Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game
Basic Information
Type(s)	Video Game
Developer(s)	Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Chengdu
Publisher(s)	Ubisoft, Universal Studios
Status(es)	Released
Series	Scott Pilgrim
Genre(s)	Beat 'em up, RPG
Platform(s)	PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360
General Features
Ratings
{ESRB-T
Main Credits
Composer(s)	Anamanaguchi
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Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game is a side-scrolling beat 'em up game based on the comic book series Scott Pilgrim by Bryan Lee O'Malley, and tying in with the release of the film Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. It is published by Ubisoft and developed by Ubisoft Montreal with Ubisoft Chengdu. The game was first announced at Comic Con 2009 in July 2009. It was released on PlayStation Network on August 10, 2010, and on Xbox Live Arcade on August 25, 2010.

Gameplay

Loosely following the story of the graphic novels, up to four players can play as Scott Pilgrim, Ramona Flowers, Kim Pine or Stephen Stills (along with the unlockable character Nega-Scott), who must battle through seven levels in order to defeat Ramona's seven evil exes. Characters have their own individual movesets, which can be expanded upon by gaining enough experience, and are also able to use weapons. Each player has Heart Points and Guts Points, the latter of which can revive players if they are knocked out, or be used to perform special moves such as summoning Knives Chau. Defeating enemies earns coins which can be spent in shops to purchase items that can replenish health or boost stats. Players can also enter Subspace areas which act as bonus areas where extra coins can be earned. During co-operative play, players can revive fallen comrades, give each other health or money and simultaneously taunt for a combined attack. Various cheat codes unlock extra features, such as a Boss Rush and a Survival Horror mode.

Development

The game was first announced at San Diego Comic Con 2009 on July 28, 2009. On March 26, 2010, chiptune punk band Anamanaguchi announced at PAX East that they would be performing the soundtrack for the game. It was also revealed that Paul Robertson, the creator of Pirate Baby's Cabana Battle Street Fight 2006, is handling the art direction of the game, which is based on the look of the graphic novels. Series creator Bryan Lee O'Malley and movie director Edgar Wright have also been involved in development. On June 8, 2010, GameInformer presented their first hands on, where it was revealed the game would be a timed exclusive for PlayStation Network, with an Xbox Live Arcade release at a later date. The first trailer for the game was released on June 11, 2010, which showed some of the stages in the game such as inside a club, on a street and noticeably inside a Toronto Transit Commission streetcar. The game makes various references to video games and anime, such as River City Ransom, Double Dragon, Battletoads, Akira, Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, Street Fighter, Kirby, Mega Man, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Guitar Hero, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy, Bionic Commando, Clash at Demonhead, Fantasy Zone, Golden Axe, Streets of Rage, and the Marvel vs. Capcom series. An early pitch video was revealed on August 11, 2010, which showcased even more retro graphics and direct parodies of classic games.

Scott Pilgrim themed Avatar clothes and props were released on Xbox Live's Avatar Marketplace on August 12, 2010. The game's original soundtrack by Anamanaguchi was released on Amazon and iTunes by ABKCO Records in North America on August 24, 2010, and was released internationally on August 30, 2010.

Reception

Prior to release Scott Pilgrim vs. the World: The Game received nominations for Best Downloadable Game of E3 2010 by both GameSpot and GameTrailers.

The game has received positive reviews from critics, with a Metacritic score of 79% based on reviews from 35 critics. IGN gave the game an 8.0 score and an Editor's Choice award, praising its style and soundtrack but criticizing its lack of online multiplayer or drop-in play. Similarly, 1UP.com criticized the game's difficulty and need for grinding, giving the game a B+ rank. Joystiq gave the game 5 stars, saying that "they couldn't recommend it any higher, especially at 10 bucks." Game Informer gave the game a 9.0 score, calling it "the best modern brawler since Castle Crashers." GameTrailers gave the game a score of 8.3, calling it "an excellent pastiche that will reaffirm your love for classic beat-em-ups." GamesRadar gave the game 8/10, calling it "a breezy blast from the past." Kotaku called it "an entertaining little old-school beat-em up that becomes exponentially more entertaining the more friends you play with." GameSpot gave the game a score of 6.5, saying the game is a bit too chaotic with four players on screen.