Joe Danger
Overview
Joe Danger is the first game from Hello Games studio, and was released on the PlayStation Network June 8th, 2010 in the US and June 9th in Europe. The Xbox 360 version was released on the Xbox Live Marketplace more than one year later, on December 14th, 2011. The developers have mentioned the possibility of the game eventually being released on the PC.
Gameplay
The titular Joe Danger is a famous stunt driver and daredevil. Controlled by the player, he can drive both forward and backwards, with the ability to control the speed and direction of the motorcycle, even in midair. Joe can also perform a small hop, to jump over obstacles or jump off ramps and springs for extra height.
Using the height gained from ramps, springs, and other obstacles, the player can also perform a variety of stunts before touching the ground. Stunts can be strung together into a combo either by preforming several stunts in the air at once, or preforming a wheelie or endo after touching the ground, or a combination of both. Performing stunts will also fill a boost meter, which can be used when fully charged to provide a temporary speed boost.
The levels in Joe Danger consist of 3 parallel lanes, each with a variety of obstacles, which can either help or hinder progress through the course. Ramps, springs, fans, and boost pads all help by giving either more height or speed, while spikes, shark tanks, mouse traps and the dreaded horizontal bar all serve to make the ride more perilous. Lanes can only be changed at lane change switches, making which lane choice strategic for completing certain objectives.
Each level has one main objective and at least one secondary objective. The main objective is tied to the rating for the level (gold, silver or bronze). The most common main objective is getting a high score, which is achieved by preforming stunts. More points are awarded for stunts that take longer to complete, for holding the stunt for as long as possible without crashing, and performing as many stunts as possible in a single combo (with each stunt adding to the score multiplier). Other main objectives include landing on targets placed around the course (simply driving over them doesn't count), collecting as many coins within a certain time limit, knocking over bowling pins with Joe 'ragdolling' after crashing, or competing in a race with other drivers.
The secondary objectives for each level are tied to stars, which are used to unlock additional levels. Secondary objectives range from landing on targets, collecting coins, knocking over bowling pins, and finishing first in a race, assuming they aren't the main objective, and other goals such as collecting ministars, completing a level or another objective before a set time limit, completing a level or objective while maintaining a combo through the entire level, collecting the letters D-A-N-G-E-R, and lastly, finding stars hidden in the course.
Map Editor
Joe Danger also includes a map editor. Every object that was available to the developers is available for the player to build a course. One can also include any objective that is available in the main game in their custom level. Custom levels can be shared via friends on the PlayStation Network, or, as of a recent update, on the Hello Games website.
PS3 Update
In August 2010, Hello Games released an update for Joe Danger called the "People's Patch". Users can download levels from Hello Games' website, instead of having to share with friends only. Users can also upload their levels for anyone to enjoy. A USB stick is required to move the levels between the console and computer.
Levels can be uploaded/downloaded here.
Other new features include:
- Replay saving, and uploading to YouTube
- Custom music (play music on your hard drive as you play the game)
- Added multiplayer levels
- Even more level editing props
- Costumes, including a monkey suit
- New Tours
- Hidden secrets
Special Edition
The XBLA version released in late 2011 titled Joe Danger: Special Edition features added content, including new environments, characters and gameplay modes, such as new Challenge mode: 'The Laboratory'.
