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Available on: XBLA and PSN

Genre: 2D Fighting/Beat-em-up, Action

Players: 1-4 Offline Co-op

Publisher: Ubisoft

Developer: Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Chengdu

In a world with fancy 3D graphics, CG cut scenes and Voice Acting, Scott Pilgrim vs The World is a nice change of pace. In a throwback to the 8-bit glory days of games like River City Ransom the developers decided to go old school. The game is based on Bryan O’Malleys Scott Pilgrim comics. It includes all of the characters and humor from the series. For those of you not familiar with The whole Pilgrim phenomenon, that’s a good thing. The game, like the books tells the tale of Scott Pilgrim. A 23 year old unemployed band member who is dating a high school girl. Soon he meets Ramona Flowers and becomes obsessed with her. So obsessed in fact, that he would gladly fight Ramona’s Seven Evil Exes just to be able to date her. Sound crazy? Good, its supposed to.

The game lets you and three buddies take it to the streets of Toronto, Canada and kick all sorts of ass in the name of Love. You can play as the titles hero Scott Pilgrim or as Ramona Flowers, Kim Pine and Stephen Stills (he’s the talent!).There is a main Hub world were you pick your stage. There are seven unique stages ranging anywhere from a movie set to a magical forest/cemetery. Throughout your travels you’ll beat down a ton of baddies on your way to each of the stages Evil Ex/Boss. The game does a real good job on keeping things new and different by changing up the enemies and worlds you visit.

You have your standard punches and kicks and they even give you a super move. Where the game starts to get unique is with its RPG-like elements. Throughout the game you will level up as you beat down fools as well as earn coins. With each level you gain you earn new moves such as a double jump or slide attack etc. You also have stats such as Strength, Defense for example. You can level these up by eating food items that you can purchase with your coinage at the various in-stage shops scattered throughout the game. So you start off as a puny little weakling but after leveling up and raising your stats you end up being a God. So the game does reward you for beating up bad guys. Which you will do a lot in this game.

One of the games most enjoyable parts is the soundtrack. Scott Pilgrim v The World has what I consider one of the best videogame soundtracks I have heard in a long time. Long after playing the game I always caught myself humming some of the tunes. The soundtrack honors went to the chip-tune band Anamanaguchi and boy did they deliver. Let me tell you these guys are amazing. Each of the stages theme seem to fit the world so perfectly. I loved the soundtrack and it is probably one of my favorite parts of the game. If you don’t like it well, you suck.

As cute as the game looks do not let that fool you. Scott Pilgrim vs The World can be very challenging at times, especially if you do not raise your stats. If you are planning on playing it by yourself expect to grind and replay some levels just to get enough money to be able to boost your stats. This was definitely made with multiplayer in mind. If you do play by yourself, expect some very annoying parts in the beginning. Which I have to mention that it boggles my mind that no online co-op was included in the game. The good thing is I never felt bored or frustrated to the point that I wanted to stop playing. Which is definitely the sign of a good game.

PROS:

Soundtrack: The game has one of the most memorable soundtracks to date. The chip-tune band Anamanaguchi really outdid themselves with this game. Every song seems to fit each stage and the world of Scott Pilgrim so perfect. You will definitely find yourself humming these tunes long after you finish playing. These guys should do the soundtrack to every single game forever from here on out.

Multiplayer for the win: The game is fun by yourself. But with a group of people it becomes something amazing. I only had the chance to play with a max of 3 people but it was such a different experience than playing by yourself. It’s a hectic wild ride as you all end up kicking the teeth in of everything on screen. When someone dies you have to frantically try and revive them so they don’t lose a life, something that is obviously not there in single player. You can pick up your buds and toss them into enemies for extra damage. I could go on forever about the benefits of multiplayer.

RPG-Like Elements: As with the classic River City Ransom (which the entire game is basically a homage to) there is a simple leveling system at play. With each thug you beatdown you gain some XP. When you gain enough experience points you level up and with each level you gain a new move/ability such as a double jump etc. You can also spend your hard earn coins in any of the games various shops to consume items that raise your stats such as defense and strength. So the more you fight and buy items the stronger you will be and trust me you will need it.

CONS:

Lack of Online: I don’t care what anyone says. This game should have had online play. Period. There is no reason why it should not have been included. There are a lot of you who defend the decision by saying “Oh they are trying to keep it old school with couch co-op.” If games like Final Fight or Double Dragon can do it there is no reason why this game can’t. Not everyone can have a group of people come over whenever they want due to jobs and family. Take me as an example. I can’t even play this with Luis since he lives across the country from me. This is a game we would have probably put endless hours together but since there is no online play, we can’t. It is such a shame too since the game practically screams for an online component.

Scott Pilgrim vs The World is a nice change of pace and a great homage to the glory days of gaming with its 8/16-bit style gameplay. The zany world of Scott Pilgrim easily finds its place in the gaming world.  All of the comics humor and style is beautifully recreated and remains intact. The gameplay is tight and responsive and multiplayer makes this title shine even more. Throw in one of the best chiptune soundtracks ever by Anamanaguchi and you have yourself one hell of a game. It is such a shame that it lacks online play. There is no excuse for not including it. Regardless though, the game is very enjoyable and is easily recommended.