Why Capcom’s Viewtiful Joe series would thrive with a modern entry
It has been almost 20 years since the world last saw the release of a Viewtiful Joe game. In this time, two video game console generations have come and gone, the Clover Studio subsidiary responsible for the creation of Viewtiful Joe was shut down, and the franchise has all but been forgotten. Yet despite all this, there is still hope that Capcom will make a Viewtiful Joe game for the current age.
Series creator Hideki Kamiya has expressed his desire to go back to Viewtiful Joe
Since he left Capcom in 2006, video game designer Hideki Kamiya has always been open about wanting to make another Viewtiful Joe game. In a 2017 interview with Dengeki PlayStation, Kamiya stated that he would want to develop a Viewtiful Joe remake alongside Capcom. At PAX East 2020, Kamiya urged fans to email Capcom and request games for dormant franchises – one of them being Viewtiful Joe. He stated that he would love to make a third game and complete what was supposed to be a trilogy, but would also be content with a remaster of the first game on the Nintendo Switch. Whether it be a third game or a on remake, Hideki Kamiya seems intent on working on Viewtiful Joe for at least one more game.
Viewtiful Joe would lend itself well to modern video game techniques and technologies
The first Viewtiful Joe captivated players in 2003 with its mix of 3D cel-shaded graphics, 2D beat ‘em up gameplay, funky soundtrack, and unique VFX powers. Capcom could not only bring these elements to the current age but build upon them with new ideas – some of which can be inspired by more recent games. NieR: Automata is one such game, as it pushes the boundaries of the action-roleplaying genre. Giving players the ability to shift between 2D and 3D in a manner similar to NieR: Automata’s shoot ‘em up segments would make for a unique VFX power to add to Viewtiful Joe’s arsenal.
Kamiya’s wish to bring Viewtiful Joe to the Nintendo Switch would also allow the developers to make use of the console’s more obscure features, such as the built-in gyroscope controls. While Viewtiful Joe works best as a 2D side-scrolling beat ‘em up (the games primarily take place in Movieland, after all), changing perspectives and finding new ways to engage players could ensure the game remains fresh.
A new Viewtiful Joe game can lean into the movie aspects of the franchise
As movies are a strong influence in the Viewtiful Joe franchise, the new game could reference or make use of modern moviemaking techniques. Stop motion animation, one-shot scenes – each chapter in a Viewtiful Joe game can pay homage to a different style of movie while the overarching narrative holds everything together. As Viewtiful Joe 2 ended with Viewtiful Joe and Sexy Silvia setting out to face what could be their strongest foe yet, a sequel could focus on saving different film genres from the forces of evil.
These are just a few ideas Capcom could implement in a new Viewtiful Joe game. While past entries were great, a new entry could help the franchise evolve with regards to it being a blend of video games and movies. Now that Capcom is more open to making remakes and accepting new ideas, maybe the time has come to dust off the old Viewtiful Joe reel.
As much as i like Viewtiful Joe and played the 1st game to death. I do not know if Capcom has it within them lately to really allow Hideki to do what he would like to. They have been neglecting their past with Megaman, Lost Planet, and even a potential chance with Power Stone and to work with SNK for Capcom Vs SNK series. But instead going with Kunitsu, Monster Hunter and potentially Pragmata. Maybe soon Capcom will allow Hideki to make Viewtiful Joe and to help work on other titles.