Joe Danger is a bit of a special game. Originally an exclusive on PSN, it looked like 360 owners would never be able to sample the delights of one of the best download games on the market. Microsoft broke one of their own rules to make sure Joe was allowed to grace XBLA with his presence.
The wait is more than worth it too, not only to 360 owners get the original game, they get it with a cherry on top thanks to some excellent extras in the Special Edition. There have been many technical tweaks and a new mode added. However isn't this just a dumbed down version of Trials HD?
It isn't even close. The only similarities between Joe Danger and Trials HD is the use of a bike and the fact it is just a joy to play for the most part, yet finger numbingly frustrating at the same time. In a good way of course. Joe actually offers up a much more varied experience than that of Trials, the aim isn't just getting to the end of levels, it is a game that has more in common with the likes of Tony Hawk's Pro Skater, or a traditional platformer.
There are multiple ways to attack a level, whether it be just getting to the end, racking up a mega score, getting a fast time, collecting coins, collecting pick ups, finding hidden stars, hitting the targets or getting a 100% combo. If an additional challenge is wanted, then there are medals up for grabs for completing all set tasks in one run.
Not every level has all the tasks, they are split across the stages to offer up a different challenge every single time. One level may ask simply to hit all the targets and collect all the coins, along with setting a high score. Another may have a couple of hidden stars, ask to be completed in a set time, collect the timed coins and get a high score. Hell, one may ask for everything in that one level. It is in this though that Joe Danger stands out, not every task needs to be completed in one run, it is only certain levels where a medal can be one and they are clearly defined.
Hello Games have perfected the variety on offer, but they have also got the controls spot on. Controlling Joe on his stunt bike is a joy, mistakes are always your own and never once can game design be blamed. Restarts are instant and check points fair. The law of physics are broken somewhat, as Joe can be controlled mid-air almost as perfectly as he can on the ground, but it is a mechanic that works.
Joe Danger doesn't just play well, it looks stunning too, bright bold colours, stunning level design and a lead that has an abundance of character. The visuals play as much a part of the experience as the gameplay itself, being cartoon like in nature allows the team to be as creative as they want, which also allows for many comedy moments, such as when Joe crashes his bike into a pool containing sharks.
New to the game for the XBLA version is 'The Lab' which is a series of shorter, tighter levels that are designed to really test the players reflexes and skills. These act almost as training levels for the main career, they are designed to allow the player to get better at attacking different tasks. It is a fantastic addition to the game and the sense of achievement for completing the full set is a great one.
There is local multiplayer on offer and this is probably the only real negative about the game. These levels are based around racing and are ripe for online action, it feels like a missed trick in all honesty. That said, get someone on the same console and your competitive nature will come out.
That isn't the end of the goodies on offer though. Hello Games also include a full blown level editor in the Sandbox. This allows players to create any level they want, limited only by their own imaginations. Everything included in the main game can be used here to create masterpieces. The only issue is in the sharing. Levels can only be shared with friends, rather than a central hub, it is a minor issue though, just make sure you have creative friends.
Joe Danger Special Edition is a complete triumph, the wait has been more than worth it and it is one of the best games to come out on XBLA in 2011. The only reason not to own this game, is if you hate fun. Buy it NOW!
