Joe starts out as an average guy on a date with his girl Silvia at a local theater. Joe is into the new Captain Blue superhero movie while Silvia just wants some "off-screen action". The movie suddenly comes to life as the main evil guy reaches out and grabs Silvia. Captain Blue tells Joe that he's been defeated and that Joe must take the role of superhero. Captain Blue grants Joe superhero powers to become Viewtiful Joe and rescue Silvia.

Joe starts out with basic moves but later is taught VFX moves by Captain Blue. VFX moves let Joe slow down time, fight at mach speed, or zoom in on himself to distract enemies. The VFX powers hatch a variety of different gameplay styles that are as intuitive as they are fun to use. The slow power lets you beat up bad guys in a slow-mo fashion that’s been seen in every action flick. The punches/kicks echo off the enemies' body and Joe can spot minor details like parts flying off a pummeled robots' body. Mach Speed lets Joe punch/kick with blazing speed. Beat up a row of enemies and Joe will catch fire, lighting nearby enemies ablaze as well. The zoom power focuses the camera on Joe to dazzle enemies and leave them in awe of his superhero greatness. In the mode Joe can punch bewildered enemies, perform a circle kick, and drill jump towards the sky or pounce down on enemies.

What makes VJ so great is that each VFX power isn't just for show but is integral to the gameplay. For enemies that shoot bullets, Joe can slow down time to see the bullet and punch it back towards an enemy. Mach speed can speed up a fan-based propeller so Joe can reach a higher platform. And moves specific to the zoom function need to be performed to get Joe passed certain obstacles.

Joe can dodge attacks to confuse enemies and gain the upper hand. When an enemy is about to attack a skull will appear at the top or bottom of the enemy. Push the opposite direction of the skull and Joe will confuse the enemy and leave them prime for attack. Along the way Joe will pick up V-Points that he can use in-between levels to power up the life bar or gain additional moves.

Classic 2D gameplay is the core of VJ's mechanics. Every movement is snappy, instant, and combos are remarkably fluid with each punch/kick connecting with ease. Viewtiful Joe's visuals are an amazing concoction of cel-shading and trademark artwork reminiscent of American and Japanese comic books. The bold outlines represent more American style art, while Viewtiful Joe's muscular yet highly acrobatic movement is all Japanese. The blend is impeccably unique and fun to watch. The voice acting is top-notch as is every smack, shot, and stun sound effect.

VJ is quite a challenge. Each level consists of many areas and a few bosses. But as with all great games with each play you learn something new that will let you proceed a little further or make it right to the next level.

Viewtiful Joe is a stunning example of how creativity can blend seamlessly with gameplay without sacrificing one or the other. The top-notch gameplay coupled with out of this world superhero stunts is the freshest take on a classic side-scrolling action seen in years.