The league of evil exes is back in Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game

Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game – Complete Edition is a re-release of the 2010 game of the same name. The original game was published as digital-only but got delisted at the end of 2014. Five years later the game is back with the Complete Edition, which features the original game’s DLC characters as well as some extra game modes and online play.

Set in the same world as Bryan Lee O’Malley’s graphic novel series and a movie of the same name, the game features a 23-year-old boy named Scott Pilgrim who starts dating a girl called Ramona Flowers. To keep dating, Scott must defeat seven of Ramona’s evil ex-boyfriends. The game itself doesn’t go into much detail about the story so players shouldn’t expect it to make much sense if they aren’t already familiar with the Scott Pilgrim series.

Scott Pilgrim with enemies on his either side and some coins lying on the ground. The stage features a snowy playground at night.

Enemies give out coins that the player can use for upgrades.

The goal of the game is simple. In a classic beat ‘em up fashion, the player has to battle their way through side-scrolling stages filled with enemies in order to defeat the ex-boyfriends. To aid the player’s way, defeated enemies give out coins that can be used to upgrade the character’s abilities.

The simple gameplay is surprisingly challenging. Players have to learn their controls and strike combinations properly from the very get-go if they want to have any chance of defeating the exes. The game’s quick to learn but hard to master style is sure to keep players grinding and training to advance the stages and beat the game. The intense combat feels chaotic at times but once you get the hang of it, the game starts to feel really rewarding and fun.

The game world is beautifully created in the same style as the graphic novels. The colorful pixelated graphics are gorgeous and intricate backgrounds are a thing of beauty. Aside from the great graphics, the game features a wonderful chiptune soundtrack made by the band Anamanaguchi. The music and graphics paired with the intense combat make the game look, sound, and feel great while you beat your way through screens of enemies.

The dodgeball mini-game featuring Scott holding a giant beach ball over his head. Two enemies are approaching him from right.

Dodgeball is one of the fun mini-games to try out in the game.

The game mechanics and atmosphere created are so gripping that the story mode’s playtime of about 5 hours feels short. Of course, the story can’t really be much longer, as it is based on the comics, but it still felt like the game was over just as you got the hang of it. However, the Complete Edition comes with a couple of extra game modes such as boss rush, battle royal, and dodgeball. These are fun little mini-games to try after completing the main story, but they fail to deliver much more than momentary enjoyment.

All in all, Scott Pilgrim vs The World: The Game offers intense and entertaining action in a stunning atmosphere. The gameplay is challenging and rewarding but the overall game time is left a little short. Playtime can be extended by playing with friends, but ultimately the game is more on the “short and sweet” side. I would recommend this game to anyone who likes great beat ‘em ups, but especially to those who are already familiar with the Scott Pilgrim series.

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch. The images are screenshots of the game taken by the author.

Game info (the info is for the Complete Edition, not the original 2010 game)

Publisher: Ubisoft
Developer: Engine Software, Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Chengdu, Ubisoft Pune Production
Platforms: PC, Xbox One, PS4, Stadia, Switch
Release date: January 14, 2021
Genres: Arcade, Beat ‘em up, 2D, Side-scrolling
PEGI: 12