Viewtiful Joe 2

Viewtiful Joe 2 is more of the same, which is to say that it offers up a highly-stylized look blended with innovative game play in an action game well worth the money. The only thing disappointing about the sequel to last year's stunning premiere of the franchise is that it is too similar at times.

In this latest Viewtiful you play through the game as both Joe and his girlfriend, Sylvia, switching between them on the fly with the touch of a button. Syvlia's pom-pom waving, laser gun toting method is a stark-contrast to Joe's high-flying kicks and uppercuts. The game starts by stripping you of your VFX powers, which allowed Joe to speed up, slowdown and zoom-in in the last game.

As you progress through the side-scroller you will re-earn the exact same powers. Fortunately, Sylvia does get a new move, instant replay, which allows her to rewind the action the thump the bad guy three times in a row.

As in the first game, the level and thug design forces you to think your way through the maps and around the bad guys. Instead of just mashing your buttons, you'll have to strategically use your VFX powers to take down bosses and unlock puzzles.

This game plays exactly like a movie sequel, with the same look, sound and feel as the original game. The only real difference I noticed was that this time around there seems to be more puzzles to get in the way of you powering through the game in less than 8 hours. Viewtiful Joe 2 is a pleasure to play, but don't expect the same impact as the original game. There's nothing new here, just more of the same Viewtiful Joe goodness.