Viewtiful Joe 2

Play Magazine

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]

Just RPG

A solid game.

Cinescape

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.

TotalPlayStation

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.

Game Informer

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]

GameZone

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.

PSM Magazine

A worthy sequel to one of the better games of the last year. It's simply awesome. [Jan 2005, p.68]

IGN

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.

eToychest

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.

GamePro

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.

AceGamez

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.

TotalGames.net

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.

GameSpot

A few additions to an already proven formula make Viewtiful Joe 2 another great and quirky action game.

Gaming Target

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.

Pelit (Finland)

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]

Gaming Age

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.

Game Revolution

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.

Electronic Gaming Monthly

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]

Edge Magazine

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]

GameShark

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.

PSX Nation

A textbook case of a videogame sequel done right.

Pelaaja (Finland)

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]

Official Playstation 2 Magazine UK

Cartoon-style action adventure with great fighting controls. [Jan 2007, p.106]

GameSpy

The only real problem with VJ2 -- it's too darn similar to the previous one.

Official U.S. Playstation Magazine

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]

G4 TV

In some cases, notably in the variety of bosses and in the unlockable bonuses, the first title is better than the sequel.

GMR Magazine

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]

Detroit Free Press

There is also constant, driving techno music that isn't overwhelming and meshes pretty well with all the craziness.

Gamer.tv

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.