Between announcing a sequel toOkamiand confirming that Capcom is revisiting some of its otherwise forgotten IPs, it seems there might finally be a chance that theViewtiful Joeseries will receive its long-awaited third game. Following some of the more surprising reveals from 2024’s The Game Awards, likeOnimusha: Way of the Swordand anOkamisequel, Capcom has stated that it is interested in reactivating what it believes are dormant IPs while continuing to work on brand-new games. This suggests that more popular Capcom properties might be revived, likeDino CrisisandViewtiful Joe.
There might be particularly good odds forViewtiful Joein particular as well, with the series' creator Hideki Kamiya also being the director of the originalOkamiand its upcoming sequel. Given that Kamiya is once again working withCapcom on an unexpectedOkamisequel, it suggests there is just as much potential for the two to continue working together on a potentialViewtiful Joe 3. In fact, due to the series being cut short after the ending ofViewtiful Joe 2heavily implied that a third entry would soon follow, Capcom should strike while the iron is hot after itsOkamisequel.
Okami 2 Has Perfect Timing for Capcom and Hideki Kamiya
However, thanks tothe release of theOkami HDremasteron more modern gaming platforms such as PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, the game is now regarded as a cult classic. Additionally, though Kamiya had left Capcom to help found PlatinumGames to direct games like theBayonettaseries andThe Wonderful 101, his departure from the studio in 2023 gave him the freedom to return to Capcom. In combination with Capcom’s renewed interest in its older or abandoned IPs, it seemed like the timing was just right forOkamito receive a sequel.
Hideki Kamiya’s Okami Sequel Offers Hope for Viewtiful Joe
WhileKamiya is finally directingOkami 2after waiting so long for the opportunity to do so, it isn’t the only game he expressed a desire to return to. Another game developed by Clover Studios during its time under Capcom and also led by Kamiya wasViewtiful Joe. UnlikeOkami, the first game was successful enough to receive a direct sequel, two spin-offs, and several cameo appearances in other Capcom games. However, despite Kamiya remaining interested in the series and a few close calls from Capcom about a third game,Viewtiful Joe 3has never been officially confirmed to be in development.
Capcom Should At Least Complete the Viewtiful Joe Trilogy
Beyond already proving itself successful and fans considering Kamiya’sThe Wonderful 101as its spiritual successor, many would surely love to see Capcom reviveViewtifulJoe,if only to let Kamiya direct its third and potentially final game. WhileViewtiful Joe 2’s story had implied that a third direct sequel would follow, there has been no sign ofViewtiful Joe 3,which appears to have left the series unfinished despite spin-offs likeViewtiful Joe: Red Hot RumbleandDouble Trouble!WithViewtiful Joeamong Capcom’s classic IPsand Kamiya back on board with the developer, anOkami 2shouldn’t be the only sequel the two finally work on.
