The video game market is really supposed to be about bringing new and exciting things to attract old and new gamers alike and that's exactly what I like about Viewtiful Joe. Introduced as part of Capcom's five-game line-up for GameCube (a line-up that has since gone a little sour, thanks to P.N. 03 and the delay of the other games), it stuck out like a sore thumb, and for good reason. It brought the kind of old-school gameplay that Capcom was once known for, while putting an inventive new twist on things that made for quite a pleasant game experience. There are quite a few things that made VJ work so well. The gameplay, the graphics, the music, the challenges, everything worked. Viewtiful Joe still stands as one of the best GameCube games out there.

Now PlayStation 2 owners get a turn. The game that was originally intended to be a GameCube exclusive is now on Sony's magic little machine, and I'm glad to say that the port has survived nearly in full, meaning that gamers who have yet to taste the Viewtiful life will find that the taste is sweet indeed. I'm sure there are some of you who don't mind delving back into the game to see how your skills have improved since you first beat it.

In the game, you play a typical guy by the name of Joe, hanging out at the movies with your girlfriend Sylvia. A strange occurrence suddenly finds your girl sucked into the film, and you pursue after her, finding yourself suddenly overwhelmed by the presence of the bad guys. But, behold! Captain Blue arrives and helps you fight the enemies with the help of VFX powers, courtesy of a super-suit that transforms Joe into Viewtiful Joe. And the adventure begins...

The main feature that stands out about Viewtiful Joe is the VFX powers- Slow, Speed Up, and Zoom. Each one has its own advantages and can only be used for a limited time, thanks to a power meter at the top of the screen. Use too much of a particular power, and Joe's powers go away completely, if only temporarily. The Slow power slows the action on screen to a standstill, making your punches and kicks even more powerful to jettison enemies and objects across the screen. The Speed Up power blazes Joe at lightning speed, allowing him to cross fire fields, destroy enemies with super speed, or cause vehicles and floating platforms to go a further distance. Then you have Zoom, which closes in on our hero and allows him to pull off attacks on a number of enemies for a devastating effect. On top of this, Joe also has a number of punch-kick combos at his command, as well as the ability to double-jump and reach higher platforms. The gameplay here remains just as terrific as it was in the GameCube edition, so you can put together some pretty kick-ass attacks and diversify things.

However, the game is no cakewalk. There are some parts that will leave you puzzled, like the first time you're riding on a bus that has to make it across a gap or having to launch a bomb up to a platform or window to force it to shatter so you can proceed. The learning experience really does reward you and motivates you to continue, rather than frustrate you. If it becomes too much, the game includes an easy mode, known as "Sweet Mode", that allows you to get the hang of things without becoming overwhelmed. I warn you, though, playing through on this mode hampers the experience as the developers intended. Part of the fun really is the challenge.

Along the way, you'll be able to pick up new powers in a shop, purchasing them with Viewtifuls. You can also unlock new hidden characters and secrets, including Dante from Devil May Cry, who fits in quite nicely with the action with his double pistols and possessed sword. His voice is a little weird, but, hey, whose isn't in this game?

The sound is enjoyable, for the most part, with a fitting soundtrack, great voicework, and sound effects that are on target. But it's the graphics that are bound to wow you, a mixture of 2D and 3D that blends almost perfectly. Throw in a cel-shaded design, sharp animation (in slow mode, you can see just how many frames enemies are made of), and some high-intensity bosses that show smart design, and you have a game that's almost a winner in looks. I say almost because there is some slight slowdown and transparency problems that could have easily been ironed out.

But flaws are flaws, some games just run into them. Really good games move past them and still present something in the experience that cannot be denied. The Mega Man games of yesteryear on the NES had some slowdown and flicker, but they were still great.

The only thing I could see that could hold a gamer back from buying Viewtiful Joe is its timing. After all, Viewtiful Joe 2 is arriving later this year, so why revisit the first game? Well, the new additions are a good reason, and the fact that the game is only $30 helps as well, so you don't have to put down full value on a game that's so clearly worth $50. Viewtiful Joe has the kind of gameplay, graphic presentation, and overall appeal that you seldom see in games anymore, and it deservedly belongs in your library. Henshin-A-Go-Go get it already.