Hey all I’m back with a very quirky game for this week’s Retro Game Friday. It’s Viewtiful Joe!

Plot: The plot is both stereotypical and completely out there. It’s taking the “trapped in a (Insert Media Type Here)” and playing it to the hilt, but it’s also very quirky in a way that only Japanese tokusatsu shows are. For those unfamiliar with the term,  think “Power Rangers” you should be able to understand.

Gameplay: The gameplay is a 2D Action Beat-em up that takes some classic film techniques and incorporates them into gameplay via the VFX (Viewtiful Effects) system. It was a lot fun, but I was always more an RPG sort of person so while I found it fun it did have trouble holding my attention. That said the series has a cult following for a reason, though sadly they never got around to making the third teased game.

Art: The art is ironically pretty well aged, but given how much of the art is cel-shaded and in 2D I’m not surprised.

Music: I don’t remember much of the music, sadly, except that it fit the game.

Overall: A fun game, that sadly ended on a cliffhanger that wasn’t ever fully resolved.

For those who like:  Action, Comedy, Beat-em Ups, Good Art.

Not for those who don’t like: Any of the above, or Power Rangers.