Please buy this game
After years of forced Kevin Smith Star Wars references and the fantastic Family Guy writing that has consisted of "word word pop culture reference word word", you'd think the nerd culture would embrace such a careful handling of not only the direct source material, but also the underlying "spirit" of everything nerdy. Yes, the references are there, but without them, it's still a solid story with great characters. Scott Pilgrim doesn't stop the action and say to Knives "you look like my favorite anime character." Brian Lee O'Malley must really like Bleach and thought "it would be cool if I modeled Battle Knives after Yoruichi." The references are their but they're not pointless regurgitations that only serve to interrupt the story. If you get them, it adds one more level. If you don't, you still understand the story and in most cases, not even know you've missed something. Everyone needs to stop shunning this game and start appreciating it for what it is, a game created by someone that loves and respects all our precious little treasures.
The actual games takes you through the life of Scott Pilgrim. It isn't a direct adaptation of either the comic or the movie, but instead is a hybrid of both. The only story elements are delivered through very little text and cutesy pictures after you complete each level. Yes, the gameplay is incredibly similar to River City Ransom, but again, it's more of an extension than a clone. You play as on of four (five if you sink the time in to beat the game four times) characters, each with different strengths, weaknesses and level. Each character has weak and strong attacks, a super attack that uses "Guts Points" and the ability to call in a support character. Stronger moves and combos are unlocked as you increase in level and items are bought from shops with coins dropped from enemies. IMy first impression of the game was that it was simple and frustrating at the same time. If I had one complaint, it would be it takes a bit of time before you learn enough techniques to feel confident going in to a map. Once you learn your first few moves and figure out the items, the game become a whole new beast. I found myself replaying early levels to get coins for items that would raise this stat or buff this ability. The game quickly become very addicting and i'm currently on my fifth full play through.
The game isn't incredibly long, with a play through lasting no more than a couple hours, but the leveling is interesting and the characters show enough diversity to never make the game feel stale. While playing alone is great, playing with other plays is where the game shines. Nothing is more fun than a group assist. I won't spoil that one for you.
The fact that this game is only $9.99 and features a fantastic soundtrack from Anamanaguchi should seal the deal, but if you're having second thoughts I beg you, buy this game. Scott Pilgrim isn't getting the credit it's creators deserve. I mean, there's a band called Clash At Demonhead. How many of you have actually played that game? It's not like the band is called Maniac Mansion. Buy this game.
