When Joe Danger was released on the Playstation Network the game was easily the best downloadable title on the platform, we gave it a 9 out of 10, yet the title is even better on Xbox Live with the release of the Special Edition. Developed by Hello Games, a small independent studio based in the UK, Joe Danger brings a vibrant, colorful, addicting game to the Xbox Live Arcade.
The gameplay beckons comparison to Trials HD and Excitebike. While the gameplay is not as controller-breakingly-frustrating as Trials HD it does hold a certain amount of expertise needed to obtain all the medals the game has to offer. The bumpers are used to pull off stunts while adding boost to your reservoir. Small object must be hurdled over while others require Joe to duck under them. The game eases the players into the feature set but ramps up the difficulty in the later levels.
As with any racing game, the ultimate goal in Joe Danger is to reach the finish line. What makes Joe Danger so addictive are the loads of objectives that you can unlock in each level. Each objective can be tackled one at a time or in a single run. Completing objectives will reward Joe with stars that can be redeemed to unlock new events in the career mode. Some of these objectives include collecting letters to spell “DANGER”, landing on all bullseye pads in the level, and finding hidden stars from exploring the map.
Those who played Joe Danger on the Playstation Network may be under the impression that this is just a re-shelling of the once exclusive title…but that’s anything but the truth. While the career mode holds the same 50 levels, the sandbox mode where you can create levels is unchanged, and the only multiplayer option is still a one-on-one splitscreen affair, the true treasures are the additions made to the overall package. A brand new “Lab” mode was added that features 25 new levels, 25 Pro Medals to obtain throughout the Lab and Career mode, much quicker load times (trust me, this is a big deal), additional characters, and Avatar unlockables.
The Lab mode is basically another career mode that takes place in an alternate universe aimed to punish even the most subtle discretions. The mode offers 25 additional levels that will test your hand eye coordination and, at times, your patience. After playing many of these levels trying to go back to the levels at the start of your career mode will seem like child’s play. More challenging levels equals much harder objectives, good luck obtaining all of them.
In addition to the new Lab mode, Joe Danger SE features 25 Pro Medals to obtain. The Pro Medals will take time, patients, and many attempts. To achieve a Pro Medal, players must successfully obtain every star objective simultaneously in a single run (yes, it is as hard as it sounds).
While collecting all 25 Pro Medals is a great sense of accomplishment, Hello Games rewards those who spend the time and effort required to gain them. Unlockables such as Xbox Live Avatar rewards and new characters are available at various intervals during your 25 medal goal. Unlockable characters include monkeys to Indian chiefs. Selecting one of these characters will alter the pick-ups on the course. Selecting the monkey will have bananas scattering the course while selecting the knight will have chalice’s strewn about.
Joe Danger Special Editions takes the standout PSN title and adds even more content. It’s hard to believe that an independent studio comprised of 4 friends can bring one of the best downloadable titles on Xbox Live. I cannot think of a better way to spend $15 (1200 Microsoft Points) on Xbox Live this holiday season (or any season). Bravo Hello Games, BRAVO!
