Shocking Pink

Lore & Background

Shocking Pink is one of the 'Color' abilities that Viewtiful Joe can unlock by collecting special items hidden throughout the game's levels. These powers are tied to the vibrant, comic-book aesthetic of the Viewtiful universe, where colors are not just visual but also functional. The ability manifests as a bright pink lightning bolt that crackles with energy, reflecting the game's over-the-top, stylish action.

In the lore of the game, these Color powers are said to be remnants of the movie world's own 'VFX energy,' channeled through Joe's transformation. Shocking Pink, in particular, is associated with raw, untamed electricity—a force that can stun and obliterate foes in a single, flashy move. It is a testament to Joe's mastery over the filmic realm, allowing him to harness the very essence of a classic superhero's lightning attack.

The ability is often found in a hidden area or as a reward for completing a challenging side objective, emphasizing its status as a powerful, optional upgrade. Players who seek out Shocking Pink gain a significant advantage against groups of enemies, as the lightning bolt can hit multiple targets at once, clearing the screen with a satisfying burst of pink energy.

In Their Own Story

The rain hammered the neon streets of Movie Land. Joe, soaked and bruised, faced a wall of clawed silhouettes. He had the VFX gauge full, but his usual tricks were wearing thin. Then, a glint in a puddle—a small, pink crystal pulsing with light. He crushed it under his boot. A surge of power shot up his arm. The world slowed as he slammed his fist forward. A colossal, pink lightning bolt erupted from his knuckles, splitting the rain and vaporizing the entire line of enemies. The street fell silent, save for the sizzle of ozone. Joe grinned. 'Shocking,' he said.

Reader's Guide

Shocking Pink is a special attack that can be used once the player collects the corresponding item in Viewtiful Joe 2. It is not a toggleable power like Slow or Mach Speed, but rather a single-use VFX move that consumes a portion of the VFX gauge.

To activate Shocking Pink, the player must be in VFX mode (indicated by the glowing gauge). Then, pressing the Attack and Jump buttons simultaneously will cause Joe to unleash a horizontal lightning bolt that travels the entire width of the screen. This attack hits all enemies in its path, dealing heavy damage and often stunning them.

Shocking Pink is most effective against large groups of weak enemies or as a quick finisher for tougher foes. It can also be used to interrupt enemy attacks, as the lightning bolt has a brief stun effect. However, it consumes a significant amount of VFX energy, so it should be used strategically. The ability is particularly useful for clearing out pesky aerial enemies or breaking up a tight formation before they can land a hit. Because the bolt travels instantly across the screen, it can catch enemies off-guard even during their attack animations, making it a reliable panic button when surrounded. For maximum efficiency, pair it with Slow to line up multiple foes in a single row, then unleash the bolt to wipe them out in one glorious pink flash.

Did You Know?

• Shocking Pink is one of three Color abilities in Viewtiful Joe 2, alongside 'Scarlet Red' and 'Azure Blue', each with a unique elemental effect.
• The attack's visual design is a direct homage to the lightning bolts seen in classic Japanese superhero tokusatsu shows, such as Kamen Rider.
• Unlike the main VFX powers, Color abilities like Shocking Pink do not have a dedicated button and must be performed via a specific input combination.
• Shocking Pink can be used in mid-air, allowing for aerial crowd control.