After six years of dead air Scott Pilgrim vs The World the game is back on all major platforms. Originally released back in 2010, the game acted as an adaptation of the original Bryan Lee O’Malley comic book series Scott Pilgrim & was released simultaneously with the film adaptation of the same name. The game follows the original storyline of the comics in which Scott Pilgrim faces off against Ramona Flower’s seven evil exes to win her heart.

Scott Pilgrim Vs The World Complete Edition is a 2020 re-release of the original 2010 beat ’em up, it is developed and published by Ubisoft. It is currently available on PC, Playstation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Luna, and Google Stadia.

Editor’s Note: Near complete to complete spoilers for Scott Pilgrim vs The World Complete Edition may be present within this review. This game was reviewed on Nintendo Switch. 

The band is back together again in Scott Pilgrim vs the World the game Complete Edition.

The year is 2010, Canadian comic book creator Bryan Lee O’Malley is probably living one of the best years of his life. The final volume of what may very well be seen as his magnum opus has released and in addition to it the finalized production of a film and video game would go on to be released, both of which becoming cult classics just as the original source before them. While the film would face challenges at launch with a slow burn to success years later, the video game would become a near instant hit receiving critical acclaim from game reviewers. Unfortunately, due to licensing issues the game would vanish from digital store fronts everywhere and with no physical copy this meant Scott Pilgrim vs the World the game would be forever lost to gaming history unplayable for the foreseeable future. Thankfully (and ironically) on the dawn of the franchise’s 10th anniversary with a planned 4K re-release of the film on the way, the game was able to have it’s licensing issues sorted out with creator O’Malley & developer & publisher Ubisoft celebrating it’s anniversary with not only a re-release of the game on modern platforms, but a physical release as well so it’ll always be accessible in one way or another.

Play solo or grab up to three friends in Scott Pilgrim the game.

THE GOOD: It’s kind of funny Scott Pilgrim the game made it’s comeback in time for its anniversary when many thought it’d be at least a full on ten years and beyond since the game had been delisted. But Ubisoft and O’Malley have been working on getting the game back since as early as 2018. I honestly envy the people lucky enough to experience this game for the very first time. While it still has that lasting impression from being gone as long as it was. The nostalgia definitely hits a little different now. If you’re familiar with the source material then there’s not much to spoil. But basically you can play as Scott Pilgrim who’s facing off against the seven evil exes of Ramona Flower his new love interest following his break up with then girlfriend Knives Chau. In addition to Pilgrim, you or your friends can choose to play as Scott’s friends Kim, Stephen Wells, girlfriend Ramona, as well as Wallace and ex Kim in a four player style beat ’em up with local and online multiplayer.

Level up Scott and his friends to take out the seven evil exes.

Depending on one’s skill level you can complete the game an average of about 7 1/2 hours. That’s not much for a game that was hyped for a return for over six years granted, but do keep in mind that the game launched at $9.99 so it was never really meant to be seen as a major release. As you travel across the map you’ll come across shops that you can spend cash earned in-game on food for health, stat increases, and eventually weapons. As you defeat enemies your level increases unlocking not only higher stats, but brand new moves to help aid Scott and friends in tough spots. These moves range from powerful group dispersing attacks such as an explosion, counter-attacking, rolling to get out of being overwhelmed by said enemy groups among others. There’s secrets within the game such as facing off against Knives’ father Mr. Chau who’s probably the second toughest boss in the game. If you defeat him you unlock him as a selectable assist character replacing Knives. Scott Pilgrim the game also features mini-games such as dodge ball and modes like boss rush which is probably self-explanatory. Anamanaguchi’s sorely missed soundtrack of the game is still a banger ten years later.

Scott and co. can used weaponry laid out throughout the level map such as baseballs, stools, bats, etc. Though you can unlock some weapons later on.

THE BAD: Scott Pilgrim vs the World the Game Complete Edition’s worst issue is the fact that there was no new content attached to the re-release in celebration of the anniversary or just the fact that the game returned after such a long hiatus. Keep in mind the game released the Knives, Wallace, and online multiplayer DLC three years after it’s initial 2010 release. So you would think there’d be something a bit more creative in the works hell even some kind of DLC referencing one of O’Malley’s other works such as “Seconds” which actually features a small cameo of Scott Pilgrim and Ramona Flower would have been neat. That being said if the only major problem of a re-release is it being a carbon copy of it’s original form that’s a fairly decent W. Especially with the current gaming industry’s plague of final product issues. In the early hours of the game enemies can absolutely wreck you until you start leveling up and gaining XP. The story has been short-changed a bit from the comics mainly limited to referencing and a few story beats here and there, this was the case for the original release of the game as well.

Depending on whether or not you play alone or with friends the game changes state of sorts. For example more enemies appear depending on how many players are in the game.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Scott Pilgrim vs the World the Game Complete Edition returns the start of a great last decade where everything felt normal compared to the beginning of the 2020s. With a soundtrack that’s fantastic stand alone from the game and classic beat ’em up gameplay it’s an experience that’s all too necessary for such confusing times we’re currently faced with. If you played the game six years ago or even ten, you’ll know you’re in for a wonderful time. If this is your first efforts into the world of Scott Pilgrim just know that it won’t be for everybody, but as history as shown with it’s rise in popularity it’ll be another memorable gaming experience for most.