Forget Marvel, Capcom’s Award-Winning Action Game Made Me Feel Like A Superhero in 2003

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Comic books have become incredibly popular over the last twenty years, and now brands like Marvel are household names. I’ve always loved comics, and it’s amazing to see how much they’ve changed. As a kid, I played every comic book-themed game I could find, and that just deepened my passion for superheroes.

I have a lot of fond memories of playing superhero games, starting with titles like X2: Wolverine’s Revenge and the Spider-Man game released in 2000. More recently, games such as the Batman Arkham series, Marvel’s Spider-Man, Guardians of the Galaxy, Injustice: Gods Among Us, and the upcoming Marvel’s Wolverine have really pushed the superhero genre forward. The last few years have been amazing for comic book-based games, but one game from 2003 still stands out to me. What makes it special is that it isn’t based on Marvel, DC, or any of the major comic publishers. It’s actually a Capcom game, and it was one of the first times I truly felt like a superhero: Viewtiful Joe.

Viewtiful Joe’s Inventive Gameplay is Still a Cut Above Other Superhero Titles

Capcom took a wonderfully strange approach to the superhero game with Viewtiful Joe. The game starts with Joe and his girlfriend, Silvia, at the movies when the villain escapes the screen and kidnaps Silvia, pulling her into the movie world. Joe follows right after, entering a place called “Movieland.” He then embarks on a mission to rescue her, a classic hero-saves-the-day story. While the plot isn’t particularly complex, the incredibly fun gameplay more than makes up for it.

Many classic Capcom games haven’t been updated in a long time, but Viewtiful Joe always stood out to me. I first played it when I was seven, and even the easiest setting was pretty tough! Luckily, my older cousins helped me through it. Despite the difficulty, it was more fun than frustrating, even at that age. Viewtiful Joe definitely takes some getting used to, and while parts were too hard for a seven-year-old, the gameplay was so interesting that it kept me coming back, even after seeing the ‘Cut!’ game over screen.

What really sets Viewtiful Joe apart is how incredibly stylish its gameplay is. While many superhero games require skill and timing, Viewtiful Joe takes it to another level. The game fully embraces its over-the-top, movie-inspired setting, resulting in combat that’s still exciting and unique today. A core part of this is the VFX Powers, which cleverly mimic camera and editing techniques from films. They’re not just fun to learn, but they also create a wonderfully silly, cinematic experience that truly makes you feel like you’re inside a superhero movie.

Hideki Kamiya directed the action game Viewtiful Joe, but he’s also known for directing other popular titles such as Resident Evil 2, Devil May Cry, and Okami.

Viewtiful Joe’s VFX Abilities, Explained

  • Slow – As the name implies, this ability is slow motion.
  • Mach Speed – This lets Joe move at a much faster speed that creates after-images of him, which can still be useful in combat and puzzles.
  • Zoom In – This power zooms in on Joe as he powers up his attack and paralyzes in-range enemies.

What Viewtiful Joe Lacks in Depth, it Immediately Makes Up for with its Bold Personality

Viewtiful Joe perfectly captures the feeling of being a superhero. Its distinctive cel-shaded graphics, over-the-top humor, and loving nods to action movies create a truly one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re unfamiliar with the game, imagine a mix of the Scott Pilgrim comics and Hi-Fi Rush, but with even more exaggerated visuals and comedy. The vibrant and energetic art style can make battles feel chaotic and dreamlike, which actually adds to its charm.

Unlike many superhero games, Viewtiful Joe knows it’s over-the-top. While most games treat extraordinary events as normal, Joe is aware he’s in a unique situation and constantly pushes his abilities. Instead of taking itself seriously, Viewtiful Joe fully leans into the silliness of its movie-themed world.

Viewtiful Joe May Not Be a Household Name, But Its Legacy Lives On

When Viewtiful Joe first came out, critics loved it, giving it a score of 93 on Metacritic. While it didn’t sell as many copies as Capcom expected, it was still a commercial success. Despite Capcom having a long history of popular games, Viewtiful Joe remains one of their most original and creative series, earning it a dedicated cult following.

Following the success of the original Viewtiful Joe, Capcom released Viewtiful Joe 2 in 2004. They continued the series with Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble and Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble in 2005.

While it might not be as famous as superhero games from Marvel or DC, Viewtiful Joe has a unique and over-the-top style that sets it apart. It’s a fantastic example of what happens when game creators really let their imaginations run wild with an action hero, and it perfectly blends gaming with the superhero genre.

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2025-12-05 22:36