Jason gets ready to rumble
Publisher: Capcom/THQ Australia
Thu, 13 July 2006
by: Jason
Taking a minor departure from the previous efforts in the Viewtiful Joe series, Red Hot Rumble dumps the platform/action style for something more reminiscent of smash bros.Somewhere in the world (somewhere a considerable distance from me) Viewtiful Joe is a phenomenon,I personally don't know which came first, the games or the cartoon series, and at this stage it probably doesn't really make a difference, but for both to exist somebody must be watching/playing. Sammy's note: The games came first, in case anyone cares.
If like me you've never encountered a Viewtiful Joe game then prepare yourself for corny dialogue, this game is cheesier than a triple cheese pizza with a cheese crust in a lactose factory. Not that that's a bad thing, actually it only enhances the "super hero righting wrongs" feel, because what superhero story would be complete without some truly cringe worthy dialogue?
 | | I don't know what is going on here |
The easiest way to look at this game would be to call it a beat em up and while this is broadly the case it also borrows heavily from the mini game department (think Mario party and you're not too far off the mark) the story has several characters from the Viewtiful Joe universe competing for a role in a movie, and as you would expect once the action starts its on for young and old with up to 4 players(AI or humans over wi-fi) bouncing around your screen like a jumping mouse on caffeine tablets.
Graphically the game has kept the cel shaded look of previous games in the series and it pays off, while fully rendered 3D does look nice sometimes its just not necessary(as I am sure Sammy will testify, being the retro gaming god he is). Sound wise it's up to par as well with lots of satisfying thwack and zap sounds.
The main story mode of the game is structured with a level featuring several stages, also broken up into sections e.g.: your first task may be to collect more gems than your opponent; then you will have to beat more enemies and then another "collecting" section, then what passes for a boss fight.
 | | Mario's Dad has quite a temper |
Of course where this type of game truly shines is multiplayer and while there is only one multiplayer mode, it's sure to keep you and 3 other PSP owning friends entertained for quite a while.
Yes I know it's a bit (ok a lot) of a cliché to say fans of the series will love it and while that's true, any one looking for a party game/ beat em up could do worse. Viewtiful Joe Ready to Rumble delivers just the type of quick burst, pick up and play gaming the PSP was made for. Sammy's note: I feel I should point out that I'm a fan of the Viewtiful Joe series & I tried Red Hot Rumble and didn't dig it much. So I guess not all fans will like it. Sorry to contradict you, Jason. Please don't hack me up with your machete.
by: Jason
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