Review | Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (PSN)

If you had asked me about Scott Pilgrim a couple of weeks ago, I would have wondered what you were talking about. I hadn’t even heard of the Scott Pilgrim comics, impending movie or recently released (early exclusive) PSN game.

The game is based on the series of popular graphic novels by Bryan Lee O’Malley and also coincides with the release of the movie, directed by Edgar Wright (Sean of the Dead and Hot Fuzz) and starring Michael Cera (who starred in Juno) and Mary Elizabeth Winstead.

Each of the four playable characters (Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Kim Pine and Stephen Stills) has their own special move-sets, which can be further expanded by gaining experience and levelling up. Players are able to use much of the environment as weapons and also summon Knives to take out enemies. By defeating enemies you will be earn coins with which to purchase health items or attribute boosts.

When I first started playing I was reminded of the old arcade games Double Dragon and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, both simple kung fu fighting side-scrollers. Even graphically it is similar but Scott PvtW is worlds apart in level design, character development and most importantly in humour. Before the game even starts you are treated to parody of the FBI arcade game warning of the 90’s “Winners Don’t Do Drug’s” slogan which has been changed to “Winners Don’t Eat Meat”.

The game really comes to life during co-op play where you will be able to perform special moves, revive your comrades and taunt your opponents. It’s a good brawler with two basic attacks (fast and strong) which can be combined with jumps and blocks to perform combos. You are also able to do various dashing manoeuvres and juggle opponents you have knocked into the air. As well as a health gauge you also have ‘guts’ points which can be spent on special moves such as whirlwind attacks against surrounding enemies or the summoning of Scott’s admirer Knives Chau. However guts points are also very valuable for when Scott is knocked out as they are used to immediately regain consciousness by turning into heart points. Once both health and guts points reach zero a life is lost.

There are seven stages to fight through, each one culminating in a boss fight with one of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. There are also some rather interesting sub-level bonus mini-games to be found via unassuming doorways which transport players to combat weird and wonderful creatures such as psychodelic flying pigs.

This game is best played with friends; it’s a lot more enjoyable and can be a tough ride if you play it solo (you may have to spend some time grinding to level up) as the difficulty level quickly and insanely ramps up. Voted as the best downloadable game of E3 and incredible value for money at a measly $18.90 you can hardly complain about what you get here. It may not look all that pretty but certainly ranks as one of the best downloads on the market.   [7]