Toxic (Masculinity) Crusaders

DATE:
25 YEARS AGO

GPOW 25TH
A N N I V E R S A R Y

To me, the first thing about Viewtiful Joe that stands out is the vibrance of its splashy, colorful special effects. There are so many different types, and they explode and fill the screen even after completion of the most menial of tasks. Accordingly, boss attacks can cover the screen in a vibrant doom. Underneath the flashy surface lies a deceptively complex hybrid brawler, though. The Wonderful 101 is a side-scrolling fighter at its core, but seamlessly incorporates a variety of elements from other genres. And it doesn't just incorporate one approach to a genre, but several. Every genre injected into the W101 is represented in a variety of approaches synonymous with the innovators who originated them. The varied bosses in each stage are preceeded by equally-varied fighting, puzzle, and shooting parts throughout the journey. All of these elements are tied together by subtle visual reminders that the game is of distinct Japanese craft.