Joe Danger 2: The Movie Review (PS3)

Joe Danger is back, performing more death defying stunts with style and panache. This time, however, Joe has hit the big-time and has become a Hollywood stuntman. And with his new job comes new responsibilities; he's not just driving quad bikes and motorcycles anymore, instead he must master mine carts, snowmobiles, skis and even jet packs and unicycles, as he visits multiple movie themed locations and performs to the whim of his director.

If you were hoping for more of the original only bigger and bolder then you won't be disappointed with Joe Danger 2: The Movie. It's still the same compelling race against the clock experience, only this time you’ll be dashing through beautiful locations such as snow covered peaks and thick jungles. All the traits that made the original title are present, but the variety has been significantly enhanced. The crisp cartoon aesthetic is back and looks marvellous, with each location packed to the brim with brightly coloured and comically exaggerated activity. The game’s a true spectacle that’s both charming, and, at times, a little overwhelming.

Indeed, there are occasions when there’s so much going on that the action’s hard to follow as a result – leading to some frustrating mistakes. Fortunately, frequent checkpoints and relatively short tracks mean that failure isn't necessarily a catastrophic blight. Furthermore, an easily accessible restart button makes it a doddle to jump back to the starting grid and instantly try each course again.

Trial and error is an inescapable part of Joe’s hectic career, but Joe Danger 2 makes replaying levels a delight. Online leaderboards encourage you to improve, with a handy – and occasionally gratifying – indication of the percentage of players you performed better than shown prominently on the screen. Then, of course, there are the optional objectives for each track, including stars, the letters of the word ‘Danger’, and, er, bananas. There are even specific challenges tailored to each track, and, to top it all off, the Pro Trophy, which is earned by completing a perfect run and collecting everything along the way. Not for the faint-hearted, that one.

Joe’s big-screen career isn’t the only option in Joe Danger 2: The Movie. The track builder from the original game returns, allowing you to construct and share your very own stunt filled challenges with friends. Downloadable tours and the deleted scenes offer up some more focused and often far more challenging races. And, finally, the local multiplayer allows you and three others to compete for the high score. Additional support for the losing racer and the ability to punch each other from the side makes for some highly competitive and dynamic multiplayer action. However, it’s a shame that online multiplayer isn't present.