The world of licensed games is a tough one for fans since while many suck, there are some that perfectly capture the source material and make us happy. This was the case with Scott Pilgrim vs The World The Game, originally released to coincide with the movie based on the acclaimed indie comic. After the license deal ran out, the game was delisted and this became a prominent example of the problem with digital games and licensed media. Now ten years later, a deal has been worked out that has allowed Ubisoft to once again release the game, this time as Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition.
Overview
This new re-release contains not only the original game, but also comes with all the additional DLC, including Knives Chau and Wallace Wells and the online co-op options. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is a side-scrolling beat ’em up modeled after classics like the Kunio-Kun series and especially River City Ransom. In addition to the brawling action, there are shops to buy things in, using coins gained from enemies ( true to the source material), a number of secrets to find, and surprising variations in the gameplay. Some sections break up the action with different gameplay, so you never get the feeling of monotony that comes with some brawlers
You do not just hit the same button over and over here, as there are not only a variety of moves you can do, but new ones are unlocked as you level up. Health items can be purchased in stores, in addition to other power-ups and you can store some health items for later use after your life runs out. You have a special meter to use as well, either for a super move or summoning Knives, who does a different action for each character. If you have enough meter when your life runs out, your meter will be converted into health and extend your life.
Presentation
There is one thing that needs to be pointed out the most about Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game and that is the presentation. The art style of the game perfectly captures the look of the comics by Bryan Lee O’Malley, and feels like a comic in motion. The music by Anamanaguchi is amazing and stands out as some of the best video game music around. There is a reason that the soundtrack is so beloved by fans and I am currently listening to it as I write this review. Once you hear the music, you will immediately be hooked and not want to stop listening.
The level design is amazing, and I like that there are many shoutouts to various classic games just like in the comics. Plus the Toronto setting is nice to see, and the game even has the correct-looking TTC buses which, as someone from Toronto, I got a big kick out of seeing. The levels range from suburbs to movie sets, to buses and Ninja villages inside restaraunts. The game always throws something new at you and never takes things slowly
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Content
In addition to the main beat ’em up mode, there are a variety of other modes available. There is a Dodgeball mode, a Survival Horror mode, a Boss Rush mode, and a Battle Royal mode. Survival Horror mode is an endless wave of enemies thay will see you fight off hoards of the undead until your life runs out, and is actually a good way to level up your characters. You will no doubt want to try to beat your score and the game incentivizes you to do so. Battle Royal mode will see players go at it against each other in a brawl until only one person is left standing.
Boss Rush mode is rather self-explanatory, but I do want to mention Dodgeball mode. Dodgeball mode will remind many of Super Dodgeball ( also part of the above mentioned Kunio-Kun series) and is an extremely fun mode to try out for a change. The variety of content helps set Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game apart from other brawlers and gives you a lot of gameplay to try out. It is a nice touch and the shoutouts to classic games are appreciated.
Overall Thoughts
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition is a fun game and while I was unsure if it would live up to the hype, I am pleased to say it most definitely does. This is a fantastic licensed game, and there is a reason fans have rushed to buy the physical version from Limited Run Games. I highly recommend checking this out, because this is not only one of the best-licensed games, it is an amazing game in general.
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