Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble! delivers a side-scrolling beat-’em-up experience that both veterans of the series and newcomers can appreciate. The core loop revolves around fluid combos, enemy encounters, and platforming challenges that unfold across two screens on the Nintendo DS. Each level introduces its own hazards, from conveyor belts and trapdoors to cinematic set pieces that play out in real time, ensuring that no two stages feel identical.

At the heart of the combat are the series’ signature VFX powers—Slow, Scratch, Split, and Slide—each of which is mapped intuitively to the DS’s touchscreen and buttons. Players can slow down time to dodge bullets or airborne foes, shake environmental objects to drop obstacles onto enemies, slash through barriers to reveal secret paths, and zoom in for extra-punch impact when up close. These powers are not just flashy gimmicks; they’re integral to mastering tougher boss fights and solving the occasional environmental puzzle.

Controls feel tight and responsive, with a satisfying weight behind each blow. Combos flow naturally from light jabs to heavy smashes, while aerial juggling keeps the action dynamic. The DS’s dual screens also enhance gameplay by allowing you to keep an eye on your life gauge, VFX meter, and on-screen map without cluttering the main action. Overall, the gameplay is accessible enough for beginners but offers depth for players who want to push their combo skills to the limit.

Replay value comes from hidden collectibles, bonus challenges, and a currency system that unlocks costumes and special moves. Each level hides film reels and golden stars that encourage exploration and mastery of VFX techniques. For completionists, striving for a perfect rank on every stage adds an extra layer of challenge long after the main story ends.

Graphics

Double Trouble! retains the bright, cel-shaded aesthetic that has become the hallmark of the Viewtiful Joe franchise. Characters pop against colorful backgrounds, and every punch, kick, and VFX activation is accompanied by comic-book style onomatopoeia and dynamic camera angles. On the DS hardware, the game achieves a surprising level of polish, with smooth animations and crisp sprite work that belies the system’s limitations.

The two screens work in tandem to create a sense of scale, with the top display often used for mid-battle cutaways or environmental effects while the action stays grounded on the bottom. Transitions between screens are seamless, and there’s virtually no slowdown even when the battlefield is crowded with enemies. Whether you’re stomping thugs in a city alley or battling a giant mechanical contraption on a studio soundstage, the visual presentation remains consistent and engaging.

Level design also benefits from the game’s art direction. Each set has its own personality—film noir streets, sci-fi labs, medieval castles—bringing variety to every new mission. Backgrounds shift subtly as you move from one area to the next, and minor details like flickering studio lights, rolling camera dollies, and debris flying off crumbling walls help reinforce the game’s “movie set” premise.

On the downside, character models can appear a bit blocky in closeups, and some repeated enemy sprites make appearances across multiple stages. These minor quibbles rarely detract from the overall spectacle, but they may be noticeable to players expecting console-level fidelity. Even so, the art style is bold enough to cover small graphical shortcuts, ensuring that Double Trouble! remains a visual treat on the go.

Story

The narrative kicks off with a comedic twist: Joe accidentally ruins Jasmine’s shot in Captain Blue’s new film, then watches helplessly as a band of henchmen makes off with the precious film canister. From there, the plot zips along with playful banter, over-the-top villains, and plenty of fourth-wall nods that fans of the series will recognize. Dialogue exchanges are packed with humor, and the DS’s dual screens facilitate quick-witted cutscenes that never overstay their welcome.

While the storyline itself isn’t groundbreaking, it serves its purpose as a playful backdrop for Joe’s antics. You’ll meet an array of quirky characters—hapless studio crew members, rival actors with inflated egos, and monstrous creatures created for the film sets. Boss battles often tie directly into the current movie theme, turning each fight into a mini-showcase of imaginative foes and spectacular set pieces.

Character development is light but charming. Joe’s earnest desire to make amends for Jasmine’s setback and retrieve Captain Blue’s film canister gives him clear motivation. Jasmine and Agnès pop up throughout the adventure to lend moral support, trade banter, or assist with in-level VFX puzzles. Even Captain Blue himself plays a role, alternating between exasperation at Joe’s antics and relief when the next canister is recovered.

For players seeking a deep, multilayered narrative, Double Trouble! may feel a bit episodic, but the brisk pacing ensures you’re never stuck in dialogue for too long. The story is best enjoyed when viewed through the lens of a campy action flick, complete with cheesy one-liners and melodramatic showdowns that celebrate the series’ movie-making roots.

Overall Experience

Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble! shines as a portable extension of the franchise, capturing the fast-paced action and distinctive style that fans adore. The blend of side-scrolling brawling, platforming segments, and VFX-powered puzzles keeps the adventure fresh from start to finish. Quick level transitions make it ideal for pick-up-and-play sessions, while hidden secrets and grade challenges provide depth for those ready to dive deeper.

The audio design complements the visuals with upbeat music, sharp sound effects, and enthusiastic voice clips during key moments. Every VFX powerup triggers a cinematic flourish, and special attack animations feel weighty and satisfying. On the DS’s speakers or through headphones, the soundtrack injects just the right amount of adrenaline into each encounter.

Difficulty is balanced well: early stages serve as a gentle tutorial, while later levels introduce tougher enemy patterns and more complex environmental obstacles. Save points are frequent enough to prevent frustration, and the ability to replay stages for better scores encourages mastery. Occasional touchscreen minigames add variety but never detract from the core beat-’em-up action.

Ultimately, Double Trouble! offers a delightful mix of humor, style, and engaging mechanics that make it a must-have for fans of action-packed platformers. Whether you’re nostalgic for the original entries or discovering Viewtiful Joe for the first time, this DS outing delivers a memorable cinematic adventure you can carry in your pocket. Highly recommended for anyone seeking colorful, fast-paced gameplay with a cinematic twist.

Retro Replay Score

7.3/10