| System: PS3, X360 | Review Rating Legend | |
| Dev: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft Chengdu | 1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid | 4.0 - 4.4 = Great |
| Pub: Ubisoft | 2.0 - 2.4 = Poor | 4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy |
| Release: Aug. 10, 2010 | 2.5 - 2.9 = Average | 5.0 = The Best |
| Players: 1-4 | 3.0 - 3.4 = Fair | |
| ESRB Rating: Teen | 3.5 - 3.9 = Good | |
As far as technicalities are concerned, Scott Pilgrim has some extremely high production values despite its retro design. The game’s visuals are pixel-based, but the game uses its high-definition capabilities to make its retro-inspired visuals nicely detailed with smooth animations and plenty of interesting level designs. The retro design feels natural for the game and never hinder’s the game’s ability to present a fantastic world with memorable (if muted) characters.
Scott Pilgrim’s soundtrack also takes the same approach as the visuals and has a “retro-cool” feel to it while maintaining high definition specs. The audio has been custom-scored for the game by chiptunes composer Anamanaguchi, and features plenty of memorable, high-energy tunes and sound effects. The score in the game may not be that complex, but it adds that little bit of extra oomph to an already-strong title, and makes it that much more memorable.
All told, you’ll probably only glean between five and seven hours from Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World, depending on how many friends you play with. The game does not adjust difficulty based on the number of characters, and you can blow through the game rather quickly if you have filled up all of your co-op slots. Playing the game solo does require some effort, and you will have to replay some levels to succeed at higher chapters. I actually enjoyed the single-player experience more than the co-op experience, but if you are looking for a fun Super Mario-style co-op game that will keep you and your friends busy for a few hours, Scott Pilgrim will fit the bill nicely.
Playable licensed games seem to be rare these days, and even when you have a good game based on existing material, it usually doesn’t stay relevant for long. What sets Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World apart is that it forgets it is based on a movie/comic and, much like this year’s 3D Dot Game Heroes, plays like a love letter to all your favorite games from the past. At ten dollars, this game is a steal, and is well worth the price of entry. Between the single-player RPG-like experience and the frenzied co-op mode, there is something for everyone in Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World. Though I can’t vouch for the quality of the upcoming movie, the game is solid and its players can count on having some fun with this one.
By
Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor
Game Features:
