From the first day the DS was revealed back at E3 2004, a duel-screen incarnation of Capcom's resident comic book-laden hero, Viewtiful Joe, has been penned for release. A year later and we finally have some info and screenshots of what could turn out to be yet another essential DS title. The list certainly seems to be piling up as of late…

This time around Joe's sister, Jasmine, is thrown into the field to help save Captain Blue's ill-fated Hollywood show, of which has been stolen. Hardly complex, but if the two previous instalments are anything to go by, the main storyline will take a backseat to crude jokes and clichéd action-movie scenarios, all wrapped up in overly dramatic voiceovers.

Admire your crafty beatings up close on the top screen!

Other than a few screenshots and a short video, details are very scarce on the NDS' iteration. One thing's for sure; the touch screen will be put to some use, and Clover have also tried to take advantage of the additional screen to heighten gameplay. While trying to kick some comic book fiends behind, you'll have two different views on the action; one zoomed into close proximity to Joe and another showing the surrounding parts of the level. No doubt this will cater for the 'Zoom' VFX ability nicely, letting you deliver maximum damage without gaining blind spots at the same time.

The use for the touch screen is a little more mysterious. At one point it definitely looks as though Joe has the ability the take out enemies by tapping them with the stylus, no doubt as a VFX attack. It also looks like, by swiping across the screen, Joe may be able to actually manipulate the level in some way. It looks truly intriguing, and will no doubt add even more challenge to the puzzles on offer. You have to question if Capcom can manage to seamlessly merge movement and combat with stylus control mid-battle, as frantically grabbing for a nearby stylus to use certain VFX would be quite a hassle. Using a thumb-strap could work, but just look at Mario 64 DS for an example of how awkward using one can be.

Fingers crossed Joe will have great use for the stylus too.

Visually compared to the Cube version, Viewtiful Joe DS actually holds its own. Whilst obviously not as crisp, the animations are top notch and cel-shading is presented wonderfully. Let's hope Clover manage to incorporate the satisfying crunch of metal shedding from foes when being pummelling into the ground.

How many hugely innovative titles can the DS produce? We've already seen our fair share, and this is yet another. With the stylus control, this looks like no other Viewtiful Joe title around, and the ability to partially move the level sounds astounding. If they can pull off the controls convincingly, another Capcom classic is in the making. More as it comes here at C-E.