful Joe was setting himself up to be one of the great ones. His return would do wonders for Capcom and their brand going forward, as long as it is handled properly.

Re-Introduce, and Refine Gameplay: Since it’s been a while since the last Viewtiful Joe, a new entry will not only feel fresh, but it will remind us what makes the series so great. If they could refine the loose edges and add some new and innovative powers, they could do something great. As we saw with the recent release of Sly Cooper: Thieves in Time, it’s quite possible.

If you haven’t checked out the Viewtiful Joe series, I highly recommend that you pull out a GameCube, Wii, or PS2 and pick up either title or even the DS game which wasn’t bad at all. Have any fond memories of the series? Do you feel like the series should stay dead, or do you want to hear “Henshin-a-go-go, Baby” one more time? Do you have any suggestions on how to make the series better or more accessible? Let us know in the comments below!