Viewtiful Joe (T) (4.5 stars)
Capcom
PlayStation 2
After almost a year, PS2 owners can finally join GameCube fans in knowing the meaning of the words, "Henshin a go-go, baby!" Though it's not so much what they mean as what they do, which is transform mundane moviegoer Joe into a cinematic superhero who is simply viewtiful.
Now the comic book style, 2D/3D hybrid graphics can be seen on the PlayStation 2 console in all of their ported glory. And gamers who didn't know what they were missing can embark on a quest to save Sylvia from Movieland, employing innovative Hollywood action moves like slow-motion, zoom-in and Mach speed.
The PS2 exclusive content, including an additional "easy" mode and unlockable characters like Devil May Cry's Dante, is nifty but far from groundbreaking. But all the elements of the original break enough ground on their own, and will addict many a PS2 owner just in time for this winter's Viewtiful Joe 2.
Hot Shots Golf Fore! (E) (4 stars)
Sony Computer Entertainment
PlayStation 2
The designers at Clap Hanz have had to wait three games to put that "Fore!" joke in the title. The wait must have been unbearable. Fortunately, they managed to preoccupy themselves with creating three games on par with the best golf sims. Like its predecessors, Fore! holds tightly to its commendably realistic game play while amusing us with non sequitur-spouting, goofball characters. This version also supports online play, so you can hit the fairway with lazy golfers around the world.
Astro Boy: Omega Factor (E) (4 stars)
Sega
GameBoy Advance
Imagine what Mega Man would look like if he stripped down to a Speedo and shot bullets out his ass and you'll have Astro Boy, a Japanese manga character about as old as the cartoon art form. But don't let the half-naked robot's odd appearance scare you. With incredible visuals, frantic combat, and widely varied bosses, Astro Boy is a side-scroller as good as the best Mega Man games. Now if somebody could just get that kid some pants.
Catwoman (T) (2.5 stars)
Electronic Arts
GameBoy Advance
Cats are lame, but smaller kittens are somewhat cute. The same seems true for Catwoman games. The console versions deserved to be fed to my dog, but the small-screen game is almost worth having around. The graphics, including subtle lighting effects, are impressive for a GameBoy title, but the repetitive battles and incessant platforming ultimately remind me I'm definitely a dog person.
Matthew Scott Hunter has been known to mumble, "Up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A, start" in his sleep. E-mail him at
[email protected].