SCOTT PILGRIM: THE 16-BIT BEAT DOWN

Written by: Corey Bonanno, Special to CC2K

In a special CC2K Comics vs. Games crossover, Corery Bonanno unites both genres and reviews Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: the videogame!

As you all know, because you are the type that reads CC2K, it is time for Scott Pilgrim’s leap off the page and onto the screen, both as Michael Cera and my favorite, a 16-bit powerhouse Scott. This week on both the PSN and the XBLA the Scott Pilgrim vs. The World game launched, and let me tell you, it actually works. The game plays like an old street brawling side-scroller, much like The Streets of Rage and River City Ransom, but brings its own unique sense of identity while holding true to the image of the graphic novels. Fans will not be disappointed.

The most prominent feature of the game is the soundtrack. Anamanaguchi, the kings of 8-bit punk, have put together the most amazing original score I’ve heard in recent memory. Everything fits perfectly as you “Bop” through the hipster-invaded streets of Toronto, shredding faces as the chip sounds shred yours. Purchasing the game purely for the music is well worth it, but there is so much more.

Take on the roll of Scott Pilgrim, Stephen Stills, Kim Pine, or Ramona Flowers and use a basic RPG system to level, upgrade, and learn new moves. There isn’t any real distinction in the characters’ abilities besides unique animations for each of their attacks and special moves. Its all up to preference of character in the end. I chose Scott, because I can’t help but play the protagonist trouncing Ramona’s Seven Ex-Boyfriends stage by stage. The gameplay is great in a nostalgic sense, the combat flows, and the leveling up keeps me grinding through previous levels just to unlock the next. It’s truly satisfying to collect as much Canadian currency as I can punching out some douche in Buddy Holly glasses and then spend it on some upgrades in the shopping district.

There is multiplayer, but it may turn off most gamers of the modern world. Local multiplayer is the only way to team up and take down the Seven, there is no online play. This is a real flaw in the overall experience because it’s not the easiest game to beat. In retro fashion, the game difficulty spikes level after level with more challenging minions between you and the finish than ever before. Thus, level grinding is absolutely necessary, and if you are lucky enough to have a pal close at hand, the game becomes exponentially more entertaining. You can work off each other’s combos and take the hipster hordes down with enough ease and grace to add a whole new dynamic to the experience. There is also a great revive system which is sorely missed while playing solo, but its still possible to take it to Gideon Gordon Graves, the final adversary.

Overall the game is a sure win, it works for both the fanboys and those new to the bizarre world of Scott Pilgrim. There is plenty of replay value, great music, updated gameplay for an old model of gaming, and a bunch of extra game modes. Zombie survival is one of these modes and the video to unlock it will be on this page.

+ The game is ten dollars, which is cheap for a full game off the PSN and XBLA.

+ The sound track alone makes it worth your time.

+ The offbeat indie vibe is unique to the brawler style. It feels so good to punch a hipster

– No online gameplay is a huge mistake and is really the only (major) issue with the experience.

9 out of 10.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdZuAy3x5AQ