Viewtiful Joe/Combat

Viewtiful Joe is a very hard game if you don't understand the combat system. The most basic combat technique is the dodge; the first thing the game teaches you to do. When you dodge an enemy attack and make them dizzy, you do double damage and get Viewtifuls for the dodge and for every hit. Dodging enemy attacks usually makes them open for you to begin a Rock-On Combo, the most important melee fighting skill. If you don't know how to use Rock-On Combos effectively, you will struggle through the entire game.

The basic way to begin a Rock-On Combo is to dodge the attacks of certain enemies until they are dizzy or otherwise vulnerable, then Slow-Punch them. While you're in Slow, targets will appear on the other enemies, which is essentially your signal that you are in Rock-On Mode. In Rock-On mode, any hit on enemies is the equivalent to Slow-Punching a dizzy enemy. You do double damage and enemies go flying. The points you get in a combo are also multiplied by the number of strikes you have performed in that combo. On the difficulties available at the start of the game, a Slow-Zoom-Punch in Rock-On mode will destroy most enemies in one blow.

VFX Powers
From the beginning of the game, you start with no VFX powers but get them gradually until Level 2. The VFX powers are:


 * Slow: Do more damage, dodge or send back bullets, slow propellers, increase the power of rockets. Used in Rock-On Combos.


 * Mach Speed: Attack very quickly, sending afterimages of yourself to attack objects in the foreground and background. Speeds propellers. Can be used with Slow to move at "normal" speed while everything else is slowed down.


 * Zoom-In: Freeze certain enemies in their tracks. Can be used to perform super-powerful punches, spinning jumps, and spinning kicks. Use with Slow and Punch to perform what is known as Red Hot One Hundred, an unlimited series of the most powerful punches available to Joe. Simply hold down the punch button while in slow zoomed mode to continue to throw attacks.

Red Hot Kick
A downward diagonal kick, the Red Hot Kick can be used for mobility as well as fighting. First of all, know that the kick will continue forever until Joe reaches ground. When slowed, this kick will be more powerful, having his foot glowing pink with energy. If you attack a target with the RHK, you will bounce off into the air; again giving you the chance to use this ability. However when using it twice in a row, after the second hit Joe will spin off in a way that will deny you from performing the attack right away again.

Air Joe
A punch and kick combo used in midair.

Sliding
A sliding kick.

Ukemi
Reduces damage if you zoom in before hitting the ground.

VFX Turbo Charger
Doubles the rate at which your VFX Meter refills. This is a passive ability and very useful in later levels.

Viewtiful Forever
Damage every enemy when you zoom in while dodging an attack.