Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game – Complete Edition: Launch Trailer | Ubisoft [NA]
Who it Caters to
When a game is rebranded as 'Complete Edition,' it obviously means there's a previous version, right? The original game was released in 2010, and it became an instant hit that only lasted a few years. In 2014, the publisher delisted it from digital stores and it disappeared completely. Maybe because of that, as if it was the result of the best and riskiest marketing stunt ever, fans all over the world began to pressure those responsible for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World to make it available again... hopefully, in an improved version available for new consoles. And 6 years later, it's here!
This game caters to those who love independent comics, especially those who love the Scott Pilgrim universe, both the movie and the graphic novels. In terms of gameplay, it's a love letter to old arcade beat 'em ups with an emphasis on comedy, with a plot that only makes sense in these characters' heads... and we love it.
What to Expect
When we talk about comics, most people tend to imagine superheroes with godlike abilities and supervillains with intricate-yet-flawed masterplans to conquer the world, but that's mostly mainstream comics—you know, from Marvel and DC. Of course, dozens of other comics are not about superheroes, and some of them we could consider cult classics, like those in the Scott Pilgrim series, created by Canadian illustrator/musician Brian Lee O'Malley and published by Oni Press between 2004 and 2010.
This game is obviously based on that series of graphic novels, although it would be more accurate to say it's actually based on the movie "Scott Pilgrim vs. The World" (2010), directed by Edgar Wright and starring Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, and a lot of other familiar faces. If you enjoyed that movie or you're a fan of the Scott Pilgrim comics, then you will love this playable reinterpretation of the story... but you might also enjoy it if you like music and pop-culture references, as well as quirky love stories involving violence and supernatural forces.
Visuals
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition is a gorgeous example of why we will always love pixel art done right. All designs are simple enough not to distract you, and yet they are perfectly crafted to captivate you when looking at the bigger picture. All characters and backgrounds are made of pixels, and they still represent what you find when reading the graphic novels, so that's enough reason to praise the team. At the same time, we must mention Scott—and friends, if you're playing co-op mode—will visit various parts of the neighborhood, all of them very different from each other.
It captures the spirit of indie games, and that's fantastic because everything about Scott Pilgrim is indie. The thing we love the most about the visual aspect of this game is probably how they introduce the characters and tell the story as if it were an animated comic, which is not so easy to pull off.
Sound, Music
Forget about the gameplay, and forget about the visuals. Scott Pilgrim's soundtrack is a masterpiece, and reason enough to launch the game time and again. No retro beat 'em up is complete without a catchy, upbeat chiptune, and what better than having a super successful band create it? In this case, we have to thank the band Anamanaguchi for such an amazing OST, one that you can enjoy completely on their YouTube channel, interpreted by themselves.
Needless to say, we want to win all boss fights against Ramona's ex-boyfriends, but it's hard to concentrate when humming at these cool tracks!
Gameplay
As we mentioned before, this is a love story. Scott's world turned upsidedown when he met Ramona Flowers, and now he's crazy in love with her. However, if he really wants to be her boyfriend, he must defeat all of Ramona's wicked past lovers: The League of Evil Exes. Say what you want about them, but we didn't even need to read the books and learn in what circumstances they broke up with Ramona; there's nothing more toxic than controlling who your ex gets to date... well, maybe teaming up with all her other exes to ruin the life of whoever dares to like that girl you used to call your girlfriend. That's enough reason to kick these guys' butts!
As you can see, it's the same plot as the movie, but a game has more freedom when it comes to throwing weird stuff into the mix. Regardless, we're not afraid of what's ahead, and we'll do whatever it takes to save Toronto from these punks, more so if our reward is Ramona herself. With such a premise, nothing can go wrong.
Matthew has mystical powers. Todd Ingram (The Clash at Demonhead's bassist) developed telekinetic capabilities thanks to veganism. Roxanne, the only girl in the League of Evil Exes, is the closest thing to a deadly ninja you will find. They are just 3 of Ramona's seven exes, so imagine what they are capable of!
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is extremely fun to play, but you have to take it as a rendition to the comics, not as an attempt to become the best videogame in the history of beat 'em ups. It's not the most original, and it certainly isn't the most challenging experience—trust us, it's not that easy, thoug! Let's say it's just an excuse to have a laugh or two, ideally with some friends to help you. That's why although it's available on every platform, we think it truly shines on the Nintendo Switch since it's so easy to share a Joy-Con with a friend or just play on the go.
The more money you collect, the more power-ups you can buy to make Scott stronger. However, one of this game's peculiarities is that you won't find health bars, so damage calculation is more of a trope. You just punch and kick these baddies until they are defeated, with no real feeling of anxiety or fear. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game is more about the plot and the journey than it is about gameplay mechanics. In fact, you only need a couple of hours to finish it, but unlike other games, you'll sooner or later feel that itch to play it again... and again!
Honey's Gameplay Consensus:
'Repetitive' and short as it is, playing this Complete Edition felt great, and it took us back to the first time we played it and knew very little about the comics. In our first run, we played as Scott, but after trying all available characters, we definitely consider ourselves Ramona mains. All in all, we're glad to see Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is available again, and now taking advantage of a well-deserved reputation as a cult classic. Sometimes you need a tragedy to come back stronger!
Honey's Pros:
Fantastic stage design.
The OST is an absolute masterpiece!
After being delisted, it's back and available on all platforms.
Honey's Cons:
If you don't care about Scott Pilgrim comics and movie at all, you won't find the game that enjoyable.
Honey's Final Verdict:
Do you want some advice? Grab a copy of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game Complete Edition before the publishing contract expires and it disappears again! Nah, to be fair, we don't think this will happen again.
It's a cool game with a unique plot. A fine addition to any collection!
Editor/Writer
Author: Rod Locksley
Hey! I'm Rod, and when I'm not watching anime or playing video games I'm probably writing about them, but I'm also a graphic and web designer, and I even published a comic book and worked like 4 years for a well-known MMORPG. Curiously, my favorite series are quite different from each other, so I'm still trying to understand what I really like in an anime...
