REVIEW: Scott Pilgrim Versus the Button Mashers
After a six volume graphic novel series and a summer movie release, it’s only natural that the Scott Pilgrim crew would receive their own game in which to frolic. Expectations for video games based on comic books are usually pretty low, but things are a bit different here. Being based on a comic that makes a slew of video game references, this game needs to be damn good. Fans of graphic novels aren’t very forgiving when they’re scorned by bad comic book-based movies and or/video games. I’m looking at you, Iron Man games. Not even my admiration for ol’ Shellhead was able to get me through half of the first game. As for the sequel, I needed only to see a video of gameplay to say, “no ma’am!”. Anyway, we’re not talking about the atrocious Iron Man games… ever.
Scott Pilgrim Versus The World: The Game is a beat ‘em up, which features gameplay no different from classics such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade game, or Streets of Rage 2. This is a huge draw, especially since this genre hasn’t been properly explored since the mid-to-late-90’s. The first thing I noticed about this game was the graphics. It’s designed to look like it came from the 16-bit era of gaming. The visuals are cartoony, pixelated, and seemingly pulled straight from the pages of the comic. Selectable characters include Stephen Stills, Kim Pine, Ramona Flowers, and our hero, Scott Pilgrim. The game features a level system which empowers each character with new moves as they grow. On top of this, players can purchase items from in-game stores. Depending on the item, certain stats will grow. This RPG element adds a thin layer of depth to the game; just enough to enhance the experience. The soundtrack does not disappoint, either. Known for making chiptune music for today’s cultured nerd, Anamanaguchi provides the tunes. This really ties together the entire look and feel the developers were aiming for, and it keeps the game totally charming and creative.
As you can see, I don’t have much to complain about with Scott Pilgrim Versus The World: The Game. However, I am not without gripe. There’s a 4-player co-op mode in which you and 3 friends can throw down against the 7 evil exes. In my experiences so far, playing co-op locally has resulted in nothing but ridiculously fun banter. I am left to wonder why the developers would disregard online multiplayer. I know some people who have opted out on buying this game simply because of this. Who can blame them? Online multiplayer is more than a mainstay in today’s gaming, and a title this fun could have only benefited from having it. Then again, nothing beats chilling with friends in person and being yelled at about how bad you are at reviving people. Not that this is anything like my situation, nope.
Even still, this game has my blessing. What about you; does this game offer enough for you to pay real people dollars for it?
