Aratanaru Kibou is the Japanese name of Viewtiful Joe A New Hope. Same 2D masterpiece, same Capcom intensity and same offbeat cinephile charm. Essential.
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Category
Action1 player12+
Description
A Clover Studio and Capcom action game released in 2004, the original Japanese edition of Viewtiful Joe Aratanaru Kibou (New Hope). Initial Japanese version of the Hideki Kamiya-signed masterpiece, released two months before the Western versions. Joe traverses six levels to save Silvia with innovative VFX mechanics (slow-motion, mach speed, zoom). Signature spectacular cel-shaded comic-book aesthetics. Original Japanese edition.
Viewtiful Joe - Aratanaru Kibou review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
4/5
Music
★★★★★
"Excellent"
3/5
Story
★★★★★
"Solid"
A flamboyant tribute to superhero cinema, the game blends razor-sharp cel-shading, saturated colours and film-reel effects into a jubilant tokusatsu style. Slow-downs and speed-ups warp the image into a non-stop spectacle. This graphic audacity, unique and electric, keeps its freshness intact.
Gameplay
"Excellent"
Fun
"From the very first seconds"
A 2.5D beat 'em up of unheard-of cinematic style, where the hero triggers action-movie special effects — slow motion, zoom, fast-forward — to floor his enemies and solve puzzles. This brilliant idea delivers unique sensations and a stylish release. Colourful, snappy and zany, an adventure of crazy inventiveness that looks like nothing else.
Complete: box, manual and disc/cart very clean. Lightly handled.
Q1 damagedQ6 completeQ10 new
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Collector interest
The original Japanese version of Viewtiful Joe, released under the title Aratanaru Kibou (New Hope) ahead of the Western releases, the original pressing of a Kamiya classic in its native language. It appeals to those wanting the initial run and the distinct title of a stylish action peak, closest to the studio's intent. Its interest lies in this regional first-edition status and a distinct packaging rather than extreme scarcity.
Memorable bosses
Colorful and built for spectacle, the bosses of this stylized beat'em up are undone by manipulating time: slow-motion to dodge, Mach Speed to strike. From the shark Gran Bruce to the fiery Fire Leo, each demands marrying reflexes with cinematic powers. Their over-the-top comic-book design and theatrical staging make these duels as funny as they are hard-hitting.
Is Viewtiful Joe - Aratanaru Kibou still worth playing in 2026?
Released in 2004 on PS2, Clover Studio's project signed Hideki Kamiya reinvents the scrolling brawler with a TV superhero art direction of wild audacity. The VFX powers, which let you slow down, speed up or zoom the action to solve puzzles and combos, found a system as original as it is deep. The vivid cel shading, the parodic humour and the formidable difficulty forge a unique identity. The demanding style puts off casual players. A singular and cult gem, recommended for fans of inventive two dimensional action and of old school challenge that rewards mastery.
