Overview
Joe Danger is the first game from Hello Games, 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 as Joe Danger: Special Edition.
The developers also released it on the PC and a spin-off version of the game for iOS and Android in 2013. The game was finally released on PlayStation Vita in September 2014 which featured a mix of levels from the original game and some unique to the Vita. In addition to this the Vita release also features 25 playable characters and a modified version of the in-game level editor.
A sequel was released in 2012 named Joe Danger 2: The Movie.
Gameplay
Do stunts, earn pointsIn the game players control the titular Joe Danger who is a famous stunt driver and daredevil. Players can drive both forward and backwards, with the ability to control the speed and direction of the motorcycle, even whilst in midair. Players can also perform a small hop to jump over obstacles or off of ramps and springs to gain extra height.
Using the height gained from ramps, springs and other obstacles players are able to 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 by performing a wheelie or endo after touching the ground. Performing stunts earns the players a score for the level but also fills a boost meter which can be used to provide a temporary speed boost. More points are awarded for stunts which take longer to complete, for holding the stunt for as long as possible without crashing and for performing as many stunts as possible within in a single combo (with each stunt adding to the score multiplier).
The levels in Joe Danger consist of three 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, whereas spikes, shark tanks, mouse traps and a horizontal bar all serve to make the ride more perilous by causing the player to dismount their bike and reset at the last checkpoint. Lanes can only be changed at lane change switches which are set points within some of the levels and force the player to switch into a new lane.
Collect all the coins!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) with the most common main objective being earn a high score over a specified amount. 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 the player 'ragdolling' after crashing through the air or competing in a race with other drivers.
The secondary objectives for each level award the player with stars which are used to unlock additional levels. Secondary objectives range from may include some of the aforementioned main objectives if they are not the primary objective for the stage as well as other goals such as collecting blue mini-stars, completing the level within a set time limit, completing a level or objective while maintaining a combo throughout the entire level, collecting the letters D-A-N-G-E-R and lastly finding stars hidden within the particular course.
Some levels within the game also have an optional pro medal to be earned which requires the player to complete all of the stage's main and secondary objectives within one complete run of the stage. As the player accumulates pro medals additional costumes to dress Joe up in are unlocked.
Career Mode
The main game mode consists of ten tiers, each with a different set of levels that you unlock progressively.
Don't get eaten by a shark!- Stunt Weekly
- Team Nasty
- Comeback Tour
- High Voltage
- Explosive Tour
- Shock Hazard
- Crush Zone
- The Danger Zone
- Master of Disaster
- Grand Finale
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 December 2011 titled Joe Danger: Special Edition features added content, including new environments, characters and gameplay modes, such as new Challenge mode: 'The Laboratory'. At Christmas it also received a free Santa downloadable costume for Joe.
System Requirements
- OS: Windows® 7 (32/64-bit)/Vista/XP
- Processor: 2.0Ghz Dual core processor
- Memory: 1 GB RAM
- Graphics: DirectX 10 compatible GPU
- DirectX®: 10
- Hard Drive: 700 MB HD space
- Additional: Microsoft Xbox 360 Controller or Direct Input compatible controller
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