Intro: In the early 2000s, Microsoft’s newest console—the Xbox—was still searching for its niche. While Halo quickly became a blockbuster among mature players, the Xbox struggled to offer the type of colorful, stylized platformers that Nintendo and Sony used to attract younger audiences. Microsoft made attempts to fill that gap with titles like Blinx: The Time Sweeper, though these games didn’t achieve the instant acclaim of Super Mario or Crash Bandicoot. That’s where Voodoo Vince comes in: an original 3D platformer for Xbox that may not have been a runaway hit, but proved memorable enough to earn a Steam re-release in 2017. With its quirky vibe and a distinctly New Orleans-inspired aesthetic, Voodoo Vince stands out as a fun, charming, and just slightly spooky entry in the platforming genre.
Summary: Deep in the heart of New Orleans, a couple of Kosmo the Inscrutable’s thugs sneak into a cramped voodoo shop, hunting for Zombi Dust. The owner, Madame Charmaine, catches them in the act and doesn’t hesitate to confront the intruders. But things go sideways fast — a magical mishap knocks her out cold, leaving her at the mercy of the goons who drag her away. In the chaos, a few stray grains of Zombi Dust drift across the floor, landing on a little voodoo doll named Vince. Suddenly, Vince springs to life. Guided by Madame Charmaine’s spirit, he sets out on a wild journey across strange worlds, determined to save her and stop Kosmo’s sinister plan before it’s too late.
Story: What really stands out in the game’s story is the way it leans into New Orleans for inspiration and its knack for weird, offbeat humor. Setting the action in a world built around New Orleans’ sights and sounds makes everything feel genuinely fresh—one minute you’re gliding through murky swamps, the next you’re ducking into a jazz club, or pitching in at an outdoor kitchen while a chef lets you chase down the perfect gumbo recipe. The humor is a whole other animal: wild, a little dark, and it loves to break the fourth wall every chance it gets. The whole thing—the city, the jokes, the world around you—meshes into a setting that’s as atmospheric as it is ridiculous. There’s just enough edge for older players to get a kick out of it, but it all runs on enough pure energy that younger players will have plenty of fun, too.
Characters: The cast isn’t exactly huge, but what the game lacks in numbers, it more than makes up for in personality. Vince is the main attraction—his endless fourth wall breaks and couldn’t-care-less demeanor are impossible not to enjoy. Madame Charmaine is his total opposite: calm, spiritual, and just the right kind of mysterious to balance out Vince’s giant personality. She doesn’t stick around for long, but even in brief appearances, Charmaine leaves a memorable mark on Vince’s journey. Then there’s Kosmo the Inscrutable, who plays up the classic cartoon villain role with so much hammy, over-the-top evil that you kind of can’t help liking for him for that. Rounding out the group are Dolly, a creepy wooden doll, and Bones McMurty, a skeleton with a jazz club vibe and a mouth full of slick banter. They’re the sort of crew you actually want to spend an entire game with—each odd, distinct, and oddly endearing in their own way.
Gameplay: Most of the platforming is pretty familiar: you’ll spend a lot of time running, jumping, fighting off enemies, and picking up various collectibles. What sets this game apart, though, is the combat mechanics. Whenever Vince builds up enough voodoo energy by smacking around baddies, he can actually hurt himself—and then pass that pain onto enemies instead. There’s an almost absurd number of ways for Vince to meet his end, and you’ll find at least one new voodoo power in every level. Watching Vince literally off himself, only for his enemies to get the same treatment, is both hilarious and dark in a way that’s hard to look away from. Collecting 100 potions lets you upgrade your health, while picking up all the skull pages hidden in a level gives you extra chances to use your voodoo powers. A lot of levels and boss fights mix things up with puzzles that make you figure out the right way—and the right time—to use Vince’s creepy bag of tricks. One other thing to mention: Vince can float gently to the ground, which is surprisingly helpful for sticking landings after a big jump. Of course, this means the platforming isn’t all that brutal, so players who want a tougher challenge might not be totally satisfied. Now and then, the game throws in something unexpected—a level where you’re piloting a plane or zipping around in a speedboat. Those segments are a nice change of pace, even if the controls can get a little clunky at points, especially when you’re trying to steer through tight spots. The camera doesn’t help either; it seems to struggle most when you’re behind the wheel of one of Vince’s various vehicles. When you’re on solid ground, though, Voodoo Vince really shines. The platforming is satisfying, and the combat stands out as both creative and genuinely fun. If you’re into 3D platformers, this one’s quirks make it an experience well worth your time.
Graphics: I've always thought that games with stylized, cartoony graphics age way better than those going for realism. Voodoo Vince is a perfect case in point. Its visuals, straight out of a Saturday morning cartoon, still look great—character designs, the whole vibe, it all holds up. Watching all the ridiculous ways Vince can die to take out enemies isn’t just a gameplay gimmick, either—it looks cool every time. The levels are full of color and actually feel different from one another, thanks to that offbeat New Orleans flavor running through the game. It's a nice change from the bland settings you get with a lot of other platformers. Even the remastered version, with its sharper graphics, barely looks like a product of 2003. Honestly, the only gripe I have is with the lighting in the darker stages—sometimes it’s tough to figure out where you’re supposed to go next because things get a little too shadowy. Still, whether you play Voodoo Vince on an old Xbox or a modern PC, the visuals are a treat—and prove that good art direction outlasts the latest graphical tech every time.
Music: Composed by Steve Kirk, the soundtrack is what really locks in that unmistakable New Orleans feel. Every track has the energy of a street performance in the French Quarter, bursting with jazz, blues, and a dash of zydeco. The music is lively and playful, perfectly matching the game’s oddball sense of humor. It’s this authentic, New Orleans-inspired sound that sets Voodoo Vince apart as a 3D platformer — at least when it comes to music.
Conclusion: Voodoo Vince was one of those Xbox exclusives that didn’t get as much love as it probably deserved back in the early 2000s. Sure, the gameplay isn’t always as smooth as you’d want, but it’s hard not to have a good time with a game this offbeat. The way it leans into its New Orleans setting gives it flair you won't find anywhere else, and even now, the visuals look surprisingly sharp. The story and characters walk a line between silly and slightly dark, making the whole thing feel sort of twisted in the best possible way. Years later, I’m still a little shocked at how well it holds up. If you’re like me and have a soft spot for 3D platformers, you owe it to yourself to give Voodoo Vince a shot, whether it be finding an old copy of the game or playing the 2017 Steam re-release. It might not be top of the genre, but it’s way more memorable than most and really deserves more attention.
(Final Grade B+)