Viewtiful Joe 2 release date nailed down

After being saddled for months with a vague "fall 2004" release window, Viewtiful Joe 2 now has a set ship date. Capcom officials confirmed to GameSpot today that the sequel to last year's cel-shaded beat-'em-up will be released on November 23. Unlike the first Joe, the sequel will be released simultaneously for the PlayStation 2 and GameCube. The game is not yet rated but will retail for $39.99.

Viewtiful Joe 2 picks up where its forebear left off by following Joe, a regular guy who has a superhero alter ego. Along with his girlfriend Silvia, who is now a superheroine that is playable from the beginning of the game, Joe will battle more than 40 new types of enemies in several new environments, including a jungle, underground ruins, ancient Japan, snowy mountains, and outer space. The caped hero will also receive a new VFX power, "Replay," which will let him triple the effect of attacks or power-ups. GameSpot toyed around with the game at this year's E3, so to learn more about it, read our hands-on impressions.